LA CEPA DE CÁDIZ MÁLAGA This excellent local bar serves beer, wine and Manzanilla sherry, along with traditional chicharrones, a selection of cheeses and specialities from the Sierra de Cádiz, cured meats from Extremadura and an impressive variety of tinned seafood and other preserves. Bringing a little taste of Cádiz to the heart of Málaga, this charming tapas bar feels like home for gaditanos (people from Cádiz) and a great place for visitors to discover the region’s tradit

Marbella isn’t the easiest place for a traditional tapas bar crawl, as many bars are spread out. However, we were pleasantly surprised by what we found during an evening stroll in mid-January as we looked for the best tapas bars in Marbella. Marbella’s layout is rather unusual, with its bars and restaurants spread across different areas rather than concentrated in one place. This means a tapas crawl can involve a fair amount of walking. There's plenty of variety, from traditi

ANTIGUA CASA DE GUARDIA After visiting the Mercado Central de Atarazanas, Málaga’s famous food market, you’re only a short walk from Antigua Casa de Guardia, the city’s oldest wine bar and one of its most atmospheric drinking establishments. This famous local bar was founded in 1840 by José de la Guardia, the business originally operated in Calle Ollerías before moving to its present location on Alameda Principal in 1899. Today, this historic bodega remains wonderfully old-fa

We wanted to explore the charming traditional tapas bars in Estepona’s old town and discover the great prices for a beer and a tapa! These bars play a vital role in preserving the authentic character of the old town, and it’s important that we cherish and support them for future generations Our first stop was at BAR LA ESQUINITA Calle de Pozo Pila, 30, 29680 Estepona, Málaga A tiny bar with a warm welcome from Paco, the owner; this is one of the few remaining authentic tapas

RESTAURANTE LAS GITANILLAS This restaurant, which we have visited several times, is located in a wonderful spot on a pedestrianised street in the heart of Estepona. The family have had a restaurant in Estepona since 1970. In 2004, Paco Bazán, son of Francisco Bazán Hormigo and María Peña Gil, who learned from a young age both behind and in front of the bar alongside his parents, opened Las Gitanillas (which is Spanish for the little gypsy girls). Paco’s daughter, Gema Bazán,

THE BOAB TREE We recently visited The Boab Tree Restaurant in Estepona, situated in the heart of the Old Town. The restaurant is family-owned and named after the majestic Boab tree, a symbol of strength, resilience, and community. The owner, Jorge, originally hails from Granada but lived in New York before relocating. He brought his American wife, Anissa, and their daughter, and sold everything to pursue this dream venture in Estepona. The Boab Tree features Mediterranean-i

BARDO We went to Bardo in Estepona, which is a restaurant with a tapas bar on the corner. It is located a 5-10-minute walk up the hill near the church from Casa del Rey. We settled in at the tapas bar, where main courses from the restaurant are also available. They have a good cocktail menu, and to start, we chose a Hugo spritz (cava, St. Germain elderflower liqueur, sparkling water, and mint), some Ribera del Duero red wine, and a few beers. Everything was shared and set in

CHIRINGUITO PACO If you’re seeking fresh seafood and a variety of fish, this authentic Spanish beach bar on the beach in Estepona, established in 1997, is an excellent choice and a place to start. Once settled in, we had some espeto de sardinas (sardines skewered and cooked over hot coals). Tortillitas de camarones (the famous lightly battered, thin, crisp shrimp fritters). Conchas Finas (local Málaga smooth clams). Coquinas al ajillo y vino blanco (small flat clams from Huel

This was our second visit to Uvedoble Taberna in Málaga City, conveniently located near the Roman Theatre and below the Alcazaba in Málaga’s historic centre, inviting exploration and a sense of place. Despite its characterless, tourist-café look, this restaurant and bar serves interesting tapas, including several typical Málaga dishes, adding an authentic local touch. The interior is minimalist with a lively bar area. On our first visit, we had eaten elsewhere before coming h

JOSÉ CARLOS GARCIA One Michelin Star UPDATE JUNE 2026 Rumour has it that Michelin-starred chef José Carlos García was planning to move his restaurant from Malaga Port. Even he wasn’t entirely sure about his new destination. While he knew he wanted to leave the port, the location remained uncertain. Finally, the Malaga-born chef, who has held a Michelin star at his eponymous restaurant for nearly 15 years, is returning to his roots. “It was a difficult decision, but I’