Malaga, a southern city in Spain, is renowned for its fresh and delicious seafood dishes. Thanks to its coastal location, seafood becomes an essential part of the local cuisine. In this article, we’ll be exploring the top 10 seafood restaurants in Malaga, where you can taste some of the most exquisite seafood dishes.
1. Restaurante la Barra de Zapata – One of the most trendy Seafood Restaurants in Malaga
Address: C. Salinas, 10, 29015 Málaga
Restaurante la Barra de Zapata is a seafood restaurant that is known for its traditional seafood dishes such as paella, grilled octopus, and seafood platters and the Pulpo a la Brasa is a must-try. This grilled octopus is cooked to perfection, with a tender and smoky flavor that is perfectly complemented by the sweet and tangy red pepper sauce. In addition, an extensive wine list is offered for customers, making it the perfect place to enjoy a luxurious seafood dinner. Whether you’re looking for a fun night out with friends, a romantic date spot, or a family-friendly restaurant, Restaurante la Barra de Zapata has it all.
2. El Pimpi
Address: C. Granada, 62, 29015 Málaga
This iconic restaurant is considered one of the most popular seafood restaurants in Malaga. Its menu boasts a variety of options for fresh seafood dishes such as sardines, octopus, and squid. A must-try dish is the Fritura Malagueña, a platter of fried seafood that includes shrimp, squid, and small fish like anchovies and sardines. The batter is light and crispy, and the seafood is perfectly cooked, making for a truly satisfying meal. Furthermore, El Pimpi offers a superb wine selection and therefore, deserves to be an ideal place to indulge in a luxurious seafood dinner.
3. La Deriva – One of the finest Seafood Restaurants in Malaga
Address: Alameda de Colón, 7, 29001 Málaga
Known for its innovative and creative seafood dishes, La Deriva is an excellent seafood restaurant that you should not skip when visiting Malaga. The restaurant serves a wide range of seafood dishes such as grilled octopus, tuna tartare, and fresh oysters. One of the standout seafood dishes at La Deriva is the Arroz Meloso de Mariscos, a creamy and flavorful rice dish that features a variety of fresh seafood, including shrimp, mussels, clams, and squid. Above all, each dish is carefully prepared to awaken the natural flavors of the seafood, with creative garnishes and sauces added, which create a good impression for the guests.
4. Marisqueria El Cateto
Address: C. Pedro de Lobo, 3, 29014 Málaga
Marisqueria El Cateto is known for its fresh seafood dishes and friendly service. The restaurant offers a wide variety of seafood options, including paella, shrimp, lobster, octopus, and more. A must-try dish is the Paella de Marisco, a classic Spanish dish that features a variety of fresh seafood, including shrimp, mussels, clams, and squid. The rice with a flavorful broth that brings out the natural sweetness of the seafood. Moreover, the atmosphere is casual and relaxed, making it a great spot for a leisurely meal with family or friends. Overall, Marisqueria El Cateto is a must-visit restaurant for seafood lovers visiting Malaga.
5. La Cosmopolita Malagueña
Address: C. José Denis Belgrano, 3, 29015 Málaga
La Cosmopolita is a stylish seafood restaurant that serves an array of seafood dishes such as octopus with garlic, mussels in white wine sauce, and prawns with spicy sauce. If you’re looking for something light and fresh, the Ceviche de Gambas is a great option. This zesty dish features plump, juicy shrimp marinated in citrus juice and served with avocado and corn chips. Moreover, the elegant and sophisticated atmosphere of this restaurant is the key element making it a perfect place for a romantic dinner.
6. Cerveceria La Surena
Address: Muelle Uno, CC EL Muelle I Local: L-67, 29001 Málaga
Customers who come to Cerveceria La Surena will be satisfied with lots of fresh traditional seafood dishes such as fried fish, squid rings, and seafood paella, and the Paella de Marisco at La Surena is a must-try. This traditional Spanish dish features a variety of fresh seafood, including shrimp, mussels, and clams, all cooked to perfection in a flavorful broth with saffron-infused rice. Because the restaurant offers a variety of tapas dishes, the portions are also generous, and the prices are reasonable. Hence, it becomes an excellent spot for a casual dinner.
7. El Tapeo de Cervantes
Address: C. Cárcer, 8, 29012 Málaga
El Tapeo de Cervantes is a seafood restaurant that specializes in tapas-style dishes. The restaurant offers guests a variety of seafood tapas such as tuna tartare, prawn skewers, and grilled octopus. A significant seafood dish at El Tapeo de Cervantes is the Ceviche de Atun, a refreshing and flavorful dish of marinated tuna served with avocado and crispy plantain chips. The tuna is fresh and succulent, with a zesty citrus marinade that perfectly complements the fish. On the other hand, El Tapeo de Cervantes is also well-known for its extensive wine list, promising to bring the best experience for the customers.
8. La Taberna del Pintxo
Address: Calle Alarcón Luján 12, Esq, C. Antonio Baena Gómez, nº 3, 29005 Málaga
La Taberna del Pintxo is a delighted seafood restaurant that focuses on Basque-style tapas dishes. The restaurant serves a variety of seafood tapas such as grilled prawns, tuna tartare, and anchovy skewers. A top dish is the Gamba Roja a la Plancha, succulent red prawns grilled to perfection and served simply with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt. The prawns are tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor, making this dish a must-try for any seafood lover. Guests coming here, therefore, can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere as well as the inviting ambiance.
9. Marisqueria La Palmera
Address: P.º Marítimo el Pedregal, 97, 29017 Málaga
Marisqueria La Palmara is a family-owned restaurant that specializes in fresh, locally caught seafood. The restaurant features a wide variety of dishes, including grilled octopus, razor clams, and crab. A standout dish is the Pulpo a la Parrilla, a tender octopus grilled to perfection and served with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt. The octopus is cooked to perfection, with a tender texture and a rich, smoky flavor that is sure to impress. Its traditional Andalusian-style decor and friendly staff create a welcoming ambiance. Thus, guests can truly enjoy the food like they are at home.
10. Los Mellizos – Among the must-go Seafood Restaurants in Malaga
Address: C. Sancha de Lara, 7, 29015 Málaga
For seafood lovers, Los Mellizos is definitely a must-visit restaurant in Malaga. Located in the historic center, the restaurant not only offers a vast selection of fresh seafood dishes such as paella, lobster, and grilled fish but also brings a cozy coastal retreat, with its simple yet elegant décor, and crisp white tablecloths. At Los Mellizos, the Parrillada de Mariscos is a fantastic choice. This dish features a sizzling platter of grilled seafood, including shrimp, squid, and a variety of fish served with a drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil. The seafood is incredibly fresh and flavorful, with a deliciously smoky flavor from the grill.
In general, Malaga offers a wide range of seafood restaurants that serve traditional and modern seafood dishes. From cozy and intimate restaurants to elegant and sophisticated dining experiences, there is something for everyone in Malaga’s seafood scene. So, if you’re looking for a memorable dining experience, be sure to check out these top 10 seafood restaurants in Malaga. Finally, after having your tasty meal and still thinking about where to go and what to do, you can go to “Best free things to do in Malaga during your stay, all year round” for more suggestions.