What to Eat in Málaga, According to a Local Chef

Chef Dani Carnero on where to consume in Málaga, the European Capital of Gastronomic Culture for

ByFarida Zeynalova

This short article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).

Farida Zeynalova: What meal should every visitor attempt?

Dani Carnero: Without a doubt, gazpachuelo. It’s a white fish soup based upon warm mayo blended with fish stock and potatoes. It completely represents our gastronomy: a modest dish rooted in custom that can be extremely moving when it’s ready well. I ‘d suggest attempting it at El Restaurante del Candado Golf, where they make a variation that remains real to the initial dish.

FZ: Where do you go when you’re yearning seafood?

DC: Usually Hermanos Alba in El Palo. It’s one of Málaga’s a lot of standard seaside areas, a location that still maintains a close connection to the sea. The environment is extremely common of the city: dynamic and household orientated. You come for the quality of the fruit and vegetables, however likewise for the sensation of consuming someplace that’s truly part of the area.

FZ: What’s your preferred location for a beverage?

DC: For mixed drinks, I constantly take pleasure in Renard Cocktail Club. It has an intimate, unwinded environment and seems like a little wood cabin concealed away in the heart of the city. I enjoy the method they serve a Dirty Martini– a routine dry Martini with simply a touch of salted olive salt water.

FZ: When you’re not working, what does your perfect day in Málaga appear like?

DC: I ‘d begin the early morning with a pitufo (a conventional breakfast roll) and a coffee someplace timeless like Café Central. I ‘d invest the rest of the day at El Saladero. It’s an example of something we call chiringuito: a location where you consume while resting your feet in the sand. I ‘d consume espeto (sardines grilled over an open wood fire)– it’s one of the most genuine experiences you can have in Málaga. They likewise serve homemade soups and stews (yes, on the beach). I like locations where time appears to decrease, where you can consume terrific fish, have a cold beer and just enjoy life pass.

FZ: Where can you get the very best coffee in the city?

DC: For me, it’s La Malagueña. It’s one of those traditional coffee shops that’s become part of daily life for generations. The coffee is constantly great and you’ll share the area with individuals checking out the paper, conference pals or just taking a break in the middle of the day. It likewise has a few of the very best tejeringos, Málaga’s conventional churros. It’s a location that completely catches the spirit of the city.

FZ: Is there a dining establishment in the broader area of Málaga that everybody should go to?

DC: Los Marinos José in the neighboring town of Fuengirola. It’s one of the best seafood dining establishments in Spain since whatever focuses on the quality of the fruit and vegetables and the regard with which it’s dealt with. There are no unneeded fl ourishes, simply remarkable fish and seafood in the hands of individuals who genuinely comprehend the sea. My suggestions is to trust them and let them suggest whatever can be found in that early morning. It has a truly cosy environment, too.

Released in the November 2026 problem by National Geographic Traveller (UK).

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