What to Eat in Málaga, According to a Local Chef

Farida Zeynalova: What dish should every visitor try?

Dani Carnero: Without a doubt, gazpachuelo. It’s a white fish soup based on warm mayonnaise mixed with fish stock and potatoes. It perfectly represents our gastronomy: a humble recipe rooted in tradition that can be incredibly moving when it’s prepared well. I’d recommend trying it at El Restaurante del Candado Golf, where they make a version that stays true to the original recipe.

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

DC: Usually Hermanos Alba in El Palo. It’s one of Málaga’s most traditional seaside neighbourhoods, a place that still retains a close connection to the sea. The atmosphere is very typical of the city: lively and family orientated. You come for the quality of the produce, but also for the feeling of eating somewhere that’s genuinely part of the neighbourhood.

FZ: What’s your favourite place for a drink?

DC: For cocktails, I always enjoy Renard Cocktail Club. It has an intimate, relaxed atmosphere and feels like a little wooden cabin hidden away in the heart of the city. I love the way they serve a Dirty Martini — a regular dry Martini with just a touch of salted olive brine.

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

DC: I’d start the morning with a pitufo (a traditional breakfast roll) and a coffee somewhere classic like Café Central. Then, I’d spend the rest of the day at El Saladero. It’s an example of something we call chiringuito: a place where you eat while resting your feet in the sand. I’d eat espeto (sardines grilled over an open wood fire) — it’s one of the most authentic experiences you can have in Málaga. They also serve homemade soups and stews (yes, on the beach). I love places where time seems to slow down, where you can eat great fish, have a cold beer and simply watch life go by.

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

DC: For me, it’s La Malagueña. It’s one of those classic cafes that’s been part of everyday life for generations. The coffee is always good and you’ll share the space with people reading the newspaper, meeting friends or simply taking a break in the middle of the day. It also has some of the best tejeringos, Málaga’s traditional churros. It’s a place that perfectly captures the spirit of the city.

FZ: Is there a restaurant in the wider region of Málaga that everyone should visit?

DC: Los Marinos José in the nearby town of Fuengirola. It’s one of the greatest seafood restaurants in Spain because everything revolves around the quality of the produce and the respect with which it’s treated. There are no unnecessary fl ourishes, just exceptional fish and seafood in the hands of people who truly understand the sea. My advice is to trust them and let them recommend whatever came in that morning. It has a really cosy ambience, too.