Recommendation 19: Rocio Tapas y Sushi

You wouldn't believe you'd find the internationally recognised Japanese chef Masao Kikuchi working in this tiny restaurant in a working-class neighbourhood in Malaga. But there he is. We were told by the owner, Mª José, that when Kikuchi was working for the Guadalpin Hotel in Marbella he got really poorly and had to undergo some serious surgery. Mª Jose's family took care of him then and it's with them that he is working now at this modest restaurant. That's the story. And we get to enjoy his cuisine. One of the advantages of the restaurant is that the menu is divided into tapas and sushi, so that both sushi lovers and those who can't stand it can still enjoy eating out together. The place has just a few tables and a little terrace so making a reservation can become some challenge now and then. But don't give up, it's worth it. Average price per person: 30 €.

Location: Avenida de los Guindos 40

Phone numbers: 652441209 or 620977733

Recommendation 17: El Marisquero

On a sunny day it's nice to stand in the sun while treating yourself to a dish of seafood accompanied by a glass of rioja. Just opposite the back entrance of the Central Market of Atarazanas, you can find El Marisquero. It's a completely informal place, no sitting available, instead you'll have to be standing either by the bar or by one of the tables). That means that you'll be enjoying your food just by the road, minding the occassional car that passes by. But the food is really worthy (not cheap though, remember it's seafood, but not that pricey either) and I really fancy this sort of places, nothing fancy, just food, good one. The view of the Market's astonishing stained glass window will add to the experience. Try to get one of the tables in the sun and well, enjoy life.
Items on the menu you shouldn't miss:
- huevas a la plancha (my favourite)
- tomate picao con melva
- gambas
- seafood in general
- they also offer a range of Moroccan dishes I haven't tasted so far but will do

Location: Calle Olózaga 7 (opposite the back entrance of the Central Market Atarazanas)

Recommendation 15: El Calafate

Even though I'm not a vegetarian, I really fancy going to veggie restaurants. El Calafate has become one of my faves in this category and it's also one of my choices in general, specially when I feel like eating healthy and home made. It's a superb option for any given weekday as they offer a great set menu for 8,50 euros. So if you fancy indulging in some healthy eating, I would heartily reccommend you to try out their mix of fresh meals, salads and juices. The staff is really friendly and helpful and English and French are spoken.  The place has built a reputation and has won many accolades since their opening only about 2 or 3 years ago. Hearty portions of delicious vegetarian fare and modest prices will undoubtedly satisfy you. No wonder the place is always packed by 2 pm (lunchtime in Spain).
Located in:  Calle Andrés Pérez, 6 (next to Plaza de los Mártires).
Set menu: 8,50 €
Phone number: 952 22 93 44

Recommendation 12+1: La Cosmopolita

It's not that I'm supersticious, it's that this restaurant just opened and and all I want is to send them good vibes and wish them good luck. And I truly reckon they are going to succeed as the place has all the ingredients to do it: good food, welcoming staff and beautiful interior design. I must say we decided to try this one out because it looks gorgeous from the outside. Nice décor indeed. And once in there, we were welcome by Borja, the owner, who is leading the waiting staff fantastically well. The food is superb. It's all about tapas. So far, I'd recommend tasting the following:
- albóndigas de rabo de toro
- croquetas de cecina
- salpicón de marisco
- cosmopolitas (the tuna one is really good)
- the eggs with ham
Share some wine with your friends and say out loud: this is the life!

Average price: 15-20€ p.p.
Location: Calle José Denis Belgrano

Recommendation 7: Tepito

Another weekly feature for many locals, specially as of May, when the weather starts being really warm and dining in the street starts being most appealing in our town. Tepito is a Mexican restaurant, very valued because of its simple but great food, its amazing margaritas, its location (a picturesque square in the town centre) and its good value. Don't expect a fancy restaurant; don't even expect restrooms at all (don't worry, there are plenty of options around should you need to powder your nose or spend a penny). There are only five tables and one really gets to think the place is actually ilegal (joke... right?). Nevertheless, who cares? The place lacks the basics you expect to find in any restaurant but that makes it even more charming.
It only opens at night, be sure to show up not later than 9pm or you'll have to wait, standing. Average price: 12-20€ (I couldn't let you down)
Items on the menu you shouldn't miss:
Chimichanga
Sincronizada
Nachos con guacamole
Taco dorado
Margarita
Location: Plaza de los Martires

Recommendation 6: Uvedoble

One of my latests discoveries and already one of my faves. In fact it just opened in December (or so I believe) and it's always packed. It is a tapas bar but the delicacy of its cuisine makes it a superb choice that won't let you down. The menu is divided typically into small dishes, rather than starters and mains, so diners can essentially construct their own tasting menu of three or four share-able courses.
The wine we have been having lately is the one produced by Antonio Banderas, a Ribera del Duero we pretty much enjoy and is reasonably priced.
The average dinner (if you share dishes the Spanish way) can be as cheap as 16-20€, wine included.
Items on the menu you shouldn't miss:
Fideos negros con chopitos
Huevos rotos con bacalao
Albóndigas de rabo de toro
Magret de pato

Location: Calle Cister, Malaga

Recommendation 5: Tapeo de Cervantes

What can I say of this place? It's been open for a while now and I don't know why we really never got to taste it properly. But during the Malaga Film Festival we popped in by chance (or shall we call it destiny?) and ever since we try to show up at least every two weeks. They speak English BTW, so that should be helpful for those who struggle with Spanish while in town. Another excellent option if you are looking for tasty, delicate and creative tapas, it should definetely be on your "To Do" list. Traditional decor, warm welcome (owners care for guests and they really love their menu), unpretentious quality and plenty of choice on the wines front. Besides, it sticks to our favourite price range (15-25€). What can I say..? I have a thing for eating out so budget dinners is the way to go!
Items on the menu you shouldn't miss (to tell you the truth everything I've tasted so far was superb, but just to mention a few):
Quiche de alcachofas
Filete de dorada envuelto en berenjena
Flamenquines de jamón ibérico y queso manchego
Mollejas (on offer only sometimes as special dish of the day)
Porra antequerana con huevos de codorniz y tomatitos
Tortilla de algas
Risotto de calabaza y hongos secos

Location: Calle Carcer 8, Malaga