Malaga Food Tour: Tapas Walk, Historic Taverns & Local Sweets

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(141 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered if anchovies could actually taste good? I did—right up until our first stop on this Malaga food tour. We met Ana by the old wooden doors of a tavern from 1840 (the beams looked like they’d seen everything), and she handed us tiny glasses of sweet Moscatel. The place smelled faintly like sherry barrels and something fried. I tried to say “salud” like a local but probably just sounded like I had a cold. The salmon pincho was salty and soft, almost buttery—nothing like what I’d expected.

We wandered through narrow streets that felt too small for cars but perfect for laughter echoing off stone walls. Near the Picasso Museum—Ana called it “his neighborhood”—we squeezed into a buzzing bar where locals argued about football and the best way to cook chivo malagueño. She nudged us toward pork cheeks in rich sauce (carrillada), which I still think about sometimes when I’m hungry late at night. There was also tuna with onions, albóndigas to share, and beer so cold it made my teeth ache for a second.

I lost track of time in Plaza de la Merced—sunlight bouncing off white buildings, kids chasing pigeons, someone strumming guitar near the monument. Ana pointed out Picasso’s birthplace like it was just another apartment block. At our next stop, we dipped crispy berenjenas al miel (fried eggplant with honey) into sticky sweetness that clung to my fingers. My friend tried to order in Spanish; the waiter grinned and answered in English anyway.

The last bite was something called Locas de Málaga—a pastry topped with orange icing that’s apparently famous here (Ana said every bakery has their own version). In summer you get homemade ice cream instead; honestly, I kind of want to come back just for that. We finished up full but not stuffed, feet a little tired but happy. If you’re thinking about booking this Malaga food tour, just do it—you’ll remember these flavors longer than you expect.