food-drink
Restaurants in Malaga With a View: 7 Tested Spots We Keep Going Back To (2026)
After countless meals across Málaga, these are the spots that keep drawing me back.
Restaurants With Views in Malaga
Looking for restaurants in Malaga with a view? When friends visit, they always want somewhere special. Not just good food, but a setting that makes the meal memorable.
There are countless great places to eat and drink in Málaga, but over the years we've narrowed down our list to the spots we actually bring friends and family to.
These aren't the trendiest or most expensive. They're the ones we keep going back to because the food matches the views.
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El Balneario – Baños del Carmen
View: Sea views from a rocky outcrop | Best for: Breakfast or long lunch | Price: €€€
El Balneario sits on a rocky outcrop that juts out from the beach at Baños del Carmen, making it feel like you're surrounded by water on three sides.
The restaurant is old but classy, with an elegance that feels earned rather than designed.
The food is excellent, but we especially love it for breakfast. Watching the sun come up over the Mediterranean with a coffee and fresh tortilla is one of those simple Malaga pleasures.
What to order: Breakfast, fresh fish, seafood rice
Location: Paseo Marítimo El Pedregal, 1 (about 15 minutes from the centre by car or bus)
Parador de Málaga Gibralfaro
View: The best panoramic view of Malaga | Best for: Special occasions | Price: €€€€
We celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary here, and it was perfect.
The Parador offers, without a doubt, the best view of Málaga city.
It sits atop the hill next to Gibralfaro Castle, right above the famous Malaga viewpoint that every visitor photographs. From the terrace, you can see the entire city laid out below: the cathedral, the port, the bullring, and the sea beyond.
Book in advance and ask for a balcony table.
We didn't the first time and got lucky. Don't leave it to chance.
What to order: Mediterranean menu, local wines, anything grilled
Location: Castillo de Gibralfaro (drive or taxi up the hill, or a steep 30-minute walk)
Local tip
The Parador is also a hotel. If you really want to make an occasion of it, book a room and wake up to that view.
AC Marriott Hotel Rooftop
View: 360° city and harbour views | Best for: Sunset drinks | Price: €€€
When it comes to panoramic city views without leaving the centre, the AC Hotel takes the crown. It's not as high as the Parador, but it's right in the heart of Malaga and you can walk around the entire rooftop taking in the city and harbour from every angle.
There's a restaurant and a bar area, so you don't need to commit to a full meal.
Come for sunset drinks and stay for dinner if the mood strikes. Just book in advance, even for the bar. This is one of our favourite rooftop bars in Málaga.
What to order: Cocktails, light bites, sunset
Location: Calle Cortina del Muelle, 1 (right by the port, walkable from anywhere in the centre)
Restaurante Amador
View: Sweeping hilltop panorama of Malaga | Best for: Romantic dinner | Price: €€€
This one's outside the city, but the views are worth the journey.
Restaurante Amador sits in the hills above Malaga, offering a wide, sweeping panorama of the entire city and coastline.
At night, with the city lights twinkling below, it's genuinely romantic. This is where we'd go for an anniversary or special date night.
The food is traditional Andalusian with a refined touch. Just be prepared for a 20-minute drive or Uber ride each way.
What to order: Grilled meats, local dishes, wine from the region
Location: Calle Bandaneira, 6 (in the hills above Malaga, taxi or car essential)
Chiringuito El Cachalote
View: Beach and sea at La Malagueta | Best for: Casual beachfront lunch | Price: €€
Yes, a chiringuito. But hear us out.
Who doesn't love sitting on the beach, enjoying a meal while listening to the waves? The waves aren't big here, but you can still hear the ocean and feel the sand beneath your feet. It's the simplest kind of restaurant-with-a-view, and sometimes that's exactly right.
We've been to plenty of chiringuitos along Malaga's beaches, but this one is our favourite.
The fish is grilled on an open fire inside an elevated boat right in front of you. There's something theatrical about watching your lunch being cooked over flames while you sit in the sun.
What to order: Espetos de sardinas, grilled fish, cold beer
Location: Playa de la Malagueta (10-minute walk from the city centre)
Muelle Uno Restaurants
View: Harbour, yachts, and the Alcazaba | Best for: Casual harbour dining | Price: €-€€€
Every trip to Málaga includes a stop at the harbour to admire the yachts and stroll along the promenade. Then hunger hits, and you're faced with a wall of restaurant choices.
The truth is, most of them are fine. They all have a view of the harbour and the Alcazaba lit up behind. But if you want our recommendations:
- Trocadero Casa de Botes - The best view and vibe of them all. Colonial-chic decor, good cocktails, solid food. Our top pick at Muelle Uno.
- Amigos - Mexican, Indian, and Greek on one menu. It sounds strange, but the food is surprisingly good and great value.
- 100 Montaditos - Super famous and super cheap in Spain. Grab a table outside for one of the best views at the lowest price.
The key is to grab a table facing the water and settle in for the evening.
Watch the cruise ships come and go. Watch the Alcazaba glow as the sun sets.
Location: Muelle Uno, Port of Malaga (5-minute walk from the city centre)
Batik
View: Alcazaba fortress and Roman Theatre | Best for: Evening drinks | Price: €€€
Batik offers one of the most unique views in Malaga: looking straight at the Alcazaba fortress and the Roman Theatre, lit up at night.
This rooftop restaurant sits above the Alcazaba Premium Hostel, but you don't need to be staying there to visit.
The atmosphere is sophisticated yet relaxed, with a menu that blends Mediterranean flavours with international dishes. It's a great spot for a romantic evening without the formality of fine dining.
What to order: Sharing plates, cocktails, Mediterranean dishes
Location: Alcazaba Premium Hostel, Calle Alcazabilla, 12 (right by the Roman Theatre)
How to Choose the Right Restaurant
With so many options, here's how to narrow it down:
For the best overall view: Parador de Málaga Gibralfaro (nothing beats it) For city centre convenience: AC Marriott Rooftop or Muelle Uno For a beachfront setting: El Balneario at Baños del Carmen or Chiringuito El Cachalote For romance: Restaurante Amador (hilltop) or Batik (Alcazaba views) For budget-friendly: 100 Montaditos at Muelle Uno or Chiringuito El Cachalote
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Hola! I'm the researcher, walker, and co-founder behind Spain on Foot. I help travellers experience Spain authentically, through in-depth guides, locals-only knowledge, and cultural stories you won't find in guidebooks. You can reach me at heidi@spainonfoot.com
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