17 Romantic Restaurants in Malaga: Rooftops, Beach Dining & Hidden Gems (2026)

Looking for romantic restaurants in Malaga? When you're in this city, love is always in the air. My husband and I have explored the streets, tried a lot of the amazing food, and found some super romantic spots for couples: places with great views, historic vibes, and even some where you can dine with your feet in the sand.

Here's my handpicked list to help you plan that unforgettable evening, anniversary, or even a surprise proposal.

Romantic Restaurants in Malaga with a View

Let's start at the top, literally.

There's something about watching the sunset paint the sky while sharing a bottle of my favourite Spanish wines, Rioja, that makes everything feel more special. These are my go-to spots if you're looking for dinner with a view.

Parador de Malaga Gibralfaro

View: Panoramic city and harbour | Best for: Anniversaries, special occasions | Price: 40-60 euros

My all-time favourite! Perched above the city next to Gibralfaro Castle, offering an unbeatable panoramic view over Malaga's rooftops and harbour.

We recently celebrated our wedding anniversary here.

The terrace is spectacular at sunset, especially with a glass of cava and a cheese platter. It's more on the fine-dining end, but the quality and setting make it worth every euro. Book that terrace seat in advance.

We ordered a taxi to the top of the hill, but after dinner we took a stroll down. This spot is also highly rated on TripAdvisor and is regularly featured in local travel guides.

What to order: Cheese platter, Mediterranean dishes, local wines

Location: Castillo de Gibralfaro (taxi up, walk down after dinner)

Batik

View: Alcazaba fortress at eye level | Best for: Sunset drinks and dinner | Price: 25-40 euros

Found on top of the Alcazaba Premium Hostel. The view here is straight out of a postcard, with the Alcazaba fortress practically at eye level.

Dinner here is a bit more relaxed in price, and the best time to go is after 8pm, when the fortress begins to glow.

We like to have sundowners at the rooftop bar before our dinner reservation to make it extra romantic. It has even been praised in Conde Nast Traveller for its unbeatable sunset ambience.

What to order: Sharing plates, cocktails, Mediterranean dishes

Location: Alcazaba Premium Hostel, Calle Alcazabilla, 12

AC Marriott Hotel Rooftop

View: 360-degree city and harbour | Best for: Sunset cocktails | Price: 30-50 euros

For panoramic city views without leaving the centre, the AC Hotel rooftop is hard to beat. 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 Malaga.

What to order: Cocktails, light bites, sunset

Location: Calle Cortina del Muelle, 1 (right by the port)

La Terraza de la Aduana

View: Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle | Best for: Quiet evening | Price: 25-40 euros

Above the Museum of Malaga, with panoramic views of the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle. The menu features Mediterranean dishes crafted from fresh, local ingredients.

Prices are reasonable, and the setting is ideal for a quiet evening.

For the most intimate experience, consider visiting during sunset hours. It's highly recommended by food bloggers and loved for its laid-back, tranquil setting.

What to order: Mediterranean dishes, local wines

Location: Above the Museum of Malaga, Plaza de la Aduana

Castillo de Santa Catalina

View: City and coastline from a Moorish castle | Best for: Proposals, special occasions | Price: 30-50 euros

Tucked away in a historic Moorish-style castle overlooking the city, it feels like dining in a fairytale. The views stretch out over Malaga and the shimmering coastline, making it one of the most romantic dinner spots we've found.

Their seafood dishes are the standout, especially the grilled octopus and seabass, and the local wine list is full of local greats.

They do offer a chef's tasting menu, which is pricier. We usually time our booking just before sunset to catch the changing sky from the terrace. It's a little splurge, but the setting and atmosphere make it more than worth it.

What to order: Grilled octopus, seabass, local wines

Location: Monte Sancha (taxi recommended)

Romantic Restaurants in Malaga Old Town

If you love strolling narrow cobblestone streets and discovering cosy, candlelit corners, then Malaga's Old Town is the perfect setting for a romantic evening. These restaurants blend intimacy and history with memorable food and atmosphere.

El Pimpi

Vibe: Historic bodega with Malaga character | Best for: Wine and tapas | Price: 20-35 euros

No list of romantic restaurants in Malaga would be complete without El Pimpi. This legendary bodega has been a Malaga institution since 1971, with wine barrels signed by celebrities and a courtyard that glows under fairy lights at night.

It's not the most intimate spot, but there's something undeniably romantic about sharing sweet Malaga wine in the same place where Picasso and Antonio Banderas have dined. The outdoor terrace overlooking the Alcazaba is the most romantic section.

What to order: Malaga sweet wine, jambon, fried aubergines with honey

Location: Calle Granada, 62

El Meson de Cervantes

Vibe: Intimate tapas with low lighting | Best for: Date night | Price: 30-45 euros

El Meson de Cervantes is a warm, upscale tapas restaurant tucked just behind Teatro Cervantes. With low lighting and wooden beam ceilings, it feels intimate without being formal.

The pork cheek (carrillada de cerdo) is especially tender, and the cheesecake is one of the best in the city. Reservations are essential, particularly on weekends, and it regularly ranks among the top restaurants in Malaga on TripAdvisor.

What to order: Pork cheek, cheesecake, local wines

Location: Behind Teatro Cervantes

Restaurante Vino Mio

Vibe: Dinner with live flamenco | Best for: Culture lovers | Price: 35-50 euros

Located near Plaza de la Merced, Restaurante Vino Mio combines dinner with live flamenco from Wednesday to Sunday. The lamb tagine is rich and flavourful, and the wine list includes excellent local selections.

Prices are slightly higher, but the ambience and live performance make it a memorable night out. It is a popular choice for culture lovers and has been featured in Lonely Planet.

What to order: Lamb tagine, local wines

Location: Near Plaza de la Merced

Kaleja (by Dani Carnero)

Vibe: Michelin-recommended fine dining | Best for: Proposals, anniversaries | Price: 70-100 euros

Hidden near the Picasso Museum, Kaleja is a Michelin-recommended restaurant offering a quiet and elegant setting with only a few tables, ideal for a special occasion.

Chef Dani Carnero serves a seasonal tasting menu that reinterprets traditional Andalusian dishes in a refined and creative way.

With soft lighting, attentive service, and exceptional cuisine, it is perfect for anniversaries or romantic dinners. Book well in advance.

What to order: Seasonal tasting menu

Location: Near the Picasso Museum

L'experience

Vibe: Intimate fine dining | Best for: Foodies | Price: 50-80 euros

Another excellent choice for a special occasion, L'experience offers creative Mediterranean cuisine in an intimate setting. The menu changes seasonally, focusing on local ingredients with innovative preparation.

With just a handful of tables, the atmosphere feels exclusive and personal. It's a favourite among local foodies and consistently receives glowing reviews.

What to order: Tasting menu, wine pairing

Location: Calle Especerias

La Cosmopolita

Vibe: Andalusian bistro with modern twist | Best for: Elegant dinner | Price: 40-60 euros

La Cosmopolita is an Andalusian bistro with a modern twist.

Standout dishes include the oxtail stew (rabo de toro) and the open faced omelette (tortilla vaga). The atmosphere is elegant yet relaxed. It is listed in the Michelin Guide for its contemporary interpretation of local cuisine.

What to order: Oxtail stew, tortilla vaga

Location: Calle Jose Denis Belgrano, 3

Tatanegro in Plaza del Obispo

Vibe: Cathedral views | Best for: Sunset terrace dining | Price: 30-45 euros

Tatanegro is located in Plaza del Obispo and is an excellent choice if you are looking for cathedral views and cosy elegance. This Mediterranean restaurant offers a welcoming wine selection, warm lighting, and an intimate terrace overlooking Malaga's cathedral.

While the food may not be the highlight for everyone, the ambience is undeniably romantic. Booking an outdoor table just before sunset is highly recommended.

What to order: Wine selection, Mediterranean dishes

Location: Plaza del Obispo

Restaurante Balausta

Vibe: 18th century palace courtyard | Best for: Special occasions | Price: 40-60 euros

Restaurante Balausta is a hidden gem inside the beautifully restored 18th century Palacio Solecio. Instead of rooftop views, the romance here lies in the architecture and atmosphere.

The dining room is an elegant Andalusian courtyard with soft lighting and a sense of quiet luxury.

We enjoyed dining here on a warm evening as the glass-domed ceiling filled the space with golden twilight. The menu offers a refined take on traditional Malaga cuisine, and a favourite dish was the ajoblanco with crayfish tartar.

Balausta is highly rated on TripAdvisor and has also been featured in Tapas Magazine for its blend of heritage and culinary innovation. Advance reservations are recommended, especially if you want one of the candlelit courtyard tables.

What to order: Ajoblanco with crayfish tartar, local wines

Location: Palacio Solecio, Calle Granada

Romantic Beach Restaurants in Malaga

There's just something inherently romantic about being near the sea, and in Malaga, beach dining is elevated to an art form. These restaurants bring you toes-in-the-sand vibes with fresh seafood and ocean breezes.

El Balneario at Banos del Carmen

View: Sea views from a 1920s bathhouse | Best for: Sunset dinner | Price: 25-35 euros

This converted 1920s bathhouse offers rustic charm, cracking seafood, and front-row seats to the sea at Banos del Carmen. The boquerones fritos (fried anchovies) are fresh and crisp, and their seafood paella is spot on.

Go around sunset for the full effect.

It's romantic, nostalgic, and budget-friendly. It's about a 45-minute walk from Malaga Centro, so unless you're up for a long seaside stroll, it's a good idea to hop on a bus, grab a taxi, or even rent a bike. It's consistently featured in local restaurant roundups and has even appeared in popular movies.

What to order: Boquerones fritos, seafood paella, cold wine

Location: Paseo Maritimo El Pedregal, 1

Trocadero Casa de Botes

View: Harbour and city lights | Best for: Sophisticated harbour dining | Price: 30-50 euros

Housed in a beautifully restored 1940s boatyard at Muelle Uno, this restaurant blends colonial-inspired interiors with panoramic sea views, creating an atmosphere that's both sophisticated and inviting.

The menu offers Mediterranean cuisine with Asian influences, featuring dishes like seafood rice and grilled meats.

For an unforgettable evening, head to the rooftop terrace around sunset to enjoy cocktails as the city lights begin to sparkle. Recently featured in The Luxury Editor.

What to order: Seafood rice, cocktails

Location: Muelle Uno, Port of Malaga

Candado Beach

View: Marina views with white tablecloths | Best for: Anniversaries | Price: 40-60 euros

With white tablecloths, soft lighting, and the marina beside you, it's tailor-made for anniversaries or quiet, romantic evenings. Their sea bass baked in salt is a showstopper, and the cava selection is perfect for toasting.

At the higher end of prices, it's more upscale but intimate and worth it.

Ask for a table right by the water when reserving. It's worth catching a cab as it's outside walking distance from the city centre. It's also recommended by the Michelin Plate guide.

What to order: Sea bass baked in salt, cava

Location: Club Nautico El Candado

El Cachalote

View: Malagueta Beach | Best for: Casual romantic lunch | Price: 15-25 euros

Just east of Malagueta Beach, this no-frills chiringuito serves up fantastic grilled fish, especially their espetos and sea bream. With cold sangria and the sound of waves in the background, you can have a relaxed and romantic meal without breaking the bank.

It's best around 7pm, just before the evening rush.

What to order: Espetos de sardinas, grilled fish, sangria

Location: Playa de la Malagueta

Romantic Picnics in Malaga

Want something more personal? Local companies like Straws 'n Berries Picnics create beautiful setups on the beach or in parks, ideal for proposals or anniversaries. Think boho-chic cushions, fairy lights, and personalised menus.

How to Choose the Right Restaurant

With so many options, here's how to narrow it down:

For the best view: Parador de Malaga Gibralfaro or Castillo de Santa Catalina For a special occasion: Kaleja, L'experience, or Restaurante Balausta For beachfront romance: El Balneario at Banos del Carmen or Candado Beach For budget-friendly: El Cachalote or El Pimpi For a proposal: Castillo de Santa Catalina (fairytale castle) or Kaleja (intimate fine dining) For live entertainment: Restaurante Vino Mio (flamenco)

Tips for a Romantic Dinner in Malaga

• Book ahead: Rooftop and beachside restaurants fill up fast, especially on weekends
• Time it right: Plan your meal around sunset (8-9pm in summer) for that magic lighting
• Dress code: Smart casual works for most places; fine dining spots like Kaleja expect slightly more formal attire
• Request a specific table: Ask for terrace, window, or courtyard tables when booking
• Consider the journey: Some of the best spots require a taxi, so factor that into your plans

Whether you're clinking glasses by candlelight or sharing tapas under a palm tree, Malaga is a city made for lovers and food lovers.