For starters, the Costa del Sol classic that is Malaga has more than 2000 eateries to choose from. The main event is tapas, tapas and more tapas – it’s everywhere you turn. And dessert? Never fear, self-professed pudding fans won’t be disappointed here either.

So, without further ado, your foodie guide to Malaga is served…

Casa Aranda

Foot-long churros and a gallon of dipping sauce, anyone? Tucked away down a dainty backstreet and a favourite among locals is the legend that is Casa Aranda. Watch on in awe as the skilled bakers whisk up wheels of delicious dough-like delights, before deep frying and dusting them with sugar. Bad for the waistline but great for the soul, these are best dipped in a mug of melted chocolate for the ultimate sweet Spanish snack, morning noon or night. Ready, get set, churro!

El Tapeo de Cervantes

No Spanish food guide is complete without the mention of a tapas bar, and this Malaga marvel really steals the show. The setting is as rustic as them come here at El Tapeo de Cervantes, with chalk-written blackboards propped up in corners and eclectic décor donning the shelves. Grilled tuna, pan-seared squid and cured meats meet fruity relishes and nut-sprinkled salads to create immaculately presented tapas plates. Hearty stews and vibrant vegetarian dishes offer something for all.

Mercado Central de Atarazanas

Step under a gigantic stained-glass mosaic and straight into a foodie heaven at the Mercado Central de Atarazanas. The first thing you’ll notice is the sheer size of the place – with high ceilings and rows after rows of stalls selling everything from rainbow-coloured fruits to fresh meats and seafood. When you’ve weaved the walkways, why not pull up a pew at one of the market’s tapas bars for a sip and a bite?

La Barra de Zapata

See what all the fuss is about at one of Malaga’s highest-rated Tripadvisor restaurants, La Barra de Zapata. Tucked away down the Calle Salinas and peeking at the Episcopal Palace, this hidden-away haven dishes up nothing short of work of art! It’s a dinky place, so be sure to book ahead. What it lacks in size, it sure makes up for in charm.

El Meson de Cervantes

Hearty tapas in a traditional setting? We’ll take a table for two, please! The décor is elegant and stylish with rows of wine bottles, wooden panelling and romantic lighting. When it comes to the food, dishes come in three sizes, tapas, half portions and a standard portion, with plenty of fish and seafood, meat and vegetarian options too.

Empanadas Viste

Argentinian eats on-the-go? Yes please. Pop in to Empanadas Viste for perfectly-crimped pasties (empanadas), packed with everything from chicken to chorizo, ham and cheese to veggies. They’re amazing value at just €2 each! And don’t rush off, if you fancy sitting in there are a handful of seats inside.

Vino Mio

Vegetarians look away now. Vino Mio is a meat-lover’s heaven with its gigantic steaks and super-sized pork plates. But it’s not just lamb, beef and pork on the menu here, Vino Mio dishes up daring delicacies including kangaroo tenderloin and crocodile fillet steak! As well as its famous menu, the restaurant’s also renowned for its flamenco shows which happen daily. The show has a surcharge of €10pp, but it’s well worth it.

Antigua Casa de Guardia

Step through the wooden-shutter doors and straight back in time at Antigua Casa de Guardia. This twee little tavern is lined with huge tapped casks that hold local wine and sherry just waiting to be sipped with a side order of seafood. Look out for the locals propping up the long wooden bar and putting the world to rights. It was founded in 1840 and has built up a pretty impressive rep during the last 150 years. It doesn’t get more authentic than this.

Feeling inspired for a food adventure in Malaga? Yep, us too!