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Where to Taste the Best Espetos de Sardinas
- iris de neve
- Jul 31
- 3 min read
To honor this classic Malaga dish, I have chosen some of the best spots in Malaga where you can enjoy the finest Espetos de Sardinas. In the chiringuitos of Malaga and along the Andalusian coast, espetos de sardinas are an essential item on the menu. Witnessing an espetero preparing espetos in a boat is undoubtedly a familiar sight on the Costa del Sol. If you’re feeling hungry and eager to taste this traditional Malaga dish, here are some places you should visit.
El Zagal, in El Palo (Malaga)
El Palo is a coastal neighborhood in Malaga famous for its lively espeto tradition. At the El Zagal beach bar, you can savor tasty espetos de sardinas while enjoying the invigorating sea breeze. This tavern, founded in 2012, offers a diverse menu featuring the best culinary recipes from Malaga. Specializing in fish espetado, their sardines are a must-try, alongside other espetos such as sea bream, sea bass, prawns, or grilled octopus. Of course, these are accompanied by other traditional Andalusian tapas.
El Tintero, in El Palo (Málaga)
El Tintero is one of the most famous beach bars in El Palo. Known for its espetos, it also offers some of the best fried fish on the Costa del Sol. The portions are large, and the unique experience of their fish "auction" is something you must witness firsthand.
Tropicana Beach Bar, Málaga
Situated at the central beach of La Malagueta, this place is renowned for its delectable sardine espetos. While waiting for your meal, you can watch as your dish is cooked in the boats by the sea.
El Espeto Beach Bar, Torremolinos
These splendid traditional espetos from Malaga are grilled over embers. The venue is named after this classic dish. You can enjoy tasty sardines paired with a cold beer while overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
La Venus , Marbella
If you're heading to Marbella, La Venus Fried-fish is the restaurant for you, offering the finest espetos in the area. In addition to this specialty, you can savor the best fried fish around for lunch. The menu also features a unique selection of high-quality dishes, including squids, clams, and prawns.
El Madero Beach Bar, Estepona
The boat was named after the beach bar situated in this unique settlement overlooking one of Estepona's most stunning beaches, La Rada. Along with your espeto, you can savor a cold mojito, a recommended pairing at this location.
Chiringuito Mauri, Nerja
In the outskirts of the town, there's a beach known as 'Playazo', featuring a spacious parking area where you can leave your car without concern. A short walk of about 150 meters takes you to the first temple of sardines: the 'chiringuito' Mauri. Mauri Beach Bar is the most renowned spot to enjoy espetos in East Costa del Sol. Today, the restaurant is managed by two brothers, Francis and Manu, although their parents established it in June 1990. Since then, the surroundings have remained largely unchanged—a rarity in the Costa del Sol—making it a truly special place. So special that you'll enjoy the 'espetos' just as they did fifty years ago: in a small garden with some grass, next to the beach sand, with the waves crashing just a few meters away.
Soleo Marbella
Soleo Marbella restaurant is also among the top choices for enjoying delicious sardine skewers. With its elegant and glamorous setting, combined with exceptional and professional service, the sardine skewers at Soleo Marbella are even more delightful.
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