Set in a sleek glass-and-steel building overlooking the sailing boats and yachts of the Port of Malaga, this small and stylish restaurant has earned a Michelin star for its inventive, beautifully presented cuisine. Inside are two dining rooms and a glass cube showcasing the chefs at work, and outside there's a relaxed dining terrace.

It’s worth heading out of town for the views, food and service at this renowned restaurant. Headed up by chef Amador Fernandez, a member of Andalucia’s fine-dining ‘Gastroarte’ movement, food varies from unusual tapas like oxtail croquettes and traditional Malagan almond and garlic gazpacho-style soup to wild grouper and slow-cooked steak. There’s an impressive wine list to match.

If you’re looking for a flamenco restaurant, Vino Mio is Malaga’s best bet. This modern eatery, situated near the Cervantes Theatre, has a very reasonable tapas menu but its more inventive dishes, such as black tagliatelle with king prawns and kangaroo fillet steak, are reserved for the a la carte menu. In the warmer months, try and get a table on the terrace. There’s a nominal charge for the flamenco show.

Deservedly popular, El Meson de Cervantes combines a cosy tapas bar atmosphere with a restaurant setting. Dishes to look out for include Iberico pork with pumpkin and pineapple relish, red tuna with cauliflower puree and homemade vegetarian quiche. Private dining areas can also be booked. The restaurant is around the corner from sister tapas bar, El Tapeo de Cervantes, which is equally recommended.

Situated in Soho, a recently revived neighbourhood between the main Alameda Principal and the port, this taverna-style restaurant takes its inspiration from the ancient seafaring heritage of Malaga. A huge sea-themed fresco adorns one wall and fresh seafood and fish is always guaranteed with grilled turbot and prawns among the best dishes. There’s outdoor seating on the street and it’s popular with locals too.

Owned by renowned chef Dani Garcia, who also set up trendy tapas and wine bar KGB Malaga across the street, Wendy Gambas is reminiscent of a traditional seafood tapas bar with simple bar-stool seating and tiled surroundings. Food is delicious with an emphasis on prawns such as langoustine churros with alioli and prawn croquettes. There's a good selection of wine, beer and vermouth on tap too.

If you're looking for some tasty fresh fish, or just want some seafood nibbles, feast at this buzzing marisquería (seafood) restaurant in the historic centre alongside the local office workers. There are plenty of good wines on offer too, including local sweet varieties. La Campana is also a good spot for catching sports events on the TV screens and its streetside setting lends itself perfectly for a spot of people-watching.

This bar-restaurant is part of Hotel La Chancla on the beachfront of Pedregalejo, one of Malaga's seaside neighbourhoods, just a short bus or pleasant cycle ride away from the centre. On a beachfront lined with bars, restaurants and informal chiringuitos (beach restaurants/bars), La Chancla stands out for its particularly impressive salads, burgers and cocktails, and the beach views ensure you linger beyond lunch too.

This quirky tapas restaurant is themed around Santa Semana, or Holy Week, with religious iconography, posters and framed photographs adorning the walls. It's popular with locals, too, who cram into the back room or small rooms upstairs, and there's also pavement seating. Specialties include the house croquetas and peri-peri prawns.