El Pimpi in central Málaga is one of those places that is both iconic and touristic, run down by locals and tourists alike, the sheer opposite to an insider’s tip or hidden gem. It’s fame stems from the historic significance of the place and also the long history of celebrity guests. The food is quite good, albeit maybe not quite worth the hustle and rush of the experience.

Other good restaurants include several run by the same owner, each with a slightly different name of something-Cervantes. They are slightly different, but also serve dishes that are exactly or almost the same. Dishes come in tapa-sized, half a portion or one portion with different price tags. Here are dishes from two of the restaurants and thus quite a few items from the menu. In general the food is really tasty although the salt is distributed unevenly, leaving mouthfuls way too salty or kind of bland. On a side note, the owner is quite an unfriendly fellow, but I guess his business is going really well and he does not lack customers.

Octopus is quite difficult to get just right, this one lacks just a bit of flavor but is quite tender.

The mushrooms with artichokes and asparagus dish is delicious (due to the fact that it is drenched in olive oil).

This is one of the prettier flamenquíns that I have seen, a roll of Serrano (or in this case, Ibérico) ham with Manchego cheese wrapped in pork (or Ibérico) loin, egg batter and breadcrumbs and deep fried. Most calories for your buck. This dish from Córdoba is said to be named after the hair color of the Flemish soldiers that came with Charles V.

Everyone seems to be getting huge plates of these meatballs in tomato sauce. They taste really good, but are still just meatballs, so what is the deal with those?

An Ibérico pork loin with pumpkin and pineapple sauce. The Ibérico is tender and melt in your mouth.

For those with a sweet tooth: trying desserts made with Málaga wine is a good way to try this typical drink without actually having to drink it (I am not a big wine person).

Here is another round of tapas at a different location of the same “brand”. The food is similar to the other spot. Same problem with the salt distribution but all in all great dishes.

You can get slices of Ibérico ham everywhere in this region, but this platter is particularly tasty.

 

For dessert, I would recommend Nonna Ice Cream for some helado artesanal in Calle Granada for some creamy, rich ice cream. Try the Turrón flavored ice cream (Turrón is an almond-based nougat confection from al-Andalus times), but better opt for a small sized cone, the portions are generous.

 

December 27th – 30th 2017