It’s often been said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and there’s no doubt that a good brekky (desayuno in Spanish) will set you up for a hard day’s sightseeing/lazing on the beach/shopping, or even, heaven forbid, w**king. In Spain, where the main meal of the day is lunch, rather than dinner, breakfast tends to be fairly light, in the “continental” style. It’s crucial ingredient is, of course, coffee, served strong, and traditionally in a glass. This is still common, though nowadays you may have to ask for it “en vaso” to be sure. Trust me that the coffee tastes better that way – would you drink beer out of a plastic mug?
In Málaga the system for ordering coffee according to the ratio of coffee to milk is more complex than elsewhere, with a ten step scale from solo (black coffee) to “no me lo ponga” (no coffee for me). Coffee may only be dispensed with if you’re having churros and chocolate. Otherwise principle breakfast food is the “tostada” (toast) usually with olive oil and tomato, serrano ham, or both, with though the sweet of tooth may opt for butter and jam, or pastries.
Here are some of our favourite breakfast places in Málaga.
Casa Aranda
Just a stone’s throw from the central Atarazanas Market, this is the most popular place in town to enjoy the famous Chocolate & Churros (see first photo). The original restaurant, founded in 1932, later expanded to the building in front of it and now pretty much takes up the entire street with a huge terrace on the corner.
Casa Aranda
Calle Herrería del Rey 3
Open daily from 8am to 1pm and 5pm to 9pm
La Recova
This is not just breakfast, it’s an experience. Tucked inside a traditional arts & crafts boutique, you can enjoy a breakfast feast for just 2,20€ that includes toasted country bread, a selection of spreads (butter, pâté, zurrapas with chicharrones and pimentón, sobrasada, pear jam, banana butter), fresh sliced tomato, extra virgen olive oil and coffee or tea.
La Recova
Pje Ntra. Sra. de los Dolores de San Juan 5
Monday to Saturday from 8am to 2pm
El Último Mono
The somewhat sombre exterior of El Último Mono belies the wonderful and colourful mishmash of its shabby-chic interior. Inside you will also find cheerful hipster staff making delicious fruit smoothies, freshly ground coffee and other breakfast delights.
El Último Mono Juice & Coffee
Calle Santa Maria 9
Monday to Saturday 9am to 9pm
Café Central
This the our local “Starbucks” but with no mermaid and better coffee. You can find their famous tiled descriptions of Malagüeno coffee styles inside, but most people prefer to sit out on the large terrace in the square.
Café Central
Plaza de la Constitución 11
Open daily from 8am to 12am
La Canasta
Probably one of the best bakeries in Málaga offering a wide selection of pastries. Also try the pitufos (small toasted breakfast sandwiches).
La Canasta
Calle Atarazanas 7
(also in Plaza de la Constitución)
Open daily from 8am to 10pm