The best ways to eat espetos in Malaga

The Malaga-style espeto is much more than just a way of eating fish: it is a cultural hallmark. So much so that, for almost half a decade, efforts have been underway to have it recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. 

With or without this distinction, what is clear is that the technique of espetos in Malaga transcends the culinary to become a signature dish of the Costa del Sol, even outside summer. And as every master chef has their own cooking tricks, there are different ways of eating espetos depending on who is in charge of the grill. 

What are Malaga's most famous skewers made with? 

Espeto is a very popular way of preparing fish on the Costa del Sol. It consists of skewering pieces of fish on long rods or sticks and grilling them over charcoal. 

Sardines are the stars of this dish. They were the most commonly eaten fish in the fishing neighbourhoods that invented this way of preparing them in the late 19th century. Today, it is a smoked and juicy delicacy that now has competition. Although sardines remain the traditional choice, other ways of eating espetos are becoming increasingly common in Malaga, such as espetos of octopus, red mullet, squid, sea bream or horse mackerel. 

Where to eat espetos in Malaga? 

The beach bars along the coast are the place to go to sample the best espetos in Malaga. Fresh fish tastes different when you eat it on the beach, with the sea breeze and sand beneath your feet. What's more, in these places the espeto is cooked in the most traditional way: inside a small boat or directly on the sand. 

Some of the most iconic sites in Malaga city and its surroundings are: 

• Los Cañizos Restaurant (Marbella): an Andalusian restaurant serving specialities from land and sea, famous for its skewers and family atmosphere.
• El Cordobés Restaurant (Marbella): a classic in the area, highly regarded for the quality of its grilled fish and seafood, where skewers take pride of place.
• Marbal-la (Marbella): a restaurant with a Mediterranean essence, ideal for enjoying fresh fish and espetos in a relaxed atmosphere.
• Los Tres Pepe Restaurant (Marbella): popular with locals and visitors alike for its home-style cooking and wide range of grilled fish, including delicious espetos.
• Chiringuito El Merlo (P.º Marítimo El Pedregal, 87, Málaga-Este): located in Pedregalejo, a quintessential seaside neighbourhood, it offers skewers and fresh fish in an authentic and traditional setting.