A long-established Málaga fine dining institution with a Michelin-starred pedigree. Chef José García Cortés creates sophisticated Andalusian cuisine with French influences in elegant surroundings near La Malagueta beach. The tasting menu showcases local seafood and Málaga produce with imagination.
Café de Paris is Málaga's longest-established fine dining restaurant and the institution that put the city on Spain's serious gastronomic map. Chef José García Cortés has built a cuisine that merges the classical French training of his formative years with a deep commitment to Andalusian ingredients: local fish from the Mediterranean and Atlantic, Málaga's celebrated almonds, the province's EVOO, and seasonal vegetables from the fertile coastal plain. The tasting menu format — offered at lunch and dinner — is the optimal way to experience the kitchen, presenting eight to twelve courses that move from cold soups through seafood to meat and finally to desserts deeply rooted in Málaga's sweet wine and almond traditions. Ajoblanco — the cold almond and garlic soup that is one of Andalusia's great summer dishes — appears in inventive interpretations that respect the original without replicating it. The dining room near La Malagueta beach is elegant and intimate: cream tones, white tablecloths, and a formal but welcoming atmosphere that makes the restaurant appropriate for both business dinners and special occasions. The sommelier's list covers Andalusia and Spain with depth, with particularly strong Málaga sweet wine selections that showcase the province's undervalued viticulture. Reservations are essential and should be made at least a week in advance during peak season.
Good to know
- Reservations
- Essential
Location
Calle Vélez-Málaga, 8, 29016 Málaga
36.7187, -4.4138 View on map
Highlights
- Málaga's leading fine dining restaurant, with a Michelin-starred pedigree built over decades
- Chef José García Cortés — classic French training applied to Andalusian ingredients with precision
- Ajoblanco reinvented: the cold almond soup of Málaga treated as a creative signature
- Málaga sweet wine and almond desserts celebrating the province's most distinctive produce
- Elegant La Malagueta neighbourhood setting, close to the beach and Málaga's Art District
Tips for visiting
- Book the full tasting menu with the wine pairing for the most complete experience of the kitchen
- Lunch tasting menus are typically shorter and less expensive than the evening version
- Request the vegetarian tasting menu when booking if required — it needs advance notice
- The Málaga sweet wine course at the end of dinner is a highlight — ask the sommelier to guide it
- Reservations must be made ahead; same-day bookings are rarely possible
Accessibility
Café de Paris is at street level on Calle Vélez-Málaga with step-free access. The dining room is on one level. Visitors with mobility requirements should inform the restaurant when booking to ensure an appropriate table can be prepared.
Frequently asked questions
Does Café de Paris still hold a Michelin star?
The restaurant built its reputation in part through Michelin recognition. Visitors are advised to check the current Michelin Guide for Spain for up-to-date status.
Is there an à la carte menu at Café de Paris?
The restaurant focuses primarily on tasting menus. An à la carte option may be available at lunch — confirm when making a reservation.
How far in advance should reservations be made?
At least one week ahead in high season (July–August and Easter); a few days is usually sufficient in quieter months. Reservations can be made by phone or email.
Where is Café de Paris located?
On Calle Vélez-Málaga in the La Malagueta neighbourhood, a short walk from Málaga's bullring and beach, and approximately 15 minutes' walk from the historic centre.