Six of the 25 restaurants in Spain that are featured on Tripadvisor’s Best of Spain list come from Malaga.

When it comes to eating on the Costa del Sol the Michelin-starred restaurants get all the attention, but this year Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice ‘“Lo mejor of lo mejor” (best of best) The list highlights six hidden gems that locals call.

The platform’s 2025 selection names Budare Venezuelan Food in Malaga city, The Geranium in La Cala de Mijas (with British chef Steven Saunders), Buenavista Gastrobar & Tapas in the capital, Casero in Torremolinos, El Encuentro in Malaga and Cascada Cocina & Bar in Marbella as provincial standouts.

That is six entries from Malaga province among the 25 Spanish restaurants singled out as ‘joyas ocultas‘ (hidden jewels).

Budare is a buzzing pocket of Venezuelan flair in the old city, which has been lauded for its authenticity by critics. It is not a good idea to use the word “it”., tequeños Tropical cocktails are now available in carrying containers Tripadvisor’s highest Travellers’ Choice distinction for 2025; Buenavista Gastrobar & Tapas is praised for creative tapas, rice dishes and a warm, stylish setting and also holds the Travellers’ Choice ‘lo mejor de lo mejorThis year, the badge will be ‘.

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El Encuentro is also decorated with Tripadvisor in 2025, is the homely, terrace-friendly option in Calle Ayala known for generous portions and traditional dishes – its TripAdvisor menu lists items such as flamenquín (€11.80), carrillada (€13.80), entrecote (€16.81) and chuleton (€22.00), which illustrate the straightforward, value-for-money approach that reviewers appreciate.

Elsewhere in the province The Geranium, Casero and Cascada Cocina & Bar round out the Malaga entries in Tripadvisor’s Hidden Gems The list is a good reminder that some of the best restaurants on the Costa del Sol can be found in places where flavour, service, and personality are more important than glitz.

Click here to read more Food & Drink News from The Olive Press.

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