Hello Picasso Bar Tapas Malaga

Living in the heart of Malaga, it's hard not to be a foodie; the city is made for long lunches, tapas crawls, and late nights at your favourite restaurant (called sobremesa in Spain). If you're wondering what Malaga is really like, it's all about this food culture.

After four years, it's safe to say I have my favourites.

One that I keep coming back to is Picasso Bar Tapas Malaga, a hidden gem among the throng of restaurants lining Plaza de La Merced just steps away from my little flat.

If you didn't know it, it would be hard to pick out from the lineup of restaurants, which is a total shame and why I thought I would document my last meal here, which was amazing!

P.S. Keep reading until the end, there's a little surprise waiting for you 👀

What I love about Picasso Bar is that you never feel rushed.

Located in Plaza de La Merced, you'll find a mix of locals, expats, and travellers all doing the same thing: soaking up the sun with something good on their plate. It's one of the reasons we love recommending this area in our where to eat and drink in Malaga guide.

When we visited, a group of breakdancers took over the plaza for a spontaneous show, just another reminder that in Málaga, lunch often comes with a bit of theatre.

Starting things out was a tomato, avocado, and anchovy salad. Fresh, salty, and surprisingly addictive.

We then decided to have the Chef’s Choice, a rotating selection of five tapas.

Our lineup:

• Patatas bravas: Crispy, with just the right kick of spice.

• Beef stew: So tender we barely needed forks.

• Padrón peppers: Lightly blistered, full of salty crunch.

• Fried eggplant with honey: That sweet-savoury combo never gets old.

• Crispy prawns: Golden perfection, no notes.

If you're new to the world of tapas in Málaga, this is the best possible intro and bonus points to Picasso because they have over 30 tapas to choose from. For more ideas on things to do in Malaga, a tapas crawl should definitely be on your list.

The octopus leg was my absolute favourite, served on a creamy bed of sweet potato.

Perfectly charred, melt-in-your-mouth tender, and plated like art. Easily the best octopus we’ve had anywhere in Spain.

We also ordered the gambas al pil pil, which arrived sizzling in garlicky olive oil. This is my go-to, and I can't recommend it more if you're visiting Spain! If you want to learn more about local dishes, check out our guide to traditional food in Malaga.

We have to mention Crawford.

Originally from Wales and living in Málaga since 2015, he’s more than front-of-house at Picasso Bar.

He’s the first face you see, the one running bookings, managing social media, keeping the orders flowing, and still somehow finding the time to chat with guests like they’re old friends.

When we asked about his name, he smiled and told us it was his grandmother’s maiden surname. A small detail, but one that stuck with us, and we had fun getting to know him and learning what it's like to run a restaurant in Malaga.

If you go, and you really should, say hello. He’s the reason we’ll be back just as much as the food is.

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Bonus Tip: Come Back for Breakfast

Even in winter, the morning sun warms the terrace just enough to make an outdoor breakfast feel like a small luxury.

They offer set breakfasts, toast, coffee, and fresh orange juice for around €5, which is a bargain for Malaga! If you're planning where to base yourself, take a look at our where to stay in Malaga guide.

Is it family-friendly?

Yes. We saw couples, kids, and solo diners all enjoying themselves. Planning a visit with little ones? Check out our guide to Malaga with kids.

Do you need a reservation?

Not usually. It fills up fast during peak hours, but tables turn quickly.

Are there vegetarian options?

Plenty. The tapas menu includes several veggie dishes and fresh salads.

What's the average cost for two?

Expect to spend about €30–40 for two, including drinks. Worth every cent.

SpainOnFoot Reader Bonus

Picasso Bar has shared a small winter treat for our readers:

Offer details:

• Minimum order: 20€ per person

• Gift: One free tapa of your choice

• How to redeem: Mention the code SpainOnFoot when placing your order

• Valid: 12 December 2025 – 28 February 2026

Terms & Conditions:

• Offer applies to dine-in orders only.

• A minimum spend of 20€ per person is required before the free tapa can be added.

• One free tapa per guest, chosen from the regular tapa menu.

• Must mention the code SpainOnFoot at the time of ordering.

• Not combinable with other promotions or discounts.

• Picasso Bar reserves the right to modify or end the promotion at any time.