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Discover the best places to have breakfast in Málaga with these 5 standout city-center cafés perfect for starting your day of exploring.
Málaga is more than just a gateway to the Costa del Sol—it’s a vibrant city where Moorish history, Andalusian charm, and modern creativity converge. With its compact historic center, sun-drenched plazas, world-class museums, and sea breeze drifting in from the port, it’s the perfect destination for travelers seeking culture, cuisine, and coastal energy—all in one walkable city.
And like any great day of exploration, it begins with breakfast. A strong café con leche, a flaky tostada drizzled with olive oil and tomato, or a freshly glazed donut can set the tone for hours of wandering through alleyways, climbing castle ramparts, or browsing Picasso’s birthplace. Here are five standout spots in Málaga’s city center where locals and savvy travelers refuel—and where your day can start right.
Plaza de La Merced in Málaga, Spain. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham
What to Look for in a Málaga Breakfast Spot
When you’re short on time and hungry to see the city, the ideal breakfast café checks a few key boxes:
Quality coffee or tea — Málaga has a thriving third-wave scene alongside traditional bars.
Fresh, local flavors — think homemade pastries, regional olive oil, or seasonal fruit.
Central location — ideally within walking distance of major sights like the Alcazaba, Cathedral, or Mercado Central.
Friendly, relaxed service — invaluable if you’re jet-lagged or navigating a new language.
Flexible seating or takeout — for those tight on time or craving breakfast en route to a hike up Gibralfaro.
Top 5 Breakfast Spots in Málaga
Bun and Coffee
Tucked away on a quiet street just behind the Cathedral, Bun and Coffee is a favorite among locals and design-savvy visitors alike. This minimalist-chic café specializes in artisanal donuts, think dark chocolate & olive oil, lemon-thyme, or cinnamon-cardamom—paired with expertly brewed filter coffee, cold brews, and creamy flat whites. The atmosphere is calm and bright, with wooden benches, hanging plants, and soft jazz, ideal for easing into the day before tackling the city’s hills and museums. Don’t miss their signature “Donut + Coffee” combo—it’s become something of a Málaga ritual.
Café de Madrid
A historic institution since 1948, Café de Madrid sits proudly on the lively Plaza de la Merced—right in front of Picasso’s statue. Its vintage tiled floors, marble-topped counters, and old-world charm make it perfect for a classic Spanish start: tostada con tomate y jamón ibérico, a cortado, and a freshly squeezed orange juice (zumo de naranja). Open from 7:30 AM, it’s reliably bustling but efficient, great for solo travelers or groups wanting a quick, authentic bite before visiting the nearby Picasso Museum or Mercado Central.
Café de Madrid is near the Picasso State at Plaza de La Merced in central Málaga. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham
La Botica de Vinos
Though known for evening wine tastings, La Botica’s morning hours (from 9:00 AM) offer a delightful brunch with a creative twist. Try their avocado toast with smoked salmon and pomegranate, shakshuka with local eggs, or vegan chia pudding with seasonal fruit. The ambiance is intimate and artsy, with exposed brick, greenery, and soft lighting—perfect for a relaxed, unhurried meal. It’s just a 2-minute walk from the Alcazaba entrance, making it an excellent pre-sightseeing pit stop.
Larios Café
For pure local immersion, head to Larios Café on Calle Larios—one of Málaga’s most elegant shopping streets. This sleek, turn-of-the-century cafetería serves textbook desayuno español: thick hot chocolate (perfect for dipping churros), café con leche in vintage cups, and fresh magdalenas (Spanish muffins) baked daily. The terrace offers prime people-watching, and the indoor salon feels like stepping into a 1920s novel. It’s busy but never rushed, locals linger over newspapers and conversation, and staff are happy to explain the menu in English.
Stop into Larios Café on Calle Larios and order Spanish Magdalenas, or sweet muffins. Photo by Mila Bond via iStock by Getty Images
Nourish Bio Café
Travelers with dietary preferences will appreciate Nourish Bio Cafe, Málaga’s go-to for healthy, plant-forward breakfasts. Their smoothie bowls (with house-made granola, banana, dates, and seasonal toppings), gluten-free pancakes, and turmeric lattes are as nourishing as they are delicious. Located near Plaza de la Constitución, this bright, airy space champions organic, local ingredients and sustainability (including compostable packaging and zero-waste initiatives). It’s quiet, calm, and ideal for mindful mornings—or those recovering from tapas the night before.
Tips for Breakfasting in Málaga as a Traveler
Walk first, eat second: Málaga’s center is flat and compact—many cafés are within 5 to 10 minutes of major attractions.
Timing matters: Most cafés open between 8 and 9 AM; traditional churrerías open earlier (7 AM), while modern spots like Bun and Coffee or Nourish may open at 8:30 or 9 AM.
Spanish breakfast is light: Don’t expect eggs and bacon—instead, embrace tostada, bizcocho, or tortilla francesa. Brunch (11 AM–2 PM) is more substantial.
Menus are often bilingual: Especially in the center—but learning “un café con leche, por favor” or “la cuenta, cuando quiera” earns smiles.
Sample One-Day Breakfast & Sightseeing Morning Itinerary
8:30 AM: Start at Bun and Coffee for a cold brew and lemon-thyme donut—fuel with flair.
9:15 AM: Stroll 5 minutes to the Alcazaba, Málaga’s stunning Moorish fortress, and climb to the top for panoramic city views.
10:45 AM: Walk down to the Roman Theatre, then continue to Plaza de la Merced for a mid-morning zumo de naranja and croissant at Café de Madrid.
11:30 AM: Visit the Picasso Museum (just across the square), then loop back toward the Cathedral and Mercado Central for lunch.
This route blends culture, views, and flavour—all before noon.
Roman theatre in Málaga, Spain. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham
Exploring Málaga
In Málaga, breakfast isn’t just a meal, it’s a mood, a ritual, and often the first genuine connection to the city’s rhythm. Whether you crave the creativity of Bun and Coffee, the tradition of Café de Madrid, or the wellness focus of Nourish, your perfect morning bite awaits just around the corner. Mix and match: try one modern, one local, and let your palate guide your path. After all, the best way to see Málaga is with a full heart—and a full stomach. We invite you to explore Wander With Wonder for more to do when you visit Spain.
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