Yzabelle Bostyn
WITHOUT a doubt the vegan mecca of the Costa del Sol, where should you visit in Malaga city?
Our extensive guide covers dozens of the best locales dotted throughout the old town and beyond.
One not to miss is La Vegana, a small tapas restaurant dedicated to reinventing traditional Andalucian dishes.
If you are jealous of holidaymakers enjoying their espetos on the beach, you’ll love the restaurant’s range of vegan ‘seafood’ including pil pil prawns, cuttlefish, squid rings and lemon garnished fish.
READ MORE: Going vegan in Spain’s Barcelona? These are my top restaurant recommendations
Photo: La Vegana
For those who prefer a hearty ‘meat’ dish, try the choripan (chorizo and bread), the Spanish omelet or meatballs in an almond sauce.
Photo: The Olive Press
The desserts are also to die for, coming from Fuengirola bakery Vegabonty, so if you can’t make your way out of the city, be sure to sample them here.
READ MORE: ‘I tried Malaga’s only vegan doughnut shop and was blown away by the quality’
Photo: Vegabonty
Starting at just €3.50, La Vegana is a local, down to earth and purse friendly option for those hoping to try traditional Spanish cuisine.
Next on the list in Malaga is Recyclo Bike Cafe, found in the trendy Soho neighbourhood.
A bike repair shop, cafe, restaurant and live music venue, this truly is a spot for everyone, even more so because you can order many meat dishes in a vegan version.
Photo: Recyclo Bike Cafe
But the best thing about Recyclo is the selection of vegan desserts, including an indulgent chocolate peanut butter cake that I’m still thinking about today.
Photo: Recyclo Bike Cafe
If you don’t have a sweet tooth, there’s plenty more to entice you in, with an impressive range of craft beers on tap.
On the slightly more expensive side is Meet Vegano in the historic quarter.
Though on the pricier end of the range, the dishes at Meet are certainly worth the extra couple of euros.
When I visited, the small venue was packed but I liked sitting at the cosy bar while I enjoyed my mushroom burger in a pretzel bun.
READ MORE: Going vegan in Bilbao: Here’s how to enjoy pinchos like a pro in Spain’s gastronomic capital
Photo: The Olive Press
Deep fried and perfectly seasoned, it came with a punchy garlic mayo and delicious waffle fries.
Though I haven’t had the chance to return to Meet, I would say yes to trying that burger again in a heartbeat.
No trip to Malaga is complete with a dessert crawl around the city’s best vegan sweet spots.
My favourite is Yummy Helados, conveniently placed right next to the cathedral.
READ MORE: Vegan in Madrid? Here’s our ultimate guide to eating plant based in the Spanish capital
Photo: Yummy Helados
While offering both plant based and non-vegan scoops, they have a variety of delectable cakes, drinks and ice creams on offer.
Photo: The Olive Press
I recommend going for the pistachio ice cream or indulging in a gooey brownie.
Nearby, you could follow it up with a donut and hot drink from Bun and Coffee.
READ MORE: Going vegan in Sevilla? These six restaurants are a must visit
Photo: Bun and Coffee
While their classic donuts are always a safe choice, they also create new seasonal flavours every week including pumpkin spice, christmas tree and turron.
Photo: The Olive Press
Though I haven’t had the time to try all of Malaga’s vegan offerings, a few other venues I’ve been recommended include: Mimo Vegan, Rukula, Breakfast and Pancake House, La Siria, El Rincon de Flor, Estacion Quimera and The Wala Room.
READ MORE: EXCLUSIVE: ‘I visited the new vegan butchers in southern Spain – these were my favourite dishes’
Malaga also has a range of vegan shops to be discovered, such as Andalucia’s first plant based butcher, Els Vegans.
