Eme de Mariano RS

On Malaga’s most touristy streets, it can be difficult to find a restaurant that offers quality and dishes that don’t make you feel as if you’ve fallen into a tourist trap. But at EME de Mariano, despite being on the pretty (and busy) Calle Cister, you find an excellent dining experience and probably lots of local diners.

The restaurant specialises in traditional local and Spanish fare, so expect to find tortilla española and croquettes on the menu along with hearty stews and tasty rice dishes.

They also do excellent artichokes, other types of omelettes, octopus and a delicious take on the Asturian cachopo (breaded Iberian pork with Iberian ham and Manchego cheese).

All dishes are suitable as sharing plates – order several to try as many as possible between you – and you’ll be hard pushed to eat the 900g of cachopo on your own. Bear in mind that the rice dishes are for a minimum of two people and these portions are generous too.

Do save some space for the desserts, as hearty and delicious as the mains. Don’t miss the torrija (similar to French toast) or the baked apple tart.

The staff are friendly and happy to help out in English if necessary.

Outside, the terrace is small but cosy – great for people watching, while inside, you’ll find a light and airy atmosphere with local art work on the walls.