Mesón Santiago Sedeño
Where Malaga fresh produce creates the best traditional dishes.
Best for: trying a selection of local and Andalusian dishes.
Expect to pay: €25-40 per person.
Booking advisable? Yes, especially at weekends.
As any regular visitor to Malaga knows, new eateries pop up in the city all the time, but there are also some timeless classics. Restaurants that have been part and parcel of the Malaga dining scene ‘forever’. Mesón Santiago Sedeño is one of them.
The restaurant opened in 1990 and nearly four decades later, it continues to serve traditional dishes, using the best fresh local produce. The second generation of chefs and maitre d’s have maintained the same warm hospitality, and we think this is one of the friendliest venues in central Malaga. You’ll find it tucked away in the heart of the old quarter on Calle Correo Viejo.
It’s also the place to go in the city centre for dishes that have been served at tables in Malaga for decades. They include classics such as caldillo de pintarroja (dogfish consumé – only served in winter), potaje de jibia (cuttlefish stew), conchas finas (local clams) and pescaíto (fried fish). All at wallet-friendly prices.
“Since it opened in 1990, Mesón Santiago Sedeño has made classic Málaga cuisine its hallmark, featuring a menu that pays tribute to time-honoured flavours.”
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What’s on the menu at this restaurant?
Mesón Santiago Sedeño takes recipes from local and Andalusian cookbooks, and fresh Malaga produce and creates an extensive menu of sharing plates. While there are some tapas, almost all plates come as half and full potions – let the waiter advise you on how many to order for your table.
Starters
Here, you’ll find a mixture of quick bites such as fried aubergines along with the house stews, one of their hallmarks. There’s also a dish of the day, a traditional recipe based on what’s in season when you visit.
There’s a small selection of salads too.
If you’re eating in the restaurant for Saturday lunch, do try a plate of the Iberian paella, bubbling away in a giant pan in the kitchen. Available at lunchtime only, first-come-first-served, so arrive early to be sure of a portion.
Mains
This part of the menu comes in three sections: fish, seafood and meat.
If you’re a fan of fresh fish, make this your choice because it’s the house speciality. The menu includes dishes featuring larger fish (tuna, cod, monkfish or swordfish) or smaller fry such as anchovies and red mullet.
Seafood is another restaurant special – the house conchas finas (served raw or lightly grilled and €5 each) are particularly good and among the best in town.
Meat lovers have a good choice too, from the humble flamenquín (deep-fried pork roll from Cordoba) to the most sophisticated entrecôte. And yes, those chips are homemade, not straight from the freezer.
Desserts
Expect Spanish staples here such as flan (creme caramel), rice pudding and cheesecake. You can also have fresh fruit – the typical dessert in most local households.
What about vegetarians?
There isn’t much of a choice for 100% vegetarians beyond the aubergines and a couple of salads. Ask the waiter to adapt a dish for you to see what they can do. If you’re a pescatarian, welcome to something of a foodie heaven!
What’s in your glass at this restaurant?
The short wine list includes some local labels as well as a good choice of other Spanish wines and some cava. If you’re a manzanilla sherry fan, do order a glass of the house. It’s from Sanlúcar de Barrameda, the heart of manzanilla production and one of the best available in Malaga.
The beer list runs long and you’ll also find plenty of Spanish liquors plus the usual soft drinks and range of coffees and infusions.
Prices at this restaurant
We think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the following list:
Starters – from €2.50 to €12 (salads cost €6 to €11)
Mains – fish: large fish dishes from €16 to €22; fried fish dishes and seafood from €7 to €18; meat from €7 to €21
Desserts – €4.50
Service
Friendly and approachable, almost as if you were dining with a local family. The staff are happy to explain what’s in a dish and advise you on the amount of food. Unlike some restaurants, they tell you if they think you’re ordering too much.
Location and ambience
Mesón Santiago Sedeño sits in the heart of the old quarter, tucked down a side street off Plaza del Carbón. Despite being just a few strides from the city’s busiest streets, the restaurant has a quiet, almost secluded location.
Inside, the décor has a traditional tavern feel to it, with tiled walls, wooden furniture and an eclectic selection of paintings. Think local eaterie rather than high-end dining, and remember that you’re here for the food rather than fancy surroundings.
The outside terrace is almost always shady, making it ideal for a summer lunch.
Accessibility
The restaurant is fully accessible for wheelchairs.
Booking advisable?
As with any restaurant in the heart of Malaga old town, it’s a good idea to book ahead to be sure of a table. Friday and Saturday lunch and dinner are the busiest times, so reserve in advance if you’re planning to eat at these times.