El Ambigu de la Coracha – where dining comes with views to die for

Update October 2021: This restaurant has unfortunately closed its doors. Hopefully, a new owner will take it over, but until then, Malaga is missing one of its restaurants with the best views.

This is one of those restaurants in Malaga where fine dining comes with a real plus – magnificent views. El Ambigu de la Coracha isn’t easy to find even though it lies in one of the city’s most historic places. Perched up on the hill underneath the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro walls, this restaurant is well worth the effort to find (and the climb to get there).

What’s on the menu

El Ambigu goes for an interesting mix of local produce – there are plenty of nods to Malaga in the fish, goat, fruit, vegetables and wine – and international fare. Starters include a cheese platter, papas arrugás (spicy potatoes) from the Canary Islands, warm prawn and scallop salad, and king prawn ceviche with local avocado.

The mains keep the mix, although almost everything comes with a twist. So the flamenquín (fried Iberian pork roll) comes with smoked Idiazábal cheese, which gives an ordinary dish an extraordinary bite. Baked squid is served with fideuá and rocket aioli. Malaga kid goat gets a samosa and some cous cous. And Iberian pork loin has a beer marinade.

The dessert list is short and sweet. As well as a brownie, there’s a refreshing pineapple and lime with a dribble of honey from Frigiliana near Nerja. And the pièce de resistance – the yogurt mousse with local mango and almond crumble. Dig deep into this treasure for the delightfully fresh mango.

The wine list runs long and we were impressed by the choice of local wines. They include sparkling Botani, served at El Ambigu de la Coracha by the glass – it’s not often you see that in Malaga.

Presentation is exceptional – we loved the mix-match of plates and every dish is almost too good to cut into. And even the cutlery is stylish. All very Instagramable.

Location

As we mentioned earlier, one of the big pluses at this restaurant is the views. El Ambigu de la Coracha has truly wonderful views down onto the Paseo del Parque, Muelle Uno, our favourite Pergola and beyond into the port and the western seafront. Unusually for Malaga city centre it’s also nice and quiet so this is a good location for a quiet meal à deux.

Ambience

El Ambigu means a meeting place for friends to relax and chat, and the ambience here could be your own dining room. The eclectic mix of chairs (choose yours carefully as some are a little on the hard side) at the pine tables certainly gives a homely air.

Book a table outside for the best views or if the weather’s a little chilly or too hot, go for a table by the window inside. Bear in mind that the views aren’t so good inside on winters evenings as the windows tend to reflect the light. Those during the day, however, and from the terrace are always magnificent.

Extras

Like many restaurants in Malaga, El Ambigu de la Coracha includes a service charge. It’s €1.50 per person but unlike many restaurants, we felt we got our money’s worth. As well as providing the usual bread and olives, El Ambigu also gives you a mini olive oil tasting session of two very different EVOOs. And you get a glass of sweet Malaga wine with your dessert.

Service

Excellent. The staff are welcoming and attentive. And you get enough time between courses to savour the views.

Prices

El Ambigu de la Coracha isn’t one of the cheapest restaurants in Malaga and if you like your food piled high on your plate, you’re going to be disappointed. But given the quality and presentation of the food, we feel it offers plenty of value for money.

Starters €6-13

Mains €9.50-15.

Why put El Ambigu on your list of restaurants in Malaga

• Stunning views
• Beautifully presented and delicious food

Opening hours

Tues-Sat 1pm-midnight

Sun 1-4pm

Contact

Calle Campos Eliseos

Tel: 951 90 0 046

How to get there

On foot

If you’re walking to El Ambigu de la Coracha you have 3 options (note that only the third is accessible):

• Walk up the slope from Plaza de General Torrijos (next to La Odisea)  – zigzag up until you see the restaurant.
• Walk up or down the path to the Gibralfaro – look out for the restaurant about half-way up.
• Walk up Calle Mundo Nuevo from Plaza de la Merced, go through the pedestrian tunnel and turn left. Don’t miss the Alcazaba Walkway on your way.

By car

Get a taxi and ask to be dropped at the top of Campos Eliseos. The restaurant is a very short walk down.

Keep your finger on the Malaga restaurant buzzer – sign up for our free fortnightly newsletter. All you need to know about what’s new on the city foodie scene plus other Malaga news in your inbox every other Friday.

SIGN UP NOW!

Note: we always go incognito to the venues included in our Malaga restaurants reviews section and we always pay in full for every item on our bill. This way we guarantee that we receive service and food just as any other customer does. And if they don’t make our criteria for the best in Malaga, they don’t make the section. It’s as simple as that.