La Terraza de la Aduana – views from a museum
Note that this restaurant is currently closed.
Fans of Guide to Malaga will know that we do like a view, so we were more than keen to try out one of the newest restaurants in Malaga when it opened in early May. La Terraza de la Aduana has a prime spot on the top floor of the Museum of Malaga and a terrace with views to feast your eyes on.
What’s on the menu
The menu combines Mediterranean cuisine – local produce has a high profile – with a splash of international flavour in a couple of the dishes. It offers a succinct choice and all can be served as sharing plates giving you and your fellow diners the chance to try several different dishes.
Starters include a salmorejo (cold tomato soup) with “real tomatoes”, crab, trout roe and a delicious watermelon topping; tuna tartare with avocado; guacamole with avocados from Velez-Málaga down the road; and sea bass ceviche with mango (also from Velez). Russian salad and croquettes make up the staples.
Moving on to mains, Malaga kid goat makes an appearance with almond and Oloroso sherry sauce. Other meat dishes include Iberian pork and rice with chorizo. Tuna turns up again but this time with Pak Choi and another nod to Malaga comes in the roast octopus with gazpachuelo malagueño.
You have a choice of just five desserts, all served in Kilner jars and presented on a board so you can pick the one that takes your fancy. But, the jars are small so you won’t be sharing this course.
The wine list runs long – the wine cellar is by the entrance – and there is a reasonable selection of local wines.
Presentation is stunning – pure white linen tablecloths and serviettes complemented by block colour plates. We loved the dessert plate with its big nod to the tiles in the Alcazaba just beyond the table. Add the view at the back and it’s all very Instagramable.
Good for vegetarians?
As is the case at so many restaurants in Malaga the answer is a straight no. Pescatarians have a reasonable choice but true veggies will end up hungry. We counted just one dish on the menu that would count as 100% vegetarian.
Location
The Terraza de la Aduana has one of the most privileged locations in Malaga. On the top floor of the Museum of Malaga – an architectural jewel in itself – the restaurant looks directly onto the Alcazaba Fortress. If you’re lucky enough to get a frontline table (and we were), you get probably the best views of the Alcazaba interior in the city.
The terrace also nestles between the stunning roof tiles, each carved with the city skyline – don’t miss the chance to see those close up when you’re there. And as well as the views, the location ticks all the easy-to-get-to boxes too since the restaurant is within easy walking distance of anywhere in the centre.
Ambience
La Terraza de la Aduana is divided into two separate areas. The terrace with about ten tables – perfect for more informal dining or just a drink and tapa if you don’t want to eat a full meal. Inside is more formal but still welcoming and you won’t feel overwhelmed by the formality. We love the wooden slates on the walls and ceiling, and the low lighting makes it a great place for a romantic meal if it’s too chilly to sit outside (but with those views you probably wouldn’t mind).
Extras
Like many restaurants in Malaga, La Terraza de la Aduana charges for bread and olive oil – €2.50 per person, which seems a little steep. However, unlike many venues, the waiter asks you if you’d like it so you have the chance to refuse. You get a small plate of olives with your drink.
Service
Excellent. The staff are welcoming and professional. We were impressed how quickly and efficiently they dealt with a potentially big problem at another table. This is obviously a restaurant where the customer is always right. And there was just the right amount of time between courses to take in the views.
Prices
La Terraza de la Aduana ranks among the medium to high-priced restaurants in Malaga so don’t expect a cheap meal or your plate piled high. However, the portions are big enough to share and you’re looking at one of the best views in the city.
The menu of the day (3 courses, served Tuesday to Friday lunchtimes) is a good value €15.
Starters €9-16
Mains €12-19
Desserts €3.50
Good for kids?
A couple of tables included older kids when we were there. It’s not really a place for small children or kids who can’t sit down for long because the décor and prices place this in the up-market dining niche. And there’s nowhere for kids to run around safely while you finish your meal. There is however a kid’s menu for €12.50.
Accessible?
Yes, completely.
Why put La Terraza de la Aduana on your list of restaurants in Malaga
- Fabulous views
- Excellent service
- Good food
Opening hours
Tues-Sat noon-midnight
Sun noon-4pm
Book ahead if you want a table on the terrace or go along early (1pm or 8pm).
Contact
Museum of Malaga, top floor – enter the museum, cross the patio and follow the signs to the restaurant and lift.
Tel: 951 562 086
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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.
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