No Name – a restaurant with something for everyone in Malaga

If you’re looking for wholesome home cooking, want a restaurant with something for everyone in Malaga (literally) and love your food colourful, add No Name Restaurant to your must-try list. We enjoyed a meal fit for a king and queen, carnivore and vegan, in pleasant surroundings and with good service. 

Now there’s a list of requirements that’s not easy to tick , but No Name managed to tick every single one. 

What’s the concept at No Name Restaurant?

As Sandro the owner told us, his restaurant only serves dishes that he wants to eat. (If only every restauranteur followed that maxim!). He also said that every dish is hand prepared from start to finish, aka 100% home cooking.

So, if you’re expecting ready-prepared dishes, heated-up paellas and quick-fry chips, this is not for you. If, however, the thought of never hearing a microwave ping is (silent) music to your ears, book a table now. The kitchen opens off the bar area so you can see the staff cooking, and, nope, there isn’t a microwave in sight. 

And No Name strives to be a restaurant with something for everyone in Malaga, so that no one is left with just one choice, particularly if they’re vegetarian or vegan.

So, what’s on the menu at No Name Restaurant?

As my dining partner said, this is a menu that’s easy to choose from. Not too long but with enough dishes on it to ensure you’d want to go back to try something else. It has a distinctly Mediterranean vibe, but Middle Eastern and Asian touches pop in every so often, so international cuisine is the most fitting description .

Another thing you notice about No Name is that everyone can find something on the menu. So, there are dishes for veggies, vegans, fish eaters and meat lovers. And you’ll note that about 75% of the dishes have the gluten-free symbol next to them. So, celiacs get a good choice too. 

Mostly organic

Between 60 and 80% of ingredients are organic, and all as locally sourced as possible. And when one isn’t available on the doorstep, Sandro prefers Spanish produce. Organic and km0 made a promising duo. 

The starters 

All the No Name starters, including the salad choices, make excellent sharing plates. We chose perhaps the most colourful of all: Five Sauces Hummus. The rainbow of beetroot, avocado, spinach, dried tomato and regular hummus make one very pretty dish, and each was as tasty as the others. Add organic sour bread from a nearby bakery, and you’re talking spreadable heaven. 

Other popular choices include the ceviche, again tastefully presented, the house falafel and the cheese platter. All in generous portions – our five sauces were almost too much for the two of us. 

The mains 

This section of the menu is clearly divided into fish (four options), vegetarian and vegan (five), and meat (five). I’m not a vegan or vegetarian but always curious to try something new that I wouldn’t make at home, so I went for the moussaka. My partner, who loves a bit of meat, chose the organic braised beef cheek. 

The moussaka came beautifully prepared, almost encased in a crisp outside and topped with mushroom bechamel and a dash of spicy brava sauce. Each layer of vegetables, down the bottom potato, was cooked to perfection and texture perfect. 

Meanwhile, things on the meat side of the table were quiet as my partner tucked into what he described as some of the tenderest meat he’d enjoyed in a long time. And true, it did literally melt in your mouth, and the accompanying confit carrots provided a great contrasting taste and texture. 

Read what else is on the menu at No Name. Note that dishes change seasonally in line with local produce. 

Desserts 

The menu has just three options, but all are homemade in the open kitchen. We went for the dragon fruit tart, with a cocoa and date base. Delicious and we loved the contrast between the slightly tart dragon fruit and the rich cheesecake base.

No Name serves specials on Fridays and Saturdays, so be sure to ask for the dish of the day. 

On the drinks menu 

Plenty is the short answer. And again, this is a restaurant with something for everyone in Malaga. The juices are all organic and there’s an impressive list of beers, including local craft ales and a gluten-free option. 

The wine list is excellent, with a nod to Malaga wine in both the reds and whites. Six types come by the glass and all are reasonably priced, with the most expensive at €48 a bottle. 

If you’re looking for other types of alcohol, No Name Restaurant has a house vermouth and cocktails priced at €8 each. 

Sandro is half-Italian, so the coffee is obviously good. It’s professionally made and even comes in a heated cup (a lovely touch if you’re a caffeine freak like my dining partner).

Good for vegetarians?

Resoundingly yes, and also a great choice for vegans. Celiacs and gluten-intolerant diners are also more than well-catered for. 

In fact, No Name is one of the few restaurants with something for everyone in Malaga. And giving everyone plenty to choose from.  

Location 

No Name is at Plaza Arriola 1, a block behind Atarazanas Market, so super handy for the city centre. 

Ambience 

It’s a small venue, but big on ceilings which rise loftily above you. The décor has an industrial vibe – think raw walls, glossy black steel pillars and a naked brick ceiling. The effect is, however, softened by lots of plants and subtle lighting. 

A winning trio

As well as good food, No Name is all about jazz and art.

In the musical department, it was easy-listening jazz while we were there and there are occasional live music sessions. Follow No Name on social media to find out when they are. 

No Name hosts several art exhibitions during the year, so expect to find some interesting pieces on the wall when you’re there.

Service 

Excellent and attentive. All staff speak good English, so no language barriers here.

Prices 

• Starters – from €8.20 to €12 (the platter of Iberian cold cuts costs €18).
• Mains – from €14 to €27, averaging around €18. 
• Desserts – €6.50

Good for kids? 

Yes, there were two families dining when we visited, both with very content children. But in the evening, this is more of an adult restaurant.

Accessible?

Yes, completely. 

Why put No Name Restaurant on your list of restaurants in Malaga?

• Wholesome food made from organic and/or locally-sourced ingredients.
• It caters for all types of diners and vegans and celiacs have an excellent choice.
• Attentive service.
• Handy location for the city centre.
• Kitchen open all day.

Opening hours

Tuesday to Friday 12.30 to 11.30pm; Saturday 1.30 to 11.30pm

Contact

Tel: 675643075 and online.

Booking advisable, especially on Fridays and Saturdays.

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