Restaurante Vino Mio – quality cuisine and service with a smile

We’re sitting at Restaurante Vino Mio with a frontline view of the Cervantes Theatre, floodlit and showcasing the Jazz Festival. The temperature’s positively balmy for October and, in our glasses, the crispest verdejo we’ve tasted this summer.

All a very promising start to dinner at this classic on the Malaga restaurant dining scene. Restaurante Vino Mio has been serving contemporary cuisine since 2003 and has gained a well-deserved reputation for quality. The management changed hands in 2024 and now lies in the hands of Freddy Cusell, renowned Dutch chef and specialist in Peruvian Nikkei cuisine.

What’s on the menu 

Vino Mio describes itself as international Andalusian cuisine with a touch of Peru, and the menu certainly ticks these boxes. On the international stage are woks and ravioil; the Andalusian part comes in the local produce and recipes; and Peru takes centre stage in the ceviche and spicy notes in many dishes.

To whet your appetite 

The starters include the house specials, tataki de atún (tuna), pictured below and the watermelon tataki. The watermelon makes a great option for vegetarians, but both dishes brim with flavour and texture. We tried both and were struck by how similar they were in feel despite one being a fruit and the other a fish.

We also tried a tiradito, with corvina fish in an ajoblanco soup, a typical summer dish in Malaga. The dish had a Nikkei touch in a spicy sauce and we thought the flavours blended perfectly.

All the starters are sharing plates, a good option if you want to try several. 

Next up on the menu 

Next up, the mains and you’ll find a good choice at Vino Mio. On the menu are three fish dishes and three meat, as well as a trio of woks and three choices for vegetarians.

I was keen to try a vegetarian option because I think that shows the quality of a restaurant. I went for the spinach and fresh cheese ravioli and was not disappointed. The pasta was the right side of al dente and the sauce, deliciously creamy.

My dining partner is a bit of a carnivore, so he tried the Iberian presa pork dish, which at Vino Mio comes with tomato and an ají panca sauce (that Peruvian hot spot again).

Sweet finish

We were both pretty full by now, but research needs must, and we can’t do a Malaga restaurant review without a full tasting!

The Restaurante Vino Mio dessert menu is short but sweet (literally) and we chose the house special, Tarta Bien Loquita. This is a nod to the local loca cake (puff pastry, filled with confectioner’s custard and topped with icing), but with a twist. Mascarpone ice cream tops the crumble and hides the apple compot and surprise filling.

Other options include torrija (French toast) with banana ice cream, Vino Mio’s signature Guiness Cake and sorbet. There’s also a cheese board option

See the full menu

And now to the vino

From its name, you’d expect this restaurant to know a thing or two about wine. And they certainly do. The wine list isn’t too long, but there’s everything you’d expect on there, including a Cloe Brut Nature cava from Malaga (now on our must-try list).

The options for reds and white include several wines from Malaga and there’s a good choice of wine by the glass. Prices start at €4 for a generous glass and at €18 for a bottle. Most come in the range of €20 to €30.

There’s also a full list of house cocktails, including an Aperol beer – definitely worth trying!

Good for vegetarians?

Unlike a lot of restaurants in Malaga the answer is yes. Non-fish and meat eaters have a choice of three main dishes, plus several starters and one of the salads. We liked the sound of the Chaufa wok and would have tried it. But hey, that ravioli got in first.

The restaurant can also cater for vegans – just be sure to mention your requirements to the staff when you arrive.

Location

Couldn’t be better because Restaurante Vino Mio is in the heart of the city centre, moments from Calle Larios and Plaza de la Merced. And if you’re going to the theatre, this is the perfect spot for a pre- or post-concert dinner.

Ambience

Inside, Restaurante Vino Mio is light and airy, with funky art work on the walls. The outside terrace is equally spacious and has lovely views of the square including the theatre. Soft lighting inside and out creates an intimate space, so this is great for a romantic dinner for two as well as a larger group.

Note that the terrace is quiet – surprisingly so when you’re just moments from the bustling Plaza de la Merced and Plaza Uncibay – making it an excellent option for relaxed dining in central Malaga.

Service

Excellent and always with a smile. It isn’t often that every single member of the wait staff is as attentive as this. They’re multi-lingual too, so there’s someone on hand to explain the menu in languages other than Spanish and English.

We also found their enthusiasm contagious. And every waiter is more than happy to walk you through each dish and explain their ingredients. They’ll even help you choose a dish if you’re torn between several.

Prices

Restaurante Vino Mio prides itself on quality products and a high ratio of wait staff to diners (if only all restaurants in Malaga would do the same!). This tandem is reflected in the prices, so this isn’t a venue for a cheap eat. However, you do get value for money, which we think ultimately makes a good restaurant.

• Starters and sharing plates €10-14.50
• Mains €17.50-28
• Desserts €7-8

Extras

Restaurante Vino Mio has a regular flamenco show. This fun event is put on by a local group who, like the Restaurante Vino Mio waiters, couldn’t be more enthusiastic about what they do.

Expect 90 minutes of foot-stomping, finger-clicking entertainment with the possibility of joining in yourself at the end. You might need a couple more glasses of vino for that, but your waiter will be more than happy to suggest the appropriate Dutch courage.

The flamenco show is available Wednesday to Sunday and is free with your meal. It takes place from 8 to 9.30pm.

Good for kids?

Restaurante Vino Mio is family friendly and if you dine outside, your kids can run about in the pedestrian square while you kick back and relax to truly enjoy your meal.

Accessible?

Yes, inside and outside. To access the restaurant, take the ramp on the left-hand side of the square.

Why put Restaurante Vino Mio on your list of restaurants in Malaga

• Fragrant, flavour in all dishes.
• Great combo of cuisine types.
• Delicious quality for money.
• Professional service with a smile.
• Kitchen open all day on Fridays and at the weekend.

Opening hours

Wednesday and Thursday 7pm to late.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday 1.30pm to late.

Contact

Tel: 952 609 093

Book your table now

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