Mesón Antonio

Nowadays, fewer and fewer restaurants in Malaga city centre offer traditional cuisine at reasonable prices in a quiet location. But, fortunately, there are some exceptions such as Mesón Antonio. This well-established restaurant, in the very heart of the old quarter, checks all three boxes (and with trio of big ticks).

Mesón Antonio, founded in 1979, ranks as one of the longest-established restaurants in Malaga and Paco Viñolo, the owner, is one of the city’s most veteran restauranteurs. Given this track record, it’s no surprise to find his venue on our list of the best eateries in town.

Mesón Antonio prides itself of being the guardian of Malaga cuisine. Not for nothing is its slogan, La Solera de Málaga – Vintage Malaga.

What’s on the menu at Mesón Antonio?

Local and traditional are perhaps the best adjectives to describe the menu here. Mesón Antonio has always championed Malaga culinary traditions, those family recipes that are handed down through the generations and always taste delicious. ‘Guiso’, the Spanish for stew or slow-cooked dish, is one of the restaurant’s watchwords.

The local bit comes in the produce – this family-run business sources the best at the market, whether that’s prime cuts of meat or the freshest catch of the day. That said, Mesón Antonio also draws on fine products from other parts of Spain, such as tuna from Barbate in Cadiz province and T-bone steak from Avila.

Starters

You’re certainly spoilt for choice at this restaurant where the entrée menu runs long. You might want to begin with some sharing plates – maybe a plato rondeño (cold cut platter from Ronda), croquettes, artichokes (in season only) or fried aubergines with honey syrup.

Or perhaps you fancy a salad – there are eight choices here, including Malaga salad with potato, orange and cod. Alternatively, there are soups. No surprise to find local soups taking centre stage and Mesón Antonio is one of the best places in Malaga to try ajo blanco or porra antequerana (cold soups) in the summer or sopa de ajo (garlic soup) in the winter.

Main dishes

Despite its year-round sunshine, Malaga is famous for its guisos, those stews that star on all local family menus. Mesón Antonio serves callos a la andaluza (Andalusian-style tripe) and the dish of the day, usually a stew-type dish. There’s also braised oxtail and creamy lobster rice – order in advance if you fancy this.

Fresh fish and seafood are also staples in local cuisine and both have a full section on the menu here. Clams, prawns and langoustines feature as well as fresh tuna and turbot, along with pescaíto (fried fish) that is so typical of Malaga.

In the meat department, chargrilled steaks are one of the specialities at Mesón Antonio, but their suckling pig (also to order in advance) and suckling lamb cutlets are worthy of mention too.

Desserts

If you have any room left at the end of all this or can’t resist a sweet ending, you’re going to love the dessert menu. Again, it’s traditional, with all those typically Spanish puddings – think flan, natillas, tocino de cielo and a good smattering of cakes. But there’s also a nod to modernity, with brownies, chocolate coulants and millefeuilles in there.

What’s in your glass at Mesón Antonio?

Excellent wine is the short answer. While the wine list isn’t as long as some other restaurants in Malaga, it includes excellent labels. Malaga wines take pride of place, with more choice of Rioja and Ribera de Duero wines. Bottles are priced from €16 to €56 (prime vintage labels).

Prices at Mesón Antonio

It turns out that this restaurant also ticks the box for wallet friendly because you can dine here very reasonably.

Starters range from €9 to €21, with half-portions of sharing plates available in some instances. Mains start at €11 to €18, with the most expensive dishes costing around €35. Desserts cost €5 to €6.50.

Location and ambience

Mesón Antonio sits on a (very) quiet side street, just off Calle Nueva, about 2 minutes’ walk from Plaza de la Constitución. Super handy if you’re looking for a city-centre restaurant in Malaga without the hustle and bustle in so many other locations.

Mesón translates as inn or tavern and Mesón Antonio pays homage to this with its traditional Castillian tavern feel in the rustic decor and dark-wood beams. As a result, the interior is cosy and inviting. The restaurant also has a pleasant outdoor terrace – deliciously cool on warm summer evenings and quiet at any time of year.