Taberna El Mentidero
If you’re looking for hearty Andalusian food in a traditional tavern and bang in the centre of Malaga, you can’t go wrong at Taberna El Mentidero. Something of a classic on the local dining scene, this restaurant should be your go-to if you’re looking for typical tapas, fried fish, rice dishes and a choice of meat and fish mains.
“At El Mentidero, Mediterranean cuisine is a declaration of intent. Our menu is a curated selection that honours the culinary tradition of Malaga.”
Alejandro, owner of Taberna el mentidero
This bid to honour local dishes means that, among other things, Taberna El Mentidero is the only place in central Malaga serving true sardine espetos. They have an authentic open fire and grill fresh sardines and other fish, exactly as beachfront restaurants do.
What’s on the menu at Taberna El Mentidero?
Plenty is the short answer because the menu runs long, meaning there’s something for everyone.
Traditional tapas
True to its tavern vibe, Taberna El Mentidero has an excellent choice of typical tapas. Think Russian salad, Spanish omelette, fried aubergines with cane sugar, octopus… Plus, scrambled eggs any which way and a hearty flamenquín (meat roll) from Cordoba. Most come as a tapa (from €3) and as a sharing plate option (from €11).
The tapas menu makes this restaurant a good spot for a quick bite if you find yourself in need of a early lunch or dinner snack when most other kitchens are closed.
Starters
If you haven’t gone for one of the tapas to start your meal, choose from the range of salads or vegetable dishes (artichokes are a local favourite). Or opt for gazpachuelo, a typical Malaga soup with potatoes, seafood and mayonnaise.
Fried fish
You might be in the heart of the old quarter (the Cathedral is just around the corner), but the pescaíto menu takes you straight to the beach. Like the best chiringuitos, Taberna El Mentidero sources its fresh fish from the market and fries it crisply to perfection.
As we said earlier, this restaurant is also a place to head for if you’re hankering after some grilled sardines and can’t be bothered to walk to the beach. Fried fish prices are wallet-friendly too, with a sardine espeto costing €5 and portions from €10.
Mains
Another wide range of dishes that will satisfy everyone. Retinta beef features often in the meats section as does Iberian pork. Carnivores who are especially hungry might want to try the mixed grill for two.
As well as fish cooked on a skewer (e.g. seabass and octopus), you can also have grilled fish such as salmon and tuna.
Taberna El Mentidero also specialises in rice dishes. Choose from paella-style (a drier rice) or what the restaurant calls ‘soupy rice’, with more liquid and eaten with a spoon. Treat yourselves to the lobster version (€50 for two).
Desserts
Like most Spanish restaurants, the dessert menu is short but sweet. It includes cheesecake, brownie and ice cream. Or you may want to finish with a sweet Malaga wine from Bodegas Ordóñez, a classic on the local wine scene.
What about vegetarians?
There’s a reasonable choice of salads and potato dishes, plus a generous cheese platter. Vegetarian rice dishes are available on request.
Did you know?
The kitchen at Taberna El Mentidero is open all day, every day.
What’s in your glass at Taberna El Mentidero?
As well as a selection of draft and bottled beers, the venue has soft drinks and a reasonable wine list. Wines from Malaga, including a sparkling Botani, feature in all sections. Prices start from €3.50 a glass.
Prices at this city-centre restaurant
We think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by your final bill at this restaurant, particularly since it’s right in the city centre.
Tapas – €3-10
Sharing plates – €11-25
Fried fish – €10-18 (whole portions)
Rice dishes – from €36 (for two people)
Mains – €15-58 (ribeye steak for two people)
Dessert – from €6
Service
The staff are friendly and helpful, and keen to help you choose the right dishes for you. The waiters are happy to explain the ingredients.
Did you know?
Mentidero means a place where people get together to chat. (No wonder this restaurant feels so welcoming!)
Location and ambience
Taberna El Mentidero sits in the heart of the old quarter, so couldn’t be more centrally located. You can sit outside on the pleasant terrace – shaded in the summer and heated in winter – and watch the world go by on the busy street.
Or dine inside, where the decor evokes a traditional Spanish tavern. Think barrels, bullfighting memorabilia – the Osbourne bull silhouette dominates the back wall – and Andalusian touches in the tiles and geraniums.
Accessibility
Taberna El Mentidero is fully accessible for wheelchairs.