Food place in Málaga
Chiringuito El Merlo
Pedregalejo seafront, Málaga
A beachfront chiringuito on the Pedregalejo promenade with its espeto boat burning out front — sardines on the cane, fried fish, and plastic chairs a few metres from the water.
Area
Pedregalejo seafront
Food type
Non-veg
Price range
€12–25
Opening hours
Lunch and dinner in season; the fire is lit for service, not in between
About
What is Chiringuito El Merlo famous for?
The espeto is the order and it is cheap enough to have several. Go when the fire is actually burning — around lunchtime or from early evening — because a chiringuito with a cold boat is just a bar with a sea view.
What to eat here
Best dishes to try at Chiringuito El Merlo
Non-veg · €12–25
Good to know
Is Chiringuito El Merlo good for families?
Yes — Chiringuito El Merlo is family friendly and serves non-vegetarian food. It is open for lunch and dinner in season; the fire is lit for service, not in between.
Make a morning of it
Photo spots near Chiringuito El Merlo
Shoot nearby, then eat at Chiringuito El Merlo.
Playa de Pedregalejo
Best photo · The hour before sunset, when the espeto fires are lit along the front and the smoke goes gold over the boats
Best combo: Photos here, then espeto de sardinas at Chiringuito El Merlo.
See photo spot
Alcazaba de Málaga
Best photo · Early morning at opening, when the light comes through the arcades along the upper courtyards and there is nobody in them
Best combo: Photos here, then espeto de sardinas at Chiringuito El Merlo.
See photo spot
Castillo de Gibralfaro
Best photo · The hour before sunset, when the sun drops behind the city and the bullring below turns into a lit circle
Best combo: Photos here, then espeto de sardinas at Chiringuito El Merlo.
See photo spotWant something else nearby?
Search Málaga food by craving
What Chiringuito El Merlo is
A beachfront chiringuito on the Pedregalejo promenade with its espeto boat burning out front — sardines on the cane, fried fish, and plastic chairs a few metres from the water. Meat and fish lead the menu. This sits at the easy end of the scale - figure €12–25.
🍲 The food
The fish side of the menu runs on the local catch - asking what came in that morning beats choosing from the printed list.
🕒 When to come
The short version of the hours: Lunch and dinner in season; the fire is lit for service, not in between.
🧭 Finding it
Chiringuito El Merlo is in Pedregalejo seafront, Málaga - Andalucía. The frame is half the reason to come - time the meal for it.
✅ The short version
Families with children are normal here.
Questions
Chiringuito El Merlo — FAQ
What is Chiringuito El Merlo famous for?
A beachfront chiringuito on the Pedregalejo promenade with its espeto boat burning out front — sardines on the cane, fried fish, and plastic chairs a few metres from the water.
What are the must-try dishes at Chiringuito El Merlo?
Don't miss Espeto de sardinas and Pescaíto frito.
Is Chiringuito El Merlo good for families?
Yes — Chiringuito El Merlo is family friendly and serves non-vegetarian food.
What are Chiringuito El Merlo's opening hours?
Chiringuito El Merlo is open for lunch and dinner in season; the fire is lit for service, not in between.
Where is Chiringuito El Merlo located?
Chiringuito El Merlo is in Pedregalejo seafront, Málaga.