The 7 Best Cafes in Malaga Spain: My Top Coffee Shops in 2026

I am a huge coffee lover, so no matter what city or place I visit on my travels, finding a good coffee shop or cafe is always a must for me. Of course, that is exactly what I did during my time in Malaga Spain!

Malaga and Spain in general, has its own very strong breakfast and coffee culture. You’ll find the classics everywhere, like a traditional café con leche with pan con tomate (tomato toast). But in Malaga, I also found loads of “modern” cafes in Malaga where I could get my avocado on toast and flat white fix when I needed it.

I spent quite a few days in Malaga on my recent visit, so I got to try a bit of everything. I tested out loads of amazing specialty coffee shops and cute little cafes, but I also made sure to have plenty of Spanish breakfast classics.

Because Malaga is such a popular destination, there are unfortunately a lot of tourist traps and trashy, overpriced restaurants.

It definitely takes some trial and error to find the spots that are actually worth your time and money. To help you avoid a bad meal, I’ve put together this list of the absolute best cafes in Malaga that I personally visited.

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The 7 Best Cafes in Malaga Spain: My Top Coffee Shops in 2026

What are the Best Cafes in Malaga? I’ve got the Answers

I’ll be honest: I am a total sucker for a good flat white, a salmon bagel, and avocado on toast. I know, I know, it’s not exactly “local” or traditional Spanish culture, but it’s what I love!

However, I really do love a traditional Spanish breakfast too. Sitting in a cute little Spanish alleyway with a bocadillo (a Spanish ham sandwich) or pan con tomate is so fun.

For a proper specialty coffee and a more modern breakfast, my absolute favorite place was Next Level Specialty Coffee. They actually have two locations in Malaga and they are both great. I had their lox bagel, which was really yummy, and my flat white was totally on point.

A quick little tip: In Spain, a “flat white” is often served quite small. Honestly, it’s closer to what we would call a cortado in Australia. So, if you’re looking for a larger coffee to start your day, I’d suggest ordering a latte with an extra shot to get that size and strength you’re likely looking for!

When I was in the mood for a more traditional Spanish breakfast, I really liked a spot in central Malaga called Palermo Coffee & Drinks. It’s located near the Teatro Cervantes and has such a chill vibe. I would usually get a café con leche and a bocadillo. I’m a fan of the ones with Iberico or Serrano ham and Manchego cheese. They are so simple, but because the ingredients are such high quality, they are absolutely delicious.

1. Next Level Speciality Coffee // Best Breakfast in Malaga

Opening Hours: 6am-4pm
Price: $$$
My Rating: ★★★★★
Menu & Location

My absolute favorite cafe in Malaga was definitely Next Level Specialty Coffee. I went there on my very first morning in the city, and I was just super happy with pretty much everything. It’s located in the heart of the historic center, so it is perfectly located for a full day of sightseeing.

I ordered a flat white, and it was hands-down one of the best coffees I had during my entire trip. To eat, I went for their bagel with salmon, cream cheese, and avocado, which was incredibly fresh and tasty.

Because it’s right in the middle of the old town, it is a little more on the expensive side, but for the quality of the food and that perfect location, I thought it was the best breakfast spot to get my day started.

2. Santa Soho Malaga // Coolest Coffee Shop in Malaga

Opening Hours: 9am-8pm
Price: $$$
My Rating: ★★★★★
Menu & Location

For the best coffee paired with an amazing atmosphere, you have to head to Santa Soho. According to the sheer number of reviews on Google, this must be one of the most popular cafes in Malaga, but I was pleasantly surprised that it wasn’t too crowded when I visited.

I love Santa Soho because it has such a cozy, inviting vibe that makes you want to stay for a proper sit-down breakfast. It’s located in the Soho district, which is already such a cool, artistic area.

We all ordered their signature omelette, which was delicious, along with lattes that were just as good. If you’re looking for a trendy and comfy spot to start your morning, this is easily one of the best cafes in Malaga.

3. Santa Catedral // My Favorite Coffee Shop in Centro

Opening Hours: 9am-6pm
Price: $$$
My Rating: ★★★★
Menu & Location

Santa Catedral is actually the second location of the Santa Soho spot I mentioned earlier. Honestly, at first, I didn’t even realize they were the same store!

This location is much more central, right by the Cathedral, so it’s the perfect place to pop in and grab a coffee to go along with a sweet treat.

I didn’t have a full sit-down meal here like I did at the other spot, but since their coffee is consistently so good, I’d recommend coming to either one. If you want a more relaxed brunch vibe, I’d stick with the Soho location, but if you’re right in the middle of sightseeing in the historic center, the Catedral location is super convenient.

4. Mala Leche // Best Brunch in Malaga

Opening Hours: 8:30am-8pm
Price: $$
My Rating: ★★★★★
Menu & Location

Mala Leche is actually one of my favorite cafes in Malaga, and looking back, I really wish I would’ve come here more often. My favorite part about it was the location; it’s tucked away in a quieter side alley with loads of outdoor seating. Sitting out there with my coffee felt “very Spain” if you know what I mean.

In terms of food, I had a latte, a croissant, and avocado with scrambled eggs on sourdough. Everything was absolutely spot on and also a little on the cheaper side! I highly recommend coming here; it was definitely one of my favorite brunch spots in the city for a relaxed morning.

5. Bendito // My Top Spanish Style Breakfast & Coffee

Opening Hours: 8am-5pm
Price: $
My Rating: ★★★★
Menu & Location

I totally got hooked on the Spanish breakfast while I was in Malaga; there is just something about it that’s so good. For me, a typical breakfast in Spain is either pan con tomate (shredded tomato on bread) or a bocadillo, which is a local sandwich.

I usually go for the ham and cheese bocadillo, but don’t think of the American style! Here, it’s high-quality Iberico ham and Manchego cheese on a buttered baguette. It hits the spot every single time! That together with a coffee on the side, and I’m ready to go.

The best part is that it usually only costs around 4€ to 6€. While there are many places all around Malaga that offer this (even small delis and corner stores make a good one), my personal favorite was Bendito.

6. Delicotte

Opening Hours: 11am-8pm
Price: $$
My Rating: ★★★
Menu & Location

Delicotte is the only spot on this list I haven’t actually been to myself, but apparently, their coffee is amazing. I had a friend who lives in Malaga recommend it to me, but I just never got around to trying it!

It’s a small coffee shop serving great espresso and pastries, making it the perfect place to grab a quick snack on the go. If you have the time to check it out, definitely let me know how it is!

7. Bun & Coffee // Best Donut in Malaga!

Opening Hours: 10am-7pm
Price: $$
My Rating: ★★★
Menu & Location

Bun & Coffee is technically a donut shop rather than a traditional cafe, but they also make really, really good coffee. I had their flat whites and lattes, and the latte art was incredible. The coffee here is a little on the stronger and more bitter side, which I personally really like.

Sometimes in Spain, a latte can be a bit too milky for my taste, so I appreciated that this one had a bit more of a kick.

Of course, you can’t leave without trying the donuts, they are incredible! I tried the pistachio nougat donut and it was honestly heaven. If you’re a fan of strong coffee and gourmet treats, this is a must-visit.

FAQs About The Best Malaga Cafes

What are the best coffee shops in Malaga?

My personal pick for the best coffee in Malaga has to be Santa (either the Soho or the Cathedral location). They do really good coffee, and honestly, it might sound a little corny, but my bar for coffee is actually really high. They have their own in-house roastery and great baristas, so I was super happy with the flat white I got from there.

Is Malaga worth visiting?

I definitely think so! Sometimes I get the impression that Malaga sits in the shadow of Granada and Sevilla, but it has an amazing coffee and food scene, super cool markets, beautiful sights, and, of course, the stunning beach.

I personally had an amazing time here, and I’m already sure I’ll be back next summer.

Is Malaga expensive?

I honestly didn’t think so. While Europe in general can be a bit pricey, especially when it comes to hotels, I found the south of Spain, including Malaga, to be quite cheap for coffee and activities. On so many occasions, I paid only 1.90€ for a beer or 2€ for a coffee, so it can definitely be very affordable.

Is there good coffee in Malaga, Spain?

Absolutely! I personally don’t mind a local Spanish coffee, but I definitely prefer a flat white, that’s just who I am. Even for a specialty coffee fix, there are great places like Mala Leche or Santa.

Beyond the specialty shops, there are also loads of traditional Spanish tabernas that will make you a great café con leche.

Final Thoughts on The Best Malaga Cafes & Coffee Shops

All in all, I would say my favorite coffee shops in Malaga are Next Level, Santa Soho, and Mala Leche, but there are so many other amazing local cafes, tabernas, and specialty coffee shops to discover.

I found it was a little hard to find the truly good ones just by browsing Google Maps, so it definitely took some time and research to narrow them down. That’s exactly why I put together this list, so you won’t have to spend your vacation searching!

I hope this little guide on the best cafes in Malaga helps you get your coffee fix and find a great breakfast spot.