PerretxiCo Opens in Málaga as El Carnicero Turns 33

Málaga’s gastronomic landscape is starting the summer of 2026 with a brilliant mix of fresh national concepts and beautifully restored local classics. As the province celebrates its designation as the European Capital of Gastronomic Culture, the latest updates from the local food scene offer excellent reasons to book a table this month.

From the heart of the city center, renowned for its vibrant art and museum scene, to the quiet streets of Cancelada in Estepona, here is what is fresh and exciting in Málaga’s culinary world.

PerretxiCo: Award-Winning Basque Pintxos Arrive in Málaga

Lovers of northern Spanish gastronomy have a major opening to look forward to in Málaga city. Alongside other notable developments in the area, such as the arrival of BYD in Málaga amid rising EV charger demand, the highly regarded Basque tavern chain PerretxiCo is preparing to open its ninth national location in the heart of the city in the coming weeks.

Founded by chef Josean Merino in Vitoria-Gasteiz, PerretxiCo has built a stellar reputation for its “honest, high-quality Basque tavern” concept. The brand is famous for its award-winning pintxos, creative tapas, and a casual, welcoming dining atmosphere that bridges the gap between traditional Basque flavors and modern culinary techniques.

According to a recent feature on Telecinco, the brand’s rapid expansion is rooted in its commitment to authentic, down-to-earth hospitality. Diners in Málaga can expect a menu packed with Basque classics, including their famous potato tortilla, Txangurro (spider crab) croquettes, and creative seasonal pintxos designed to be paired with a cold glass of Txakoli wine or local craft beer.

For foodies in Málaga, this opening brings a slice of San Sebastián and Vitoria’s world-famous tavern culture directly to our doorstep.

El Carnicero 1993: A Costa del Sol Classic Reinvents Itself

Meanwhile, further down the coast in Estepona, one of the region’s most beloved steakhouses is celebrating a major milestone. El Carnicero 1993, located in the quiet neighborhood of Cancelada, has officially completed a comprehensive renovation of its facilities to mark its 33rd anniversary on the Costa del Sol.

Established in 1993, El Carnicero has been a reliable sanctuary for meat lovers, expats, and visiting tourists for over three decades. To celebrate this landmark year, the restaurant has undergone a complete aesthetic and functional redesign to offer an elevated dining experience while preserving the rustic charm its loyal patrons love.

As reported by ABC Gurmé, this renovation kicks off an exciting new chapter for the establishment. The updated venue blends contemporary design with cozy, traditional steakhouse elements, providing the perfect backdrop for their signature premium cuts of beef, slow-cooked meats, and extensive wine cellar.

If you have not visited El Carnicero in a while, this summer is the perfect time to rediscover their exceptional service and beautifully charred steaks on their renovated garden terrace.

Why Málaga’s Dining Scene Keeps Winning

The simultaneous arrival of a trendy northern import like PerretxiCo, the launch of immersive concepts like Destino, and the thoughtful reinvention of a 33-year-old local institution like El Carnicero highlights the incredible diversity of the Málaga province. It shows that our culinary identity is not just about preserving the past or chasing the latest trends—it is about doing both with passion and quality.

We hope these new and renewed spaces bring people together over great food, laughter, and shared stories. As the summer season kicks off, we look forward to seeing you out there supporting our local chefs, waiters, and restaurateurs who make living in Málaga such a delicious adventure.