Malaga reaches 30 Repsol Suns: the restaurants Back, Promesa, Blossom, and Tragatá achieve their first

Málaga is growing at a frenetic pace in every way, including gastronomically, as evidenced by the accolades it accumulates year after year at each Repsol Guide gala. The restaurants Back, Promesa, Blossom and Tragatá make their debut in the culinary guide with their first Repsol Sun in 2026. The gala, held this Monday, February 16 at the Palacio Ferial y de Congresos de Tarragona, has rightfully recognized these four restaurants, one from Marbella and the other three from Málaga city, increasing the province's total to 30 Repsol Suns, 10 of them held by five restaurants, the two Repsol Suns of Bardal, José Carlos García, Kaleja, Los Marinos José and Sollo, which maintain such recognition. It is important to note the loss of the Repsol Sun by La Cosmopolita, due to closure.

Málaga's strength is notable in Andalusia. After this 2026 edition, there are a total of 77 restaurants across the Andalusian community with a Repsol Sun and 25 of them are from Málaga, almost a third of the total. Nearly the same applies to the number of Suns, with Andalusia reaching up to 97, 30 of which are owned by Málaga. However, Málaga has yet to break through the three Repsol Suns barrier, a feat achieved by three Andalusian restaurants: Aponiente (El Puerto de Santa María), Bagá (Jaén) and Noor (Córdoba).

David Olivas, from Back. / Guía Repsol

One of the lucky new entries this edition is Back, by chef David Olivas, the sole representative from Marbella among the newcomers. Olivas has been offering technique and precision in service of the Andalusian recipe book, reformulated and elevated to excellence. He was already recognized in 2023 with a Michelin Star. Unlike many who explore haute cuisine, he maintains an enticing menu with a variety of options beyond his tasting menu (168€), called Andalusian Universe.

Emi Schobert, from Blossom. / Guía Repsol

Speaking of Michelin Stars, Blossom is another of the fortunate ones to receive a Repsol Sun. Although a candidate at this latest 'starred' gala to obtain the second, it receives recognition accrediting its excellence by the Repsol Guide. Now located in the Palacio de la Aduana, Emi Schobert continues to reap what he sowed, even after rebirth following a fire at his previous location. His two tasting menus, Essence (9 courses - 140€) and Confluence (15 courses - 220€), are edible art. The Argentine chef always aims to elevate the gastronomic pleasure to another level and achieves it with unbreakable balance, Swiss-watch precision, incorporating much technique, aesthetics, and a concept that represents him.

Julio Zambrana, from Promesa. / Guía Repsol

Julio Zambrana is the chef behind Promesa, named the best restaurant in the province in 2023 by the Academia Gastronómica de Málaga, located on the ground floor of the Hotel MS Maestranza. A menu as extensive as it is selective, with bites from all over the Malaga and Andalusian recipe book. Like Back, it offers both a la carte and tasting menu services. Regarding the latter, three options: Essence (8 courses - 65€), Promesa (12 courses - 90€) and The Great Feast (120€).

Dani Moreno, from Tragatá. / Guía Repsol

And lastly, Tragatá Málaga. The laid-back bar from the two Repsol Suns Bardal, Benito Gómez, joins the select club of Suns. It is Dani Moreno, the head chef of the restaurant, who receives this special recognition. An award-winning Russian salad, Iberian ham croquettes from Dehesa Monteros, his exceptional pastrami sandwich, his unique grilled leeks, or that bone marrow grilled with cow tartare are some of the reasons why choosing Tragatá is always a hit. And watch out for the dessert, his flan was close to being the best in the world.

The map of Málaga restaurants with Repsol Suns

Two Repsol Suns

• Bardal – Ronda
• José Carlos García – Málaga
• Kaleja – Málaga
• Los Marinos José – Fuengirola
• Sollo – Fuengirola

One Repsol Sun

• Areia – Marbella
• Arte de Cozina – Antequera
• Back – Marbella
• Beluga – Málaga
• Blossom – Málaga
• Cávala – Málaga
• Don Giovanni Finca Cortesín – Casares
• Godoy – Málaga
• El Lago – Marbella
• Kava – Marbella
• La Milla – Marbella
• Leña Marbella – Marbella
• Lobito de Mar – Marbella
• Messina – Marbella
• Palodú – Málaga
• Promesa – Málaga
• Rei – Casares
• Ta-Kumi – Marbella
• Ta-Kumi Málaga – Málaga
• Tragatá – Málaga

In bold, the restaurants debuting a Repsol Sun.