Casa Juan, the Málaga restaurant where coeliacs can enjoy gluten-free fried fish

Eating fried fish is an essential part of any food experience in Málaga. Anchovies, baby squid, red mullet and other freshly fried catches are a familiar sight on tables across the city, especially when the weather is warm and meals are enjoyed close to the sea.

However, the flour coating used in many fried dishes limits the options available to people with coeliac disease or anyone who needs to avoid gluten. Finding a restaurant capable of adapting this traditional cuisine, carefully controlling ingredients and offering safe alternatives is not always easy.

In Málaga’s Huelin neighbourhood, Casa Juan has made gluten-free cooking one of the defining features of its seafood-focused, family-run restaurant.

A family restaurant founded in Huelin in 1985

The story of Casa Juan began in 1985, when Juan and Consuelo decided to open a small bar in Huelin despite having no previous experience in the hospitality industry.

A positive response from customers allowed the business to grow. Eleven years later, the family moved to larger premises while remaining closely connected to the same Málaga neighbourhood.

Over time, Casa Juan specialised in seafood cuisine based on fish, shellfish and recognisable local recipes. Its family atmosphere, proximity to the seafront and focus on quality produce helped establish it as one of Huelin’s traditional restaurants.

The restaurant is now located at number 18 Calle Río Rocío, close to the beach and the Antonio Banderas promenade.

Gluten-free fried fish in Málaga

One of Casa Juan’s main attractions is the opportunity to enjoy different varieties of fried fish prepared without gluten.

Typical options include anchovies, baby squid, red mullet and other catches depending on the season and market availability. This allows people with coeliac disease to enjoy a culinary experience they often have to avoid in restaurants that use conventional flour or cannot guarantee protection against cross-contamination.

The menu also includes dishes such as fried vegetables and battered aubergine with sugar cane honey, two recipes that usually contain gluten because of the flour traditionally used.

According to the restaurant, its gluten-free preparations are supervised by Málaga City Council’s Health Department in collaboration with the Málaga Coeliac Association, ACEMA.

Fish and seafood take centre stage

Although fried fish is one of the restaurant’s main attractions, Casa Juan’s menu extends well beyond the fryer.

The seafood selection includes wedge clams, clams, prawns, razor clams, oysters, smooth clams and scallops served pil-pil style. Availability may vary according to the produce delivered to the restaurant.

The menu also features grilled fish such as sea bream, sea bass, cod, swordfish and tuna belly served with green sauce.

Starters include Russian salad, Galician-style octopus, tomato with garlic and a range of salads. Rice dishes and paellas are available by advance order and are suitable for family meals or group gatherings.

The experience can be completed with adapted homemade desserts, another category that can often be difficult for people who need to avoid gluten.

Part of the Málaga Sin Gluten network

Casa Juan is a member of Málaga Sin Gluten, an initiative developed by Málaga City Council in collaboration with ACEMA.

The network brings together restaurants and food businesses committed to preparing options adapted for people with coeliac disease. The programme includes professional advice, reviews of working procedures and training designed to reduce risks during food handling.

For customers, membership of the network provides an additional point of reference when looking for restaurants with gluten-free options in Málaga.

Casa Juan was also shortlisted among the establishments competing for the title of best restaurant advised by an association belonging to FACE at the 2018 FACE Awards, which recognise commitment to the coeliac community.

A restaurant designed for family meals

The restaurant has an indoor dining room and a covered terrace in an area close to Huelin’s seafront.

Its extensive menu makes it suitable for family lunches, dinners, group meals and celebrations. Dishes can also be ordered for takeaway, and the restaurant provides specific allergen information.

This combination of seafood cuisine, a family-friendly atmosphere and adapted dishes makes Casa Juan a particularly interesting option for groups in which one or more diners need to follow a gluten-free diet.

The aim is not simply to offer an alternative dish, but to allow everyone at the table to share recipes closely linked to Málaga, such as fried anchovies, baby squid, aubergine with honey and seafood platters.

Where Casa Juan is located and its opening hours

Casa Juan is located at Calle Río Rocío, 18, premises 10, Málaga, in the Huelin neighbourhood.

The opening hours published by the restaurant are:

• Wednesday to Sunday: from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
• Dinner service: from 8:30 pm to 11:00 pm.
• Monday and Tuesday: closed.

The reservations telephone number is 952 32 52 11. As opening hours may change on public holidays or during particular seasons, it is advisable to confirm availability before visiting.

An inclusive way to enjoy Málaga’s cuisine

Adapting traditional gastronomy is particularly important in a city where eating out forms an essential part of both social life and the visitor experience.

Casa Juan demonstrates that dishes such as fried anchovies, baby squid and battered aubergine can be prepared without gluten while retaining their authentic Málaga character.

Its family history, which began more than four decades ago, is now combined with a proposal designed to meet the needs of today’s diners without abandoning the fish, seafood and recipes that have defined the business since its early years.

The restaurant’s history, menu, services and opening hours have been checked on the official Casa Juan website and in the official Málaga Sin Gluten directory operated by Málaga City Council.