Two Málaga beach restaurants that won over Princess Leonor and Queen Sofía

Málaga is home to dozens of beach restaurants where visitors can enjoy fresh fish, sardine skewers and Mediterranean cuisine by the sea. However, two establishments in the province can also boast particularly distinguished guests: Queen Emerita Sofía and Princess Leonor both chose them to experience Málaga’s coastal gastronomy.

The two venues are Chiringuito Rocamar, located in Málaga city, and El Saladero, set directly on the beach in Caleta de Vélez. Although they are situated in different parts of the coastline, both offer menus based on seafood, traditional recipes and a relaxed seaside atmosphere.

Rocamar, one of Queen Sofía’s regular choices

Chiringuito Rocamar returned to the spotlight during Holy Week in 2024. After attending Maundy Thursday events linked to the Congregación de Mena, Queen Sofía travelled to the well-known restaurant for lunch.

It was not her first visit. The Queen Emerita had already chosen Rocamar during previous stays in Málaga, making it one of her regular places to enjoy Mediterranean cuisine in the city.

On that occasion, she was accompanied by her sister, Princess Irene of Greece, with whom she shared a discreet lunch. Their meal reportedly included baked fish, vegetables, hollandaise sauce and white wine.

One of the most memorable moments came at the end of the meal, when Queen Sofía personally congratulated the restaurant’s espetero on the quality of the sardines. According to the original report, she described them as the best she had ever tasted. She also warmly congratulated another diner who was celebrating his 62nd birthday.

Sardine skewers, Málaga-style fried fish and rice dishes by the sea

Rocamar’s menu focuses on fresh fish and the traditional flavours of the Málaga coastline. Sardine skewers are among its signature dishes, alongside Málaga-style fried fish and seafood rice dishes.

The menu also includes porra antequerana, homemade croquettes, octopus pipirrana, sautéed clams, steamed mussels, pilpil prawns and scarlet prawns.

The average price is approximately €20 to €30 per person, and during the high season the restaurant opens every day from 10 am until midnight.

Rocamar has also received recognition from the Repsol Guide. Málaga chef José Carlos García included it among his favourite beach restaurants and awarded it a Solete, a distinction given to informal venues known for their food and atmosphere.

El Saladero, the beach restaurant chosen by Princess Leonor

The second Málaga establishment with a royal connection is located in Caleta de Vélez, in the Axarquía region. El Saladero is a historic beach restaurant founded in 1965 and positioned directly beside the Mediterranean.

Princess Leonor visited the restaurant in August 2024 during a private stay in Málaga. The heir to the Spanish throne arrived with a group of friends and sat at one of the tables placed on the sand.

Her presence went largely unnoticed for most of the lunch. Even the restaurant staff had not been informed in advance that the princess would be visiting. She was only recognised by another customer as she was leaving.

Despite the restaurant being full, Princess Leonor and her companions were able to enjoy their meal normally, without attracting significant attention. The lunch was relatively brief, and the group sampled several dishes from the menu.

Fresh fish near the port of Caleta de Vélez

El Saladero is located at number 70 Calle Real, approximately 400 metres from the fishing port of Caleta de Vélez. Its location gives the restaurant a close connection to one of the most important fishing centres on Málaga’s eastern coastline.

Its speciality is fresh fish cooked over charcoal or prepared on traditional skewers, although the menu also includes seafood, meat, rice dishes and paellas.

The nearby fish market and the daily activity of the local fishing fleet are central to the restaurant’s identity. Seafood lies at the heart of a menu that preserves the traditional character of the beach restaurants of the Axarquía.

Two restaurants united by seafood tradition

Rocamar and El Saladero have different styles and locations. The first is based in Málaga city and offers a broad selection of Mediterranean dishes, while the second retains the character of a traditional beach restaurant on the Vélez-Málaga coastline.

However, both are united by their focus on fresh fish, their direct connection with the Mediterranean and their selection by two of the best-known members of the Spanish Royal Family.

The visits of Queen Sofía and Princess Leonor have added another point of interest to two restaurants that already enjoyed long-standing reputations among residents and visitors. Beyond the royal connection, both choices highlight the appeal of a simple and deeply rooted Málaga tradition: freshly prepared fish, tables beside the sea and recipes that form part of the province’s identity.

Information source: Málaga Hoy.