Smurf, cloud, specialty coffee, and healthy breakfasts: this is how you experience the best start of the day in Málaga

I don't know about you, but for me, breakfast is absolutely crucial to start the day off right. A good breakfast sets the tone for the day. Here, a debate opens up about what the best breakfast is for each person, although in Málaga it's non-negotiable to have the pitufo and nube as an unbeatable duo. The options in Málaga are quite varied, maintaining the classic, rugged cafés, but specialty coffee and healthy yet visually appealing breakfasts have also gained popularity. Let's take a look at expert recommendations, with Traveler magazine highlighting some of the best breakfasts in Málaga, where "breakfast is a ritual."

The first stop they mention is La Galga (Pintor Casilari Roldán, 12), noted as a "place to enjoy good specialty coffee, extend the brunch as desired, and savor delicious flavors without too much sugar." In fact, they recommend trying their salmon brioche benedict with avocado, poached egg, and hollandaise sauce if you stop by.

The next stop is one of those cafés that is a "morning destination for locals of all time," referring to Bar El Diamante (Pozos Dulces, 3), where they assure that "a pitufo with Málaga-style sausage sliced with a mandolin and a bit of oil can save your day." It's one of the most traditional places mentioned, hence the Málaga coffee is a must, whether you prefer nube, mitá, or sombra.

El Ruiseñor (Ruiseñores, 13) might be the least known for those not from the area. It's a café with a lot of personality in Puerto de la Torre, where it's non-negotiable to order a "pitufo with Iberian bellota ham served with oil; the dish has its own signature: a slice left on top of the bread."

Also with a lot of personality, we find Casa Festín (Palmeras del Limonar, 31), located in the College of Architects of Málaga. From here, they advise ordering anything from a "simple toast with butter and black garlic" to "Málaga-style mortadella and fresh goat cheese on tomato bread" or the "pulled ham mollete with avocado and cheese." Besides its breakfast, they recommend its daily menu.

If you're looking for specialty coffee, one of your spots in downtown Málaga should be Next Level (Panaderos, 14). "There are sourdough toasts where avocado is the star and brioche bread with mascarpone and fruits," they recommend initially, in addition to refining other options like their "bagels and a yogurt bowl with fresh fruit and granola."

The next stop is a well-known classic in downtown Málaga. La Recova (Pasaje de Ntra. Sra. de los Dolores de San Juan, 5) has all the personality a café can have, with a commitment to the product. "They serve one of the tastiest breakfasts in the city," they note, recalling the options to spread on their toasts that the place offers on an egg carton: "Jams, butter, sobrasada, or cracklings are some of their options."

Another downtown icon is Casa Aranda (Herrería del Rey, 3), one of the churrerías with the most history, "a true survivor in a city that has been sidelining lifelong businesses," where chocolate with churros can lift anyone's spirits.

Last but not least, stop at Astrid (Calderón de la Barca, 6). "This super breakfast or brunch is buffet style and features croissants made by themselves, just like their muffins, cakes, dulce de leche alfajores, and breads. Additionally, there are seasonal fruits, jams, pâtés, cheese, turkey ham, organic orange and mango juices with aloe, cereals, organic Galician yogurt, organic butter from Galicia, and organic milks of oat, soy, or cow."