This is the favorite restaurant of Queen Emerita Sofia, located by the beach and in one of Malaga's seaside neighborhoods.

It was during the Holy Week last year, in 2024, when the emeritus queen Sofía once again showed her appreciation for Málaga, not only by her presence at the Mena Congregation but also through her closeness to the traditions and flavors of the city. Once the official events of Holy Thursday were concluded, Doña Sofía once again chose the Rocamar chiringuito, located in the Huelin neighborhood, already established as her favorite chiringuito in Málaga whenever she visits the city. The emeritus queen had lunch by the sea, strengthening her bond with the restaurant, which she had visited several times before.

Just a few meters from the beach and right on Paseo Marítimo Antonio Machado, stands Rocamar, a restaurant that has gained notoriety for its traditional cuisine and for having been visited by such notable figures as Queen Sofía and other prominent individuals, from artists to politicians, as well as elite athletes. The place maintains an aesthetic typical of old dining areas, with a large covered terrace and tables right on the sand. The simplicity of the setting does not detract from the quality of its culinary offerings, which are very focused on seafood. During her last visit, Queen Sofía shared a table with her sister, Irene of Greece and Denmark.

A royal lunch with a Malagueño flair

The emeritus queen's visit to Rocamar coincided with the celebration of the landing of the Legion and the subsequent transfer of the Christ of Good Death, moments full of symbolism for the Malagueño Holy Week. After the events, and away from the cameras, Doña Sofía chose to replenish her energy with a lunch by the sea, opting for a lighter menu consisting of baked fish and vegetables, accompanied by hollandaise sauce and white wine.

One of the most commented gestures was her personal congratulations to the restaurant's fish skewer expert, whom she praised for the quality of the sardines, stating they were the best she had ever tasted. There was also time for anecdotes, such as the spontaneous congratulations she offered to a diner celebrating his 62nd birthday.

Rocamar: Mediterranean gastronomy with a local identity

The chiringuito Rocamar is defined by a gastronomic proposal centered on fresh seafood and traditional Mediterranean cuisine. Its menu highlights include sardine skewers, Malagueño fried fish, and brothy rice dishes, not to mention typical starters such as Antequera-style tomato soup, homemade croquettes, and octopus pipirrana.

Among its most requested dishes are sautéed clams, steamed mussels, pil-pil prawns, and scarlet shrimp. In high season, the establishment is open every day from 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM, with an average price per diner ranging from 20 to 30 euros. The restaurant's terrace allows guests to enjoy sea views while savoring dishes cooked on the spot. This balance between tradition, location, and authenticity has made Rocamar a reference point in the western part of the city.

The chiringuito also has recognition from the Repsol Guide and the renowned Malagueño chef José Carlos García, who rated Rocamar as one of those chiringuitos where you can taste the Mediterranean, among his favorites in the city, giving it a Solete.