The six Málaga restaurants that are 'hidden gems' and for which

The travel platform Tripadvisor has announced the winners of its Travellers' Choice Awards, where they seek and find 'The Best of the Best' in travel, hotels, and restaurants worldwide, with a strong focus on Spain. Among its culinary recommendations in the Travellers' Choice awards, in the 'hidden gems' category, the province of Málaga has been prominently featured, with six restaurants recognized among the top 25 in the country, one of them, Budare Venezuelan Food, in the capital, within the top 5.

In total, there are six restaurants from the province of Málaga that are true 'hidden gems' according to Tripadvisor users, three of them are in the capital: the aforementioned Budare Venezuelan Food, and Buenavista Gastrobar & Tapas and El Encuentro, ranking 5th, 14th, and 21st respectively. Also featured are The Geranium (La Cala de Mijas), ranked 12th; Casero (Torremolinos), ranked 20th; and Cascada Cocina & Bar (Marbella), ranked 22nd.

5. Budare Venezuelan Food

• Address: C. Beatas, 40, Centro District, 29008 Málaga

"Budare Venezuelan Food stands out for its vibrant energy and friendly staff. You'll find arepas and tequeños made with fresh ingredients," they mention about this Venezuelan spot in the center of Málaga: "Don't skip the house cocktails for something extra. The food looks great and tastes even better. It’s easy to relax here, whether you’re alone or with friends, and the prices are fair for the quality".

12. The Geranium

• Address: Av. de Mare Nostrum, 13, 29649 La Cala de Mijas, Málaga

"The Geranium offers fantastic views along with elegantly presented tasting menus, definitely spring for the wine pairing if you can," they recommend about this restaurant located in La Cala de Mijas managed by chef Steven Saunders: "The friendly and attentive staff keep things relaxed and cozy, so you’ll never feel rushed. The dishes make the most of high-quality ingredients and look like art. If you enjoy entertainment with your dinner, you’ll appreciate the extra touches here".

14. Buenavista Gastrobar & Tapas

• Address: C/ Gaona, 8, Centro District, 29012 Málaga

"Buenavista Gastrobar & Tapas offers a warm and relaxed atmosphere and attentive service that will make you feel at home," they point out about Buenavista, another downtown restaurant where "seafood stands out: try the grilled octopus or shrimp skewers if you can". "The dishes look fantastic and the extensive menu means you’ll always find something new. Don’t skip dessert, especially if you like something sweet to finish," they conclude.

20. Casero

• Address: C. Skal, 4, 29620 Torremolinos, Málaga

"The rustic atmosphere of Casero sets the stage for hearty dishes and a menu with plenty to choose from," they comment about Casero, in Torremolinos, where they advise to "choose the house specialties: their main courses are known for their well-balanced flavors and it’s worth saving room for the desserts". "The staff knows their stuff, especially when it comes to wine, and the service feels really welcoming without being overbearing," they detail.

21. El Encuentro

• Address: Calle Ayala, 43, Carretera de Cádiz, 29002 Málaga

Regarding El Encuentro, they say it is "ideal for a relaxed meal, whether you're with friends or taking it easy after a busy day", a restaurant in the Carretera de Cádiz district where "you'll find generous portions and a solid menu: don’t miss the lamb or eggs with ham. The staff is genuinely friendly, making you feel at home, and the outdoor seating is a nice bonus when the weather is good".

22. Cascada Cocina & Bar

• Address: Urb Montua, 39, 29602 Marbella, Málaga

Lastly, there is Cascada Cocina & Bar, "a beautiful spot in Marbella, with a more lively atmosphere once the jazz kicks in". "The menu is quite original: think French favorites with Spanish twists and fresh farm-to-table dishes. Don’t skip their homemade dishes or one of their cocktails. The service is friendly and timely, and the wine list pairs perfectly with everything," they recommend.

Spain's 'hidden gems' restaurants according to Tripadvisor

1. Le Favole Ristorante — Valencia
2. Opera Maritim — Mallorca
3. Unsushi — Valencia
4. Cal Patro Restaurant — Mallorca
5. Budare Venezuelan Food — Málaga
6. Tropiqual — Sevilla
7. Caprichos Del Mar — Fuerteventura
8. La Gaditana Retiro — Madrid
9. Genghis Khan Grill — Tenerife
10. Curry House — Lanzarote
11. Hotaru Madrid — Madrid
12. The Geranium — La Cala de Mijas
13. Kiltro Restobar Gracia — Barcelona
14. Buenavista Gastrobar & Tapas — Málaga
15. Almar Tenerife — Tenerife
16. L' Orangier Cocina Casera y Tradicional — Sevilla
17. Ardi — Tenerife
18. Restaurante El Chato Los Alcázares — Los Alcázares
19. Casero — Torremolinos
20. El Encuentro — Málaga
21. Cascada Cocina & Bar — Marbella
22. Sal Fina — Tenerife
23. Me Gustas Tu Pierogi & Tapas — Fuerteventura
24. Tapas Ibiza — Ibiza

In bold, the restaurants from the province of Málaga.