What is the cheapest Michelin star in Malaga? One of its tasting menus costs less than 100 euros.

At the end of November, we experienced one of the great nights of national cuisine in Málaga with the always special gala of the Michelin Guide. In the province, specifically in the capital, a new Michelin Star was awarded, and the existing collection was maintained, with a varied map of Michelin Stars that includes ten restaurants, each very different, two of which hold two stars each. But among them, which is the most affordable Michelin Star?

Since 2022, restaurant Kaleja has been one of the 'starred' in Málaga. The slow-cooking cuisine of Dani Carnero was recognized as one more within the sky of stars of the Michelin Guide, a recognition well acknowledged for his trajectory and the depth of his dishes, all respecting tradition but with a conviction for innovation.

Kaleja remains one of the most economical Michelin Stars throughout Spain, with a main tasting menu featuring ten savory courses and three sweets priced at 130 euros. "Menu made with market and seasonal products, hence its composition changes, but not its process and cooking, which maintains our traditional hallmark," the restaurant notes about this composition that sets the pace of their establishment.

But if its main tasting menu is already economical compared to other Michelin Stars in the province of Málaga, its other tasting menu raises the stakes even higher. The 'Menú La Cosmopolita', which honors the trajectory of the recent closure of one of its most emblematic restaurants, La Cosmopolita, is a personal bet by the chef to recover that possibility and "freedom to choose à la carte."

This tasting menu offers two options, both include an appetizer course, a main course, a dessert, and three or four savory courses, priced at 85 or 95 euros, depending on the choice. It is, however, a relatively short menu and is only available for lunch from Tuesday to Friday.

The restaurant Kaleja is tucked away on Marquesa de Moya Street, 9. In fact, the name of the restaurant is a reference to its unique location, as it comes from a Sephardic word meaning 'alley'. Chef Dani Carnero is renowned for his traditional dishes, greatly empowering the Malaga and Andalusian recipe book, but most notably characterized by his 'cuisine of the flame', which champions stewing, long and slow cooking, unhurried, giving each dish just the right amount of time to reach its own climax.