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Malaga has a special charm, and in summer even more. Stroll through its streets, enjoy its people, its coast, its art, its history and, of course, its gastronomy. The city has experienced a gastronomic boom in recent years to become a true capital of good food. One of the places in Malaga to check this aspect is undoubtedly the Balausta restaurant. In addition to enjoying a quality meal, you will live an encounter with history, as it is located in the Palacio de Solecio, an eighteenth century building, which also houses a boutique hotel.
In the heart of La Judería neighborhood, the building preserves the architectural and artistic style of hundreds of years ago, but has been renovated to offer a unique stay and experience to anyone who crosses its majestic door. Inside, and located in a large inner courtyard with great natural light thanks to a glazed vault, is the Balausta restaurant lounge. Here you can taste the best dishes of Andalusian recipes -and more specifically from Malaga- from the hand of the prestigious chef José Carlos García and the head chef Sergio Solano.
Seasonal cuisine
In Balausta great importance is given to the product of Malaga and its seasonality. In fact, they organize gastronomic days to promote the local culinary culture. This summer, until August 22, they are with the “Jornadas de chiringuito” to pay tribute to the classic Malaga summer through four dishes off the menu with all the Andalusian essence of the sea and the countryside. Diners who want to connect with the summer season can try the version of a hollow tomato of “picao” bull, the moruna of grilled sardines, a black rice with baby squid and white shrimp or the prawn salpicón with avocado and tomatoes.
But that’s not all, because in the regular menu you will also find other classics to share as the seafood meatballs in clam sauce chirla, the traditional Russian salad with prawns, the artisan croquette of Iberian ham or a tasting of goat cheeses D.O. Malaga. You can not miss other recipes such as the delicious “ajoblanco malagueño” with crayfish tartar from the Vélez creek and cherries or the “porra de aguacate de la Axarquía” with scallops and pipirrana granita.
As for sea and mountain dishes, you have at your disposal a lot of options such as sea bass loin in pepitoria sauce and creamy broccoli with vine shoot or sole popietas in beurre blanc sauce with saffron and peas from the garden of Coín; its tasty octopus cannelloni in its own juice with lentil, beluga and spinach stew; or the shoulder of purebred Malaga suckling goat with shepherd’s sauce and rustida potatoes with garlic.
A great meal in such a unique enclave cannot end without that sweet touch provided by a delicious dessert. In the Balausta restaurant you can choose between the sabayón gratin of seasonal fruits, the torrija of brioche bread and toasted almond soup or the bienmesabe antequerano, among other delicacies.
Also with cocktail bar
If you are looking for a more relaxed evening or to enjoy a good cocktail, you will also find it here, thanks to a cocktail bar that provides the balance between a sophisticated and chic atmosphere of a cocktail bar in an eighteenth century palace, with the essence of an Andalusian tavern thanks to a simple and traditional gastronomic proposal, based on appetizers.
You can have from the classic vermouth accompanied by tapas, to a glass of champagne in a quieter atmosphere or one of the signature cocktails included in their special menu. On the liquid side, the Balausta restaurant has a wine cellar with more than 100 national and international labels, including many of the best wines of the region.
So now you know, if this summer your destination is Malaga, go book at least one lunch or dinner at Balausta restaurant because it is really worth it.
Where? At Calle Granada, 57-59, Malaga (Hotel Palacio Solecio)