Mesón Antonio was one of our go-to dinner places during the week.

Our favorites were the alcachofas rotas con huevo frito y jamón (fried artichokes with egg and ham), ensalada de aguacate (avocado salad), zamburiñas al Pil Pil (zamburiñas in sauce), and almejas del Cantábrico (steamed clams).

A hearty plate featuring a crispy-edged fried egg with a soft, runny yolk placed over a generous layer of golden-brown artichoke hearts. The dish is finished with a scattering of finely diced cured ham, adding rich color and texture. Presented on a rustic red ceramic plate that enhances its warmth and visual appeal.A fresh and vibrant salad made with thick slices of ripe avocado fanned out over a bed of iceberg lettuce, all lightly coated with olive oil and flecked with finely chopped herbs. The glossy surface of the avocado and the crispness of the lettuce offer a clean, appetizing presentation on a white plate.Grilled shellfish served in natural scallop shells, topped with a glistening garlic and parsley sauce that has caramelized slightly at the edges. The scallops appear plump and golden, and they rest on a base of curly lettuce leaves arranged on a decorative plate.A generous serving of steamed clams in a fragrant broth of garlic, white wine, and herbs. The clamshells are open, revealing tender, juicy meat, with flecks of parsley for color and lemon slices on the side to brighten the flavors. Served in a deep red ceramic bowl.A bright and refreshing cold salad composed of flaky salt cod, boiled potato chunks, and juicy orange wedges. Everything is lightly dressed with olive oil and garnished with sliced green onions, offering a mix of creamy, citrusy, and savory elements on a white plate.An angled view of a wine rack filled with bottles stacked horizontally, each sealed with a red foil capsule and silver-colored top embossed with a stylized leaf design. The repetitive arrangement and subtle reflections on the dark glass create a visually elegant and orderly composition.

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Some of my favorite moments from walking around Málaga—from churches and fortresses to street art, quiet alleys, playful shop displays, and more. The city was bustling with tourists, although I tried to avoid them in my shots.

Not pictured: the refreshing air from being right next to the sea.

Facade of the Iglesia del Sagrado Corazón in Málaga, featuring three ornate Neo-Gothic spires, pointed arches, pinnacles, and a large rose window above the entrance. Warm light enhances the pale stone against a clear blue sky.Spanish poem handwritten in white chalk on a rough beige wall in Málaga, reading: “Extrañarte es como intentar respirar bajo el agua y esta noche estoy durmiendo bajo el fondo del océano,” expressing intense longing and emotional isolation.View of the stepped brick walls of the Alcazaba of Málaga descending toward the city. Tourists stand atop the fortress, with the modern port and container cranes visible beyond, under a deep blue sky.Twilight scene on Calle Carretería, a narrow uphill street lined with scooters, pedestrians, and traditional buildings with balconies and lit lanterns, capturing the peaceful evening atmosphere in the historic center.Elevated view of La Manquita, the unfinished bell tower of Málaga Cathedral, standing above red-tiled rooftops and modern buildings. In the background, the blue silhouette of Andalusian mountains stretches across the horizon.Fortified towers and walls of the Alcazaba seen from a landscaped path below, bordered by palm trees and lush greenery. Visitors walk along the path on a bright, sunny day, approaching the ancient fortress.Quiet alleyway in Málaga’s old town lined with elegant 19th-century buildings in pastel tones. Sunlight reflects off polished stone pavement, and a person sits in a recessed doorway, adding a sense of calm and solitude.Crowded street scene with the cathedral towering between rows of historic apartment buildings. Open balconies, shop signs, and a partly cloudy sky frame the Gothic-Renaissance cathedral.Decorated balconies in Málaga’s city center, featuring maroon velvet fabric with gold tassels and a Spanish flag with a detailed coat of arms hanging from a wrought-iron bar.Storefront display of colorful graphic prints on postcards or posters. Designs include: Einstein riding a bike with atoms as wheels; a Málaga city collage; jamón ibérico with “Just eat it”; Snoopy saying “I’m not old, I’m classic”; beer chemical formula; Málaga del Sol design; a paddle tennis joke chart; and “Chicken Game: Don’t look at the chicken” with a cartoon bird labeled “Game Over.”

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A few food mentions:

Los Patios de Beatas (photos 1–3) was delicious.

Claus Bakery (4–5) was our go-to breakfast spot.

Churros and chocolate at Casa Aranda (6) were a treat.

El Café de Chinitas (7) had a perfect tomato salad.

Puerta Oscura (8–9) had the worst margaritas but a great interior.

A composed dish featuring a golden potato mille-feuille topped with finely chopped beef tartare, mixed with pickles or green herbs, and finished with a dollop of glossy black caviar. The dish sits on a glass plate, with a layer of creamy sauce beneath the potato adding contrast.Two pieces of white fish crusted with black and white sesame seeds are served in a shallow green sauce and topped with thin crisps. The glossy broth-like sauce surrounds the fish, adding richness and contrast to the crunchy sesame coating.A portion of ensaladilla generously topped with a creamy yellow sauce and garnished with microgreens and a crispy element. The potato-based salad is plated on a dark slate, with some of it already eaten, showing its soft, rich texture.A cozy café interior with teal tiled walls, warm wood accents, and hanging filament bulbs. Behind the counter are pastries, fresh eggs, and coffee-making gear, while a display case on the right showcases cakes and baked goods, creating a charming, artisanal atmosphere.A dessert display filled with cheesecakes and baked goods labeled by flavor—like mango, fresa, lotus, and banoffee. The slices rest on turquoise plates in a chilled case, with cookies and other treats above them on wooden trays.A classic Spanish breakfast of crisp, golden churros on a metal plate, served with a thick cup of hot chocolate and a glass of café con leche. The churros look light and airy, ideal for dipping in the rich chocolate.A fresh tomato salad featuring chunks of multicolored heirloom tomatoes dressed in olive oil and sprinkled with flaky salt and chopped herbs. The tomatoes glisten with seasoning, highlighting their ripeness and juiciness.A pale yellow Margarita served in a coupe glass with a sugared rim, resting on a coaster from Puerta Oscura. The foamy surface and elegant presentation suggest a carefully crafted cocktail.An elegant bar interior with plush velvet chairs, chandeliers, ornate frames, and religious art. The space combines vintage charm with a moody, intimate atmosphere perfect for a relaxed evening drink.

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