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Bar El Pulguilla

Name: Bar El Pulguilla
Address: Calle Almirante Ferrándiz, 26, 29780 Nerja, Málaga, Nerja, Málaga, 29780, ES
Telephone: +34952521384
Price range: 10-20 €

One of the essential classics in the centre of Nerja. El Pulguilla has been serving the best of Málaga-style fried fish for decades on Calle Almirante Ferrándiz, just a stone’s throw from Balcón de Europa

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Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 13:00 to 15:45 and 19:30 to 23:30. Closed on Mondays.
Most praised: Fresh fried fish and sardine skewers · Tapas served with drinks · Large garden-style inner terrace
Terrace · Kids welcome

If there is one name that comes up time and again when you ask the people of Nerja where to eat good fried fish, it is El Pulguilla. This bar-restaurant, located on the lively Calle Almirante Ferrándiz —known as the «restaurant street»— is an institution in Nerja, with more than 10,000 reviews on Google and a reputation that speaks for itself.

It has two entrances: the main one on Calle Almirante Ferrándiz, 26, and another on Calle Hernando de Carabeo, 31, which leads straight to the terrace.

The house speciality leaves no room for doubt: top-quality Málaga-style fried fish. Anchovies, baby squid, chanquetes, squid and prawns, all freshly prepared to order with fresh produce of the day. The pepper salad is another of those dishes that regulars never stop recommending. For those looking for something more substantial, the menu includes rice dishes, paellas and seafood platters that invite sharing.

The venue is surprisingly spacious inside: it has a large air-conditioned main dining room and a second dining room at the back, as well as a street-level terrace that is perfect for pleasant-weather afternoons. The atmosphere is informal and lively, a mix of local residents and tourists who discover the place by recommendation. The service stands out for its speed, something customers mention time and again in their reviews.

It opens from Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner, and is closed on Mondays. You do not need to book — entry is on a first-come, first-served basis — although in high season it is worth arriving with a bit of time to spare because it fills up quickly. They accept card payments and have adapted access for people with reduced mobility, both at the entrance and inside.

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Review profile

Summary of the 1,007 most recent Google and Tripadvisor reviews (May 2022 – October 2026). These are visitors' opinions, analysed by EsNerja.

According to 1,007 recent reviews on Google (706) and Tripadvisor (301): standouts are food (80 % of 552 mentions), menu (90 % of 147 mentions), wait time (82 % of 195 mentions); most mentioned: fresh fried fish and sardine skewers · tapas served with drinks · large garden-style inner terrace · affordable prices, generally quick service.

Google vs Tripadvisor

Google 4.3 · Tripadvisor 3.5

Google rates it 0.8 higher than Tripadvisor.

By review language

Spanish 4.0 (556) · English 3.6 (196)

Language hints at who is reviewing (locals and Spanish visitors, or foreign visitors).

Last 12 months

4.3 (513) vs 4.0 (284) the year before

The rating is rising.

Months with the best average rating

April, May, November

Based on review dates; not a forecast.

What people talk about most, and how

Food80 % · 552
Service78 % · 255
Value for Money66 % · 196
Wait Time82 % · 195
Menu90 % · 147
Atmosphere74 % · 146

Share of positive mentions and number of reviews that mention it.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, El Pulguilla restaurant takes precautions against COVID-19. You can consult them in the list available in the “safety measures” section.

No, it is not necessary to book; entry is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Yes, although there are some level changes, there are ramps. And on the terrace, as it is at street level, there is no access problem.

Bar El Pulguilla is at Calle Almirante Ferrándiz, 26, 29780 Nerja, Málaga.

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 13:00 to 15:45 and 19:30 to 23:30. Closed on Mondays. These are the hours it lists on Google; they can change on public holidays and out of season, so call 952 52 13 84 before you go.

According to Google, the average price is €10–20 per person.

Bar El Pulguilla has a 4.3 out of 5 rating on Google from 10,293 reviews. Very popular, busy tavern known for fried fish, tapas with your drink and a large inner terrace. Good value, but expect queues and noise, and opinions are split on quality and service.

What people like most: