El Gastronauta — Restaurant in Málaga

If you have celiac disease or gluten intolerance then stay away from this restaurant. I went there hoping that I was going to eat some gluten free food and here is what happened;

I checked their menu online before going there but when we were there I checked again to make sure what to eat.

First staff came to take our order and I told him the ones I chose. To make sure, I asked him again if they were really gluten free or not. The response I got was “I don’t know because they are all cooked or fried in the same pans and oil.” Shocking, right? Then he said that he would talk to his boss and let us know.

Another person came to pick our order and I thought he was the boss but no, another staff. I explained him my concerns over gluten free marked foods on the menu but he couldn’t speak English well. Of course he doesn’t need to speak English so I kindly asked him that if I could talk to his boss or the cook. He said something which I didn’t understand at all. Then I asked him about a food on the menu if it had gluten or not. This is what he exactly said; “Yes, it has mayonnaise, eggs etc.”

At that point we gave up and left the place.

They have a fancy menu showing which food has which allergens but clearly it doesn’t mean anything. As I explained some of their staff doesn’t even know what gluten is.

There are tons of good restaurants in neighborhood which they helped us with our foods. Go to any of them and let them know about your allergies, that’s all.

Note for the restaurant owner:

Your aggressive response is a clear indicator of how terrible our experience was at your place.

The first staff clearly told us that all the foods were fried in the same oil. That’s why I had asked him why you put allergen symbols on the menu if that was the case. Ask him instead of attacking me here.

We were 2 people and I was the only one with gluten intolerance so of course we know what croquettes are. That’s totally irrelevant to the issue.

As a tourist I didn’t know I had to speak Spanish before I visit there, thanks. Malaga is a tourist destination and before that there is a significant British population there. On top of that your place is in a touristic area so I thought at least some of your staff could speak basic English but apparently it was a mistake, sorry.

If they are not confident with their English, they shouldn’t try to discuss a serious matter like food allergies with your English speaking customers, right? Besides, I was waiting for the owner to inform us as your staff suggested in the first place but I couldn’t trust your restaurant after hearing not 1 but 2 of your staff had told us.

So instead of attacking and blaming your customers here, you should better educate your staff. A person’s live is much more important than your restaurant’s reputation.

*Another note for the owner since he keep repeating himself/herself:

As a person who has gluten intolerance I am quite aware of the symbols on menus. This is not something you have invented. Been around for ages. Apparently it’s your staff who has no idea about the food they serve.

If you were so confident then surely you could let me talk to yourself or your chef, right? This is what I kindly asked from your staff but instead they gave me their horrible answers.

Finally, rest assured I will not step into your...

During my two visits to El Gastronauta in the heart of Málaga, I had the pleasure of savoring some truly memorable dishes. The Patatas Bravas and the exceptionally fresh Guacamole stand out for their authenticity and flavor, perfectly capturing the essence of Spanish cuisine. Another highlight was the Gambas Al Pil-Pil, which was cooked to perfection, leaving a lasting impression on my palate.

On my first visit, the Tuna Tatare was an absolute delight, striking the right balance between zest and spice. However, on my second visit, while still enjoyable, it seemed to lack a bit of the lemony zing and the spicy kick I had come to expect. It’s a minor point, but one that did not go unnoticed.

What sets El Gastronauta apart, aside from its culinary offerings, is the exceptional service. The staff is remarkably attentive, going above and beyond to ensure a welcoming and comfortable dining experience. Their ability to communicate in multiple languages, including excellent English, adds to the restaurant’s charm and accessibility, no doubt a reflection of the owner’s international experiences, particularly in Germany.

El Gastronauta is a gem in Málaga’s dining scene, offering an inviting atmosphere, delightful dishes, and service that makes you feel right at home. Whether you’re a local or a traveler, this is a place you’ll want to visit and revisit. I’m already looking forward to my...

After reading great reviews about their paella (i know, paella is for lunch, but since we were spending lunchtimes on the beach) we decided to pay them a visit for dinner with very high expectations. Oh boy, what a journey it was! There were 7 or 8 tables in the restaurant when we arrived, most of them finishing their food. We opted for octopus salad and seafood paella. Waited 42 minutes for the salad, with nobody bothering to update us, never mind apologise for delay. We mentioned waiting time to the lady who brought the salad (the boss) who blandly put the food on the table and left without a single comment. Strange start, we thought. Paella arrived soon after and we managed to enjoy those really lovely dishes. Once the bill arrived we mentioned waiting time, to which the blaming game begun! Not once " I am sorry for the delay" was mentioned but instead we had to listen to endless excuses and slagging off the work colleagues. It made even more damage to the problem, with still not a single "lo siento". Well team, if you want to learn customer service that is much needed during Covid times to keep them coming back so you support your already fragile business please pay the visit to Terra Mia across the road and learn kindness, urgency and good old fashioned customer service. Till then only the chef in your kitchen...