La Cosmo | Dani Carnero | Restaurant in Málaga — Restaurant in Málaga

After having dined several times at Cosmopolita -- and enjoying the food & the experience there VERY much! -- we decided to try its sister restaurant, La Cosmo.

We arrived for an early seating, and were seated indoors at one of the several empty high-tops, with a nice view of the kitchen.

Once seated, we waited for awhile for a menu card ... before someone whizzed by and pointed out that there's no card, only a QR code / link to an online menu + long winelist. Good thing we brought a phone.

We looked first for something to drink -- no mention whatsoever of water, beer, vermut, etc. Either on the menu, or by the waiter. We noticed that someone was getting a Sangria delivered -- also unmentioned, so we asked for Vermut. Availble only bottled, not from the barrel; it's Malaga, but OK. Figuring out what you have to offer shouldn't have to be a challenge for the customer ... even if just a drink.

We got our order sorted out and placed. While we were waiting, a server delivered, without asking, one slice of bread to each of us. It wasn't warm. No olive oil on the table; but we did notice that it was available for a 2.50 euro upcharge. Yes, I know there's been a drought/shortage, but at the prices La Cosmo charges, that's a bit stingy. The additional surprise was -- when the bill came -- we were charged 2.50 euro per slice of bread -- per person. Nice touch -- not! And, NO, it's not about the money ...

During the meal, we got to enjoy an air conditioning vent dripping "water" -- on our heads, and on our meal. OK, stuff happens, and it's a hot day. We decided to mention it quietly to our waiter when the bill came, so that they were aware. He responded -- "Yes, we know about it ...".

Wow. Really? Did you think knowing that, you might have at least mentioned it, if not seated us elsewhere ?!

The food was quite good -- tasty enough, and a slightly refined presentation.

But, to be honest, nothing remarkable. Unlike at Cosmopolita. AND, we've had better and more memorable food, with more thoughtful service, at many other places in Malaga, for less cost.

In summary? I'm shocked "this" earns a "Michelin Bib"! (Makes you wonder what that means ?!) The food was good-not-great, and the overall service/experience was sub-par, bordering on shoddy.

We don't see a reason to return, or recommend to others, until we see/hear things have really changed (if you read reviews, similar complaints have been made -- and acknowledged for quite awhile; seems that someone's not taking them seriously).

A note to the Carnero Group -- it this was the first restaurant in the group we'd visited, we'd not bother with...

Had dinner for two at La Cosmo after recommendations by waiter at sister restaurant La Cosmopolita. And the food was amazing!!! We started with a delicious cocktail, and delicious bread (🤤).

For dinner, we went for: 1) tomato with basil oil and cottage cheese sauce 2) Leek a la carbonara 3) duck with homemade barbecue sauce and 4) octopus with piparra sauce. All dishes were, for us, a 10/10!

1. tomato with basil: we drank the sauce - and the tomatoes were firm and tasty
2. leek a la carbonara: WOW! If it's on the menu, and you love onion and carbonara, then this one is made for you. The soft leek that brings out the sweet, onion flavour, in combination with the egg yolk and saltiness of the parmisian... So delicious, and perfect to share as it is really rich in flavour.
3. Duck with homemade barbecue sauce: duck was cooked to perfection, and the sauce...... Incredible! One of is isn't a fan of the typical, cheap barbecue sauce, so was sceptic at first. But this one had the perfect balance of smokiness, salt and sweet! A real surprise, with a nice fresh salad (could personalle have a bit less vinegar for one of us).
4. Ultimately, we had the squid. Two little squids with piparra emulsion. So tasty, as we love a whole squid and cooked to perfection.

Overall, for us a great experience. Personally regarding service & atmosphere: we like a bit more warmth & atmosphere from staff when going dinner. However, we do understand that when a restaurant like this wants to achieve a certain level of experience, this type of service fits. I think you do experience a different vibe when you are seated at the bar, and get to talk to the chefs a bit.

For two people, we spent 115eu and had 4 dishes, 3 glasses of wine and 2 cocktails.

Thank you La Cosmo,...

Was searching for a Michelin bib gourmand restaurant in Malaga and came across this amazing dining establishment. The restaurant had a very modern interior and came with an open kitchen so you interact with the friendly chefs who are preparing your food.

Let’s start by saying the food was simply divine! I ordered La Gilda, a tuna, tomato, piparra and anchovy skewer. The explosion of flavors that you get in your mouth is just indescribable. I also particularly enjoyed the duck breast with herb salad (El Malgret). The duck was seared to perfection and the salt sprinkled over it gave the dish the perfect umami kick. To end off my meal, I had the corn flan and it was the perfect finish to my gastronomic experience! The dessert mellow with just the right notes of sweetness. The pudding was soft and consistent and it reminded me of eating a nice buttery sweet popcorn!

But what truly set this restaurant apart was the high standard of service. The wait staff was incredibly friendly and attentive. They would always make sure my glass was filled. They explained to me in detail what each dish was and it really felt like I was in a Michelin star restaurant, even though this was just a Michelin bib gourmand restaurant.

I highly recommend everyone to go here if you would like a good...