Pollos San Juan — Restaurant in Málaga

This place gets it right. Pollos San Juan is a rotisserie chicken kitchen of excellence that’s been serving locals for over 60 years. It’s located right next to the central market on Calle Herrería del Rey — and that’s no coincidence. The hens come straight from the market, just a stone’s throw from the front door, and they have a hundred delicious ways to serve their freshly roasted chicken.

You can order chicken salad, hot chicken with rice, chicken with mash or chips, Spanish-style dishes, or my personal favourite — the bocadillo San Juan. It’s simple perfection: ciabatta bread, roast chicken, a touch of mayonnaise, and optional lettuce and tomato. Just five ingredients, nothing fancy, but the result is spectacular. You can have it hot or cold, and either way, it’s pure flavour.

The staff are seasoned pros. Even if your Spanish isn’t great, they know exactly what you mean and treat everyone like a local. And for less than €5, you get a sandwich fit for a king — which feels appropriate given it’s on Calle del Rey.

From an Irish perspective, this is where the “chicken fillet roll man” goes when he’s led a good life and reaches the gates of heaven. The bocadillo San Juan is like the Premier League version of a chicken fillet roll — freshly cooked, full of flavour, and unforgettable.

I visited around 7 p.m., when the rush had passed, and enjoyed my meal outside in the warm Malagan evening. A man walked by, glanced at my bocadillo, smiled, and gave me a thumbs up — no words needed, just a silent confirmation that I was about to enjoy...

WONDERFUL ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Meeting Señor Mario Moreno the Owner of Pollos San Juan next to the infamous Mercado Central is one of my all-time best moments meeting someone new while in Malaga.

I could not quite believe the lowest prices for their Pollo Asado Menu (inc a WHOLE roasted Chicken, HUGE portion of homemade Chips & 2 salsas) at €13,50 and I hurriedly placed my order. 21 years I have been in Spain 🇪🇸 living for a few years at a time and Pollo Asado (Roasted Chicken) 🍗 is a real hidden delicacy that I have tasted out of maybe 30 restaurants/takeouts. The absolute best for me are in San Pedro de Alcantara, Benahavís and tonight’s at Pollos San Juan, Malaga Ciudad. Non-Spanish in my many years of experience do not really stop at Asadores, but next time you visit Malaga please please save yourself a comparative fortune dining at a larger restaurant and give Pollos San Juan a chance. You won’t be disappointed 😃

PS There’s a young woman working at Pollos San Juan named Alicia who is drop dead gorgeous (serious eye candy 😍) and...

The chicken was tasty but the consequences of eating it were terrible. I have to stay in bed today because of belly pain and diarrhea. Such a diarrhea I haven't had for many many years. They just sell poison. My wife is in the same condition. Even if you want to consider all the good reviews please don't risk going there!

To the owner: Please make sure you clean the sauce container under the grill every day. I think the bacterias might have been multiplying...