Beluga - Mediterranean Restaurant — Restaurant in Málaga

Our Spain trip was single-handedly derailed by this restaurant. We (a party of 2) ordered their course menu, and within 36 hours we were violently ill—vomiting, fever, night chills, and diarrhea that lasted a full week in my case. The culprit? A raw oyster served during the sweltering, humid days of mid-June. It was only the second day of our Spain trip, and unsurprisingly, this was the only restaurant where we had raw seafood. We had been cautious about the risk and generally avoided seafood—until it was served as part of the course menu here at Beluga. As anyone with basic food safety knowledge knows, raw oysters in summer are a high-risk gamble due to norovirus contamination. This restaurant apparently missed that memo.

That said, this isn’t a one-star review just because of the food poisoning (though that alone would warrant it). Despite its Michelin star, the food was overwhelmingly salty, and we could not taste any original ingredients. For most dishes, with the exception of their desserts and asparagus soup, sauces bulldozed any natural flavor the ingredients might’ve had. One particularly disappointing dish—rice with Spanish ham—tasted no better (and arguably worse) than a generic Chinese fried rice you could get for a tenth of the price. It was simply salty, overcooked rice topped with ham—something a 10-year-old could throw together in 20 minutes. Overall, it felt like the seasoning was used to distract from a lack of culinary depth, not to enhance the dining experience.

What made our experience even worse was the poor communication from the staff. They struggled to provide even basic explanations of each dish in English, often listing ingredients without any mention of preparation or concept. For example, the first dish in our course—titled “Cream, oyster, and seaweed” (ironically where we suspect the virus came from)—was presented without context or explanation. The server couldn’t elaborate on how it was made, and eating it felt like slurping an oyster out of a salty swamp—made worse by the aggressively seasoned cream.

The presentation was beautiful—but that’s where the compliments end. Much of the food seemed more focused on fulfilling the chef’s experimental fantasies than delivering a cohesive or enjoyable dining experience. It was culinary theater, minus the flavor.

At the end of the day, ingredient safety should be non-negotiable—especially when raw seafood is involved. If a restaurant can’t guarantee that, then no amount of plating finesse or Michelin accolades can save it.

If you experience food poisoning after dining here, I strongly recommend reporting it to the local food safety authority. It’s something we would’ve done ourselves had we not been temporary visitors. No restaurant—Michelin star or not—should be above basic...

My visit with my wife to Beluga Málaga was truly exceptional. Located in the charming Plaza de las Flores in the heart of Málaga, this Michelin-recommended restaurant offers a sophisticated dining experience that exceeded all expectations.

Chef Diego René's "meridional cuisine" showcases the best of Mediterranean flavors with contemporary flair. The menu features delicate dishes with technical precision and abundant flavor, particularly excelling in seafood and signature rice dishes

We opted for the tasting menu, which was an exquisite journey through the region's finest ingredients. Each course was meticulously presented - from the delicate seaweed cream with shells to the perfectly prepared fish dishes. The rice, which the restaurant is particularly known for, was cooked to perfection with a beautiful toasted texture

The service was impeccable, with knowledgeable staff explaining each dish with passion and expertise. Our sommelier made excellent wine pairing recommendations that complemented the flavors perfectly

The restaurant's ambiance strikes the perfect balance between elegance and comfort. Despite being in a busy square, Beluga offers a tranquil dining environment with well-spaced tables and attentive yet unobtrusive service

What impressed me most was the chef's commitment to transparency and coherence in his cooking philosophy - creating dishes that are recognizable yet innovative, honoring both Levantine and Andalusian culinary traditions

For anyone seeking an outstanding dining experience in Málaga, Beluga is absolutely worth the visit. The combination of exceptional food, professional service, and beautiful setting makes it a standout destination for...

We opted for the large tasting menu and dined on the terrace. While the experience had some positives, overall, it was disappointing, particularly given the cost.

Starting with the positives, the service was very good—staff were friendly and attentive. The restaurant itself looks professional, and the ambiance on the terrace was pleasant, though it would have been improved by some light background music. The wine selection was impressive, with generous pours at a reasonable price.

Unfortunately, the food did not live up to expectations, especially considering the Michelin recommendation. We didn’t simply order the wrong dishes—the large tasting menu is the most expensive option and should represent the absolute best of what the restaurant has to offer. Some dishes were not to my taste, such as the seaweed and live lettuce, which had overpowering earthy and musty flavors. However, beyond personal preferences, the overall execution of the menu was lacking. The flavors felt flat, with nothing particularly memorable or standout. The black vegetable fideuá had an unpleasantly slimy texture, and the main dish—a rice of ham—was something I could have made at home. The only real positive about the food was the freshness and quality of the fish.

Given the price point, this experience did not compare well to other local restaurants that offer far better food at a fraction of the cost. While the service and setting were enjoyable, the underwhelming dishes made for a disappointing evening.

I would rate this 2.5 stars, based on the high standard it should meet as a Michelin-recommended restaurant and the premium...