Malaga already has a representative Official Tapas and Pinchos Championship 2026:Shrimp Croque StyleThe establishment of the Pez Lola restaurant was chosen as Best tapa in town After winning a very close final out of twelve proposals.
The elections are reaching their peak Tapa Way «Feeling Malaga Tapa by Tapa»a gastronomic tour that has for weeks highlighted the talent of Malaga’s hospitality industry through Over 60 covers created Honestly for this occasion. The competition was organized by MAHOS Malaga Hotel Owners AssociationWith the aim of choosing the recipe that will represent the province in the national grand final that will be held in January within the framework of Madrid Fusión.
Executive Chef of Piz Lola Restaurant, Carmen Esteban, during the final of the competition
High level final
The 12 finalists – from neighborhoods such as Centro, El Palo-Pedrigalejo, Hulin and Tetinos – presented their creations in front of A professional jury composed of chefs Diego Gallegos (Solo, one Michelin star) And Jose Carlos Garcia (JCG, one Michelin star).
both of them They evaluated the tapas by the same criteria that will be applied in the national final: Adapting tapa form, flavour, technique, authenticity, presentation and use of local produce.
winner, “Croque Shrimp Style” It has been distinguished by its balance of flavors and its ability to reinterpret Málaga’s tapa through a current and powerful approach, qualities that have won Piz Lola its name. The privilege of defending the province against the best institutions in the country.
Carmen Esteban presents her Croc Gamba style
Malaga revived as heroes
The route and its end revealed the gastronomic dynamism of Malaga, and especially the creative power of its neighbourhoods. to Javier Frutos, President of MAHOS, the competition reflects “the diversity of the hospitality industry, which represents an economic pillar, cultural identity and “Drive for Sustainable Food Tourism Development towards the Neighborhoods of Malaga.”
Likewise, the High participation from the public and institutions It shows that tapa remains one of the most vibrant expressions of Malaga cuisine: a form that allows you to play, create, innovate and, above all, represent the local essence.
Road to Madrid Fusion
With triumph Shrimp Croque StylePez Lola is now preparing for the most important event: Official Tapas and Pinchos Championship 2026Where he will compete with finalists from all over Spain.
This will be an opportunity to show once again that Malaga’s gastronomy is not only having a moment of greatness, but that it is… Compete head-to-head with the best in the country Thanks to chefs who combine roots, creativity and technology.
Malaga already has a cover. Now, it’s your turn to conquer Madrid.