Malaga Restaurant has been serving up authentic food from Spain in Hamilton Township for three decades, delighting patrons with tastes from the owners’ home country.
More than a Mediterranean menu, Malaga is the only taste of Spain in Mercer County and one of the few in the state. Brother and sister team Ramiro and Angela Rodriguez take pride in the family recipes used.
“We were born and raised in Spain, and our parents had restaurants there,” says Ramiro Rodriguez. “We grew up in the business, and when we came to America, we brought the traditions with us.”
In fact, the restaurant business is a family tradition as Angela and Ramiro’s brothers own and operate restaurants in Piscataway, Asbury Park, and Rhode Island. They all frequently travel back to Spain to learn what’s new and fresh.
“This is one of the top cuisines in the world and is very healthy,” Rodriguez says. “We use fresh seafood, fish, and meats, real extra virgin olive oil, wine, and garlic, and moderate spices. We can spice it up if you like, but it’s all very approachable.”
One of the most popular dishes at Malaga is the paella, different combinations of shellfish, chicken, sausage, and/or vegetables cooked with saffron rice. Another big seller is Mariscada Malaga, a fresh shellfish casserole of lobster, shrimp, clams, mussels, and scallops in a tomato, sherry, and brandy sauce, served with saffron rice. There’s a vegetarian menu and a kids menu, too.
Malaga can entertain parties at the restaurant and does off-site catering and party trays to go.
“Don’t forget our homemade Sangria, a house mix of fruits in either red or white wine,” Rodriguez says. “It’s made daily and is a nice, refreshing drink that goes great with our entire menu.”
While Malaga doesn’t change its menu on holidays, there are daily specials, and every second Sunday of each month there is a live Flamenco performance at 5 p.m.
Malaga Restaurant is open for lunch Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dinner is Monday through Thursday, 3 to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 3 to 11 p.m.; and Sunday, 12:30 to 3 p.m.
Malaga Restaurant, 511 Lalor Street, Hamilton. 609-396-8878. www.malagarestaurant.com.
