Chefs Javier Sanz and Juan Sahuquillo with the Alcazaba of Málaga behind them

Our story

From Casas-Ibáñez to the heart of Málaga

The story of Cañitas Maite, the cooking of Javier Sanz and Juan Sahuquillo, and their arrival at ME Málaga by Meliá.

Where it began

Cooking with a memory

Cañitas Maite was born in Casas-Ibáñez, Albacete, led by chefs Javier Sanz and Juan Sahuquillo. Their cooking is built on La Mancha produce and contemporary technique, without losing the home cooking at the root of the Cañitas Maite family. Their work has been recognised with a Michelin star.

In 2026, Cañitas Maite arrives in Málaga inside the five-star ME Málaga by Meliá and takes over all of its food offering. It is not just another hotel restaurant, but two full floors, each with its own concept, atmosphere and hours, under one culinary signature.

The chefs

Javier Sanz & Juan Sahuquillo

Chef Javier Sanz in the dining room at Cañitas Málaga

Javier Sanz

Chef and co-founder of Cañitas Maite. In Málaga, he leads the kitchen alongside Juan Sahuquillo.

Chef Juan Sahuquillo plating in the kitchen at Cañitas Málaga

Juan Sahuquillo

Chef and co-founder of Cañitas Maite. In Málaga, he leads the kitchen alongside Javier Sanz.

The Best Croquette in the World 2021, made with Joselito ham, by Cañitas Maite

A house classic

The best croquette in the world

In 2021 our Joselito ham croquette was named the best in the world. Today it is the first bite at almost every table, both at Cañitas Málaga and at Cañitas al Fresco.

See the menu →
Infinity pool on the rooftop of ME Málaga by Meliá, with sun loungers and city views ME Málaga pool with the Cathedral and the old town in the background ME Málaga terrace at sunset with the Alcazaba in the background Sculptural staircase in the lobby of ME Málaga by Meliá

The hotel

ME Málaga by Meliá

A five-star hotel in the heart of the city centre, next to Plaza de la Merced and a short walk from the Alcazaba, the Picasso Museum Málaga and the Cathedral. Its rooftop, with an infinity pool and panoramic views, shares the building with works by Picasso and Miró in the lobby. Cañitas Málaga runs all of its food offering across two floors.

Discover ME Málaga ↗

Two venues, one house

Cañitas Málaga on the top floor and Cañitas al Fresco on the rooftop.

Cañitas MálagaCañitas al Fresco

Contact

See you in the heart of Málaga

Hotel ME Málaga by Meliá
Calle Victoria, 6 · 29012 Málaga
City centre, next to Plaza de la Merced

Cañitas Málaga
Every day, 1–3:30 pm and 8–10:30 pm
Cañitas al Fresco
Every day, 11 am to midnight
Book a table Get directions ↗
Map of Málaga city centre showing Cañitas Málaga at Calle Victoria, 6
© OpenStreetMap contributors
  • Plaza de la Merced1 min walk
  • Alcazaba3 min walk
  • Picasso Museum Málaga3 min walk
  • Málaga Cathedral5 min walk