Malagón Mercado y Taperia — #202 Restaurant in Charleston SC · CharlestonRanked
№202 restaurants
Malagón Mercado y Taperia
Ranked № 202 restaurant in Charleston, SC · 33 Spring St, Charleston
Spring Street Spanish tapas room and 2025 Michelin Star — paella, fried rabbit, rossejat negro, and a vermouth-on-tap bar program from chef Juan Cassalett.
Community rating
4.6★
Based on 665 ratings
1 local voted·4.6 on Google
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The look
In pictures
The take
Why locals love it
Malagón is a Spring Street tapas room — a short, rotating Spanish menu of paella, fried rabbit, rossejat negro, and the cult la bomba — that earned a Michelin Star in the inaugural American South guide. Chef Juan Cassalett's cooking and the room's late-night, vermouth-on-tap energy made it Charleston's most surprising 2025 star.
Word on the street
What locals are saying
“
Malagón Mercado y Taperia is a Michelin-starred (2025 American South debut) Spanish tapería and market in the Cannonborough-Elliotborough neighborhood, earning consistent local praise for its authentic, technique-driven Spanish cuisine and intimate old-world atmosphere. Chef Juan Cassalett's training under Charleston fine-dining stalwarts shows: locals and critics alike laud the use of fresh local catch and vegetables woven into traditional Spanish preparations, making it feel distinctly rooted in the Charleston culinary scene. The small, 'easy to walk past' space is a neighborhood gem shared by regulars, though the no-liquor-license policy (vermouth and sherry only) and tight reservations are frequently noted.
Michelin star legitimacy — one of only three Charleston restaurants honored in the 2025 Michelin American South debutAuthentic Spanish tapas with a Charleston terroir twist — local seafood and vegetables in regional Spanish preparationsIntimate, old-world mercado ambience — shelves of tinned fish, Spanish wine, and charcuterie alongside an open kitchen
Chef pedigree drives quality — Cassalett trained under Jeremiah Bacon at Carolina's; technique and sourcing widely praised
Standout dishes: La Bomba de la Barceloneta, trumpet mushrooms, roasted rabbit, rotating paella
No liquor license (vermouth/sherry only) and very small footprint make reservations essential
In the feed
On socials
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Across Instagram captions, TikTok roundups, and food-influencer write-ups, Malagón Mercado y Taperia is consistently framed as a transportive, moody MICHELIN-starred gem off King Street where the bomba de la Barceloneta, rossejat negro, and tortilla Española are the non-negotiable orders — and the complimentary bowl of quicos signals that something special is coming. Creators describe a buzzing open kitchen, hanging jamón legs, marble tabletops, and a shoppable wall of imported Spanish goods that makes the space feel equal parts restaurant and old-world market.
Bomba de la Barceloneta & rossejat negro as must-order anchorsTortilla Española in cast iron called the 'showcase plate'Moody, intimate Spanish mercado atmosphere that 'transports you to Spain'Servers praised for guiding guests through the eight-section menuShoppable Spanish market wall + complimentary quicos as signature touches
The fit
Who it’s for & what you get
Best for
michelin starspanishtapasfine diningspring street
What you get
Sourced from Google · confirm with the venue
Food & drink
Lunch
Dinner
Vegetarian options
Beer
Wine
Service
Dine-in
Reservations
Practical
Free parking
Common questions
Frequently asked
Is Malagón Mercado y Taperia one of the best restaurants in Charleston?+
Malagón Mercado y Taperia is ranked #202 restaurant in Charleston by community votes. Malagón is a Spring Street tapas room — a short, rotating Spanish menu of paella, fried rabbit, rossejat negro, and the cult la bomba — that earned a Michelin Star in the inaugural American South guide. Chef Juan Cassalett's cooking and the room's late-night, vermouth-on-tap energy made it Charleston's most surprising 2025 star.
What is Malagón Mercado y Taperia best known for?+
Spring Street Spanish tapas room and 2025 Michelin Star — paella, fried rabbit, rossejat negro, and a vermouth-on-tap bar program from chef Juan Cassalett.
Who should go to Malagón Mercado y Taperia?+
Malagón Mercado y Taperia is best for: michelin star, spanish, tapas, fine dining, spring street.
Where is Malagón Mercado y Taperia located?+
Malagón Mercado y Taperia is located at 33 Spring St, Charleston, Charleston, SC.
Updated daily by community votes·Last revised May 26, 2026
