The story
Malagón Mercado y Taperia opened in 2019 in Charleston’s Cannonborough–Elliotborough neighborhood, the sister restaurant of Chez Nous. It is both a market and a tapería, focusing exclusively on Spanish cuisine. The market stocks canned seafood, Spanish wine, cheese, charcuterie, marcona almonds, and truffled potato chips — many of which are the only such imports available in South Carolina. The tapería serves small and large plates rooted in the regional cooking of Spain, with a beverage program of wine and beer that also comes exclusively from Spain.
The space is designed as a neighborhood gathering spot where friends and family regularly meet. Counter dining is available, and the atmosphere is welcoming and unpretentious. The menu changes often and seasonally, reflecting the ingredients and traditions of Spanish kitchens. Diners can choose from selections of cheese and charcuterie, tapas, meat and seafood dishes, vegetable plates, and desserts. The kitchen accommodates a variety of dietary preferences and restrictions.
In 2026, Malagón was awarded a Michelin star, a recognition of its high-quality cooking. The award underscores the restaurant’s commitment to authentic Spanish flavors and meticulous sourcing, from the market’s curated imports to the tapería’s evolving plates. It is a place where the line between shopping and dining blurs — guests can browse for a bottle of Spanish wine, pick up a tin of conservas, then sit down for a meal that captures the spirit of Spain in the heart of Charleston.
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