Drive from Malaga to Nerja

Cannot recommend a lunch spot. I would suggest simply stopping at any place that looks good. We have driven the route and I would stay off the freeway, there is a road the winds along the coast. It slow, but can be more scenic.

Try and find a place without an English menu. It is likely less touristy.

Have a great trip.

How about driving up to Frigiliana? About 20 minutes north of Nerja, some good places to eat and lovely little white washed village to walk around.

If it was me I’d just get the car and drive straight to Nerja on the freeway. The coast road will be very slow and it’s built up with hotels. I’m not sure how much you’d really see. Check in to the hotel and drop my bags if the room isn’t ready. Then just explore on foot. First day with a hire car I want the easiest route and the least amount of faffing possible.

Further along the coast from Nerja, La Herradura beach is a good place to visit. Very Spanish. It’s known for water sports and there are some really good restaurants on the seafront. Almunecar is also a predominantly Spanish resort with an old town.

Try and find a place without an English menu. It is likely less touristy.

I disagree. Most restaurants in Spain, particularly in areas frequented by tourists have menus in English, even top rated Michelin starred ones. I've eaten in very good restaurants along the Costa Del Sol all of which had menus in English.

It is such a short drive, you would reach Nerja at 1 or so, and could just get lunch there.
Or in Frigiliana. Otherwise, I cannot think of a worthwhile spot that is really along the way - Vélez-Málaga is okayish but that's about it.
If you want a really scenic drive, you would need to take a long inland detour - up Puerto del Leon, then back towards the coast on A-356. There are some nice coastal stretches on N-340 but nothing spectacular IMO.

Few inland roads you could detour to to kill time since it’s only an hour’s drive. The inland roads are very rural with plenty of twists and turns through the mountains. On the eastern edge of Nerja is Aqueduct Eagle. It’s a nice photo stop.

Here's a thought: on the way, stop at the Cuevas de Tesoro then have lunch in Velez Malaga or visit the Fortelaza for a beautiful view of the area. Roads are a bit narrow up to the Forteleza but doable. I recommend renting a smaller vehicle in general. I ate at Casa Domi in Velez-Malaga. Check hours wherever you plan to go. Even the Cuevas are closed during the afternoon. Better to go to Casa Domi mid lunch than late lunch.

Second for Frigiliana! The only caveat is that parking is a bit of a challenge. But, the village is gorgeous and well worth the effort.