One of the best parts of traveling and living abroad is obvious; the FOOD, baby! In Murcia you will find yourself in the midst of the Mediterranean-tapas world. You can’t leave without trying croquetas, caballitos, tigres, and a marinera. (Note: No, these are not literal ponies or tigers.)
Whether you need all of the tapas or one big elegant meal, this list is for you.
A mixed-cuisine list of my must-try spots, ranging from cheap eats with friends to fine dining worth every last centimo.
(Bonus list of 3 spots for beer lovers at the end!)
La Uva Jumillana II
Glass of wine/vermut/beer + tapa = 2.50
Come early to snag a seat – it’s a small space. Quality is average, but you can’t beat the price. Has all of the typical Murcian tapas and then some. Great for the auxiliar budget and getting together with a small group of friends.
Recommended dishes:
If you’re in Murcia, you can’t escape the year without trying a typical beer or vermut (vermouth) and a marinera tapa (basically a potato salad with an anchovy on top). Bunuelos de bacalao are also a traditional choice.
El Togo II
A place that spices up the list of typical tapas and adds a lot of variety. Located in the heart of La Merced university zone, it’s a great spot to stop in for lunch. Pick out a couple options from their tapa display case and you’ll be smiling in no time.
Mercado de Correos
This is a spot chosen primarily for the aesthetic. While their food options are varied and tasty, it is definitely pricier than the local bars. That being said, the appearance of Mercado de Correos blows all other local bars and restaurants out of the water. While it has a mercado/market layout (you pick up your food then sit yourself at a table), the feel is everything but. On weekends they tend to have live music or a DJ. Dress the part and stop in to enjoy the ambiance.
Mano a Mano
Sometimes, you just don’t want a tapa. So instead, we go for delicious and deliciously priced pizza, at it’s best. A popular spot for the younger crowd and students. They also sell some Argentinean specialties, such as empanadas. Great to go with friends.
Tapeoteca
Due to their combination of strange dishes (say hello to their Michellen-trained chef), spectacular service, and great presentation, this has won it’s way to my stomach’s #1 restaurant of choice. There are two locations (San Pedro and La Catedral), at both of which you should make a reservation beforehand. La Catedral has outside (“terraza”) seating.
Recommended dishes:
To share (2 people): MUST TRY Alcachofas a la parrilla con cremita de queso idiazabal aka artichoke dish. A combination of artichoke, Iberian ham, cheese, and almond in a wild mix of flavor. Artichokes have never tasted so good.
To share (2 people): Pulpo a la parrilla con parmentier de patata aka octopus served in a potato reduction/sauce.
To share (2 people): Alitas de pollo con manzana salteada y teriyaki aka teriyaki-apple chicken wings. A great twist on a traditional sauce.
La Pequena Taberna
Phenomenally fresh, Spanish seafood for a price. It has a nice ambiance, great service, and is highly recommend for a special occasion dinner. They even give you a gin and tonic at the end of the meal. Check out their “menu del dia” for a cheaper lunch option.
Recommended dishes:
Appetizer: Gambas rojas – salted prawns (for any unknowing Americans, basically a giant shrimp with the shell on). Sounds too basic, but if you love seafood/shellfish, you won’t regret it.
Dessert: Tarta de Queso aka cheesecake – made with goat cheese for an explosion of flavor that you won’t expect.
Salzillo
High-quality Spanish meats and seafood. The inside has a serious tone, which makes it good for a date-night or with a couple of friends. The super attentive service is paralleled by the food. Price tags for quality, but it does not disappoint.
Recommended dishes:
Appetizer MUST TRY: Huevo pochado con crema de champiñón y esencia de trufa blanca aka the poached egg in mushroom cream with essence of truffle dish. This sounds meh. An egg in truffle sauce. There are other things your eyes would turn to, but listen… I don’t even like mushrooms, and I would order this dish every day of the week if I could. You will never be more impressed by an egg dish. If you disagree, send me a message on the contact page, and I will be more than glad to discuss. Get the egg dish.
Appetizer: Pulpo gallego al horno en su jugo aka oven-cooked octopus in it’s own juice. You can order them by the piece (troso) to taste before deciding (unanimously) that you will order more.
Main: Entrecot de Buey a la brasa aka beef (ox) steak. My dad raised a steak-eating girl. I have tried steak cuts at various restaurants, both in Murcia and out, This is the best steak I have ever had (except for yours, dad, if you’re reading this).
A little bonus for beer lovers…
Perro Azul
(outdoor location; there are 2 locations)
This place has a chill atmosphere to sit with friends and have a drink. They have a long drink menu (cocktails too) and a very laid-back vibe.
Cervemur
There are two locations both located south of the city center (bus accessible). This is a great place to come with a big group of friends. They boast a huge international beer list with more draft choices than you can count.
La Cueva de la Cerveza
A centrally located, small German bar. They have a large selection of imported beer, amongst other local options. Chances are that the owner will be your bartender. Prices are a little higher, but you can’t beat their Belgian brews.