4 Best Restaurants in The Murcia Coast, Spain

Tucked away behind the cathedral, this small, modern restaurant justifies Murcia's fame as tapas capital of the Southeast. Young local chef Sergio Martínez takes a creative stance on local cuisine in both the bite-sized tapas (from €2.50), such as ham croquettes or cuttlefish pastry and the larger main courses. Highlights here include chicken tabbouleh, artichokes with cured ham and Parmesan, and tuna tataki with yogurt and wasabi. Try the tasting menu with nine dishes (€42) to sample the best on the menu.

Although this is a well-established vegetarian and vegan venue, the dishes prepared here with local produce are favorites among omnivorous locals. The café has a laid-back, hippieish atmosphere, with a technicolor sunflower painting on one wall and framed photos on the others. The two or four-course menus (€12, €18) are the only options, but an excellent value; the full menu includes a salad plus two courses, dessert, and organic bread. Specialties include goat's cheese millefeuille and quinoa with roasted vegetables. Leave room for the Indian-style grilled yogurt. El Girasol fills up: unless you are traveling solo, get here early or make a reservation. Note: the staff don't speak much English so you may need a translation app to explain any dietary restrictions.

Traditional Spanish cuisine gets a modern twist at this family-run venue on the boulevard that circles the harbor. Inside is cheap and cheerful while the outside terrace sits under palms. Staples on the menu include oxtail cannelloni with nectarine-infused béchamel sauce, octopus Galician style (with paprika), and what locals consider to be the best cheesecake in town. The lunch prix fixe is an excellent value (€16.50 for aperitif and three courses). Whatever you choose, start with the chef’s own vermouth.