Typical Murcian cuisine is fresh vegetables, seafood caught in the Mar Menor, rice (which is grown in the village of Calasparra), sausages, preserved foods, nuts, fresh fruit and sweet confectionery.

Murcia's confectionery can be very sweet and includes Tocino de cielo made with egg yolks and syrup, Yemas de Caravaca which is cake made with egg yolks and marzipan, Cabello de Ángel pumpkin strands in syrup, bizcochos borrachos sponge soaked in wine and syrup, tortada murciana meringue and paparajotes dessert which has Arab origins of lime leaves wrapped in sweet pastry, coated in sugar and cinnamon.

Murcian red wines have an excellent reputation. There are three Denominations of Origin: Jumilla, Yecla and Bullas. There are also a number of local wines from Comarcas de Campo de Cartagena, Ricote and Abanilla.

To help you make the right selection from the menu we have listed below a description of the main dishes from the region:

Arroz de verduras: Rice & vegetables.

Arroz marinero: Seafood & rice.

Arroz y conejo: Rice & rabbit.

Caldo Murciana: fish and rice soup

Chuletas al ajo cabañil: lamb chops in garlic

Concido relleno: meat & vegetable stew.

Empedrao: broad beans & rice

Ensalada Murciana: salad including tomatoes, garlic, aubergines, onions, red peppers and tuna.

Gachasmigas: wheat flower dish with garlic, olive oil and sausages.

Habas con jamón: ham and broad beans.

Huevas de mújol: caviar from the Mar Menor.

Menestra: sautéed selection of vegetables

Michirone: ham & chorizo stew

Paella huertana: vegetable paella.

Pastel de carne: small pastry filled with tomato, egg and meat.

Pescado a la sal: fish baked in salt.

Potaje: very rich local stew.

Revuelto: tapas with scrambled eggs, runner beans, garlic, ham and onions.

Tortilleras: potato and garlic omelette.

Zarangollo: ratatouille omelette with eggs, tomatoes, pumpkin, onions and courgettes.

Murcia Restaurants

There are some very good tapas bars to choose from in Murcia city centre, particularly in the Plaza de las Flores, Gran Via Alfonso X and the Cathedral Square - Plaza Cardenal Belluga. The cheaper places to eat can be found in the areas surrounding the Plaza San Juan and Plaza de Julian Romea.

We have provided details of the most popular restaurants in Murcia and its immediate environs with contact numbers so that you can make a reservation during your stay.

Rincón de Pepe, Apósteles, 34, Murcia

Murcia's most famous tapas restaurant. The Menú de degustación which gives you a taste of the restaurant's most popular tapas dishes including mojama (dried salted tuna) and mullet cooked in garlic. For dessert try the Paparajotes which we have described above.

Palacete Rural La Seda, Vereda del Catalán, Santa Cruz, Murcia

The Palacete Rural La Seda in Santa Cruz is a 10 minute drive from Murcia and is an elegant restaurant set in a 17th century building which was originally built for use as a wine bodega and then used as a silk factory. They specialise in modern cuisine using fresh. local ingredients. One of the most expensive restaurants in the region with a EUR70 menu degustacion, but it is excellent.

Acuario, Pl. Puxmarina, 3, Murcia

Family-run business near the cathedral with a friendly atmosphere and a split-level lounge which is divided into small dining areas on two floors. Good wine list and traditional dishes only using fresh local produce which is chosen personally by the chef every day.

Restaurante El Sordo, C/ Alhorbona s/n 30610 Ricote, Murcia

15 minute drive from Murcia in a small village surrounded by lemon groves in the Valley of Ricote. This is a large restaurant but you need to book a table as it is extremely popular with locals. Generous portions of traditional and creative cuisine. House wine is made locally.

Monteagudo, Av. Constitución, 93,Monteagudo, Murcia

6km drive from Murcia offering some interesting local wines and excellent traditional dishes with a modern twist. Both the meat and fish dishes and grilled vegetables are all delicious, and make sure you leave enough room for their warm chocolate soufflé.

Meson El Corral de Jose Luis, Plaza Santo Domingo 23, 30008 Murcia

Murcian restaurant popular for its Menu del Dia and great vegetable tapas dishes. Meat dishes including Iberian tenderloin with garlic also recommended. It is a rustic dining area which can seat up to 150 diners.

El Grumete, Plaza San Nicolas 3, 30005 Murcia (also found on Calle Vara de Rey 6, 30001 Murcia)

Specialises in fresh seafood, especially famous for its mussels. El Grumete also offers a wide selection of rice dishes, including Arroz Caldero and paella at reasonable prices.

Las Cocinas del Cardinal, Plaza Cardenal Belluga 7, Murcia

Located in the square in front of the Murcia Cathedral and the Palacio Episcopal. Varied fixed price menu and good selection of tapas dishes.

Hispano Hotel Restaurant, Calle Radio Murcia 3, 30001 Murcia

Offers traditional delicacies like seasonal salads, fresh fish from the Mar Menor, tapas, grilled vegetables and stew of the day served with home made bread and local Murcian wine. Rustic design restaurant with local market produce on the tables and traditional pots and pans hanging on the wall.

This guide to Restaurants in Murcia was written by Linda Craik who is the main editor and article writer for Murcia Airport which is a comprehensive guide to Murcia Airport.