Frequently I'm just up for some Tapas and Murcia can certainly provide plenty of opportunites to sample lovely local varieties of this Spanish delicacy. Like most towns close to the Med the choice of fish dishes is awesome but there's lots more than just fish here. Some of the eating places in Murcia below tend to be a bit upmarket but believe me they all offer tremendous value. dining experiences available in restaurants in Murcia is outstanding (partly due to the local vegetables which Murcia is famous for) and I'm sure you'll find one of the below suitable for you whatever the occasion.

La Cocinas del Cardenal (Plaza del Cardenal Belluga 7). This place offers a good variety of meals to sample as Tapas at the bar or included in the fixed price menu. Acuario (Plaza Puxmaria 1, 968219955). Acuario serves a good range of local Murcian and international cuisine.

The nicest food in Murcia need not be the most expensive:

Paco Pepe (14 Madre de Dios. Tel. 968 216 691) Get your Tapas from the bar or enjoy the set menu for about ?12 at lunchtime. If you fancy treating yourself then you've got to try the sea bass in garlic. Jota Ele (6 Plaza Santa Isabel. Tel. 968 220 730) A vast array of tapas is on offer. Have a go at sizzling cod with garlic and chilli which is a house speciality, or a vegetarian option could be the ever-present Spanish omelette. They also have a a very reasonable men? del d'a for ?9. Hermanos Rubio (3 Plaza Santa Isabel. Tel. 96 821 2040) Here we have a traditional restaurant which offers good, no-frills fare (including a very reasonable three-course menu at lunchtime). Specialities include fillet of sea bream and lamb chops with garlic. Of course there's the usual selection of tapas for those seeking lighter sustenance. M'son del Corral de Jos? Lu's (23 Plaza de Santa Domingo.) Jos? has a a brilliantly cheap set menu of the day (three-course meal with a drink). Lovely Tapas here too. Casa Gallato (33 Calle Avenida de los Pinos. Tel. 96 829 2517) Casa Gallato is a meat eater's paradise. Cured hams hang suspended from the ceiling in the bar and the restaurant specialises in steaks (and massive portions!). For those not on the Atkins diet they do have a great selection of vegetables and rice dishes including the traditional "patatas a lo pobre" (poor man's potatoes). Pans & Company (1 Avenida de Juan Carlos. Tel. 968 904 457) Another "whilst shopping" place with some of the best sandwiches in Murcia with rafts of deliciousfillings. There's also a range of salads and breakfasts. McYuch!! like service but with much better grub. Rinc'n del Molinero (4 Carril de los Palomas. Tel. 96 829 7148) Rinc'n's is a spacious restaurant with a superb three-course dish of the day at lunchtime at a giveaway ?9! The good range of regional traditional food on the menu at Rinc'n del Molinero also boasts Murcian salad and great rice dishes. For the more curious amongst us a roast lamb's head can be ordered in advance. (Leave me out I might add ;-) Carrefour Zaraiche (1 Avenida de Juan Carlos . Tel. 968 297 322) A typical self-service restaurant in the Carrefour shopping centre complex. Zaraiche serves fast-food fesh from the hot plate. They also provide set meals/menus. This is convenient for replenishing the batteries when shopping.

There's a decent sprinkling of restaurants in Murcia to get you started. Why not let me know if you find a place you'd particularly like to recommend? Maybe we'll become the "Michellin" guide to eateries in Murcia City ;-)