Dónde comer en Los Alcázares

A long-standing local favourite that does the Mar Menor classics. garlic prawns, pulpo a la brasa, sole fillets. with the confidence that only comes from decades of practice. Book ahead on summer weekends; this one fills up fast.

A no-nonsense seafood spot where the daily catch dictates the menu rather than the other way around. Pull up to the bar and point at whatever looks best in the cabinet, or settle in for a full sit-down meal from the blackboard.

The open terrace here is the draw in every season, and the kitchen backs it up with solid Murcian rice dishes and a house tuna salad worth returning for. Good for groups who want a long, unhurried lunch with a sea breeze.

Tucked between the Mar Menor and San Javier airport, this family-run place has built its reputation on grilled fish and stone-baked rice dishes that require a 20-minute wait. Worth it. A proper local secret visitors stumble on by happy accident.

One of the most-talked-about addresses in town. La Casa de Papel pairs creative Mediterranean cooking with a wine list that gets serious attention. The staff are genuinely knowledgeable and patient, the sort of place that makes a mid-week dinner feel like a small occasion.

The name roughly translates as 'crazy how good' and the kitchen largely lives up to it. Creative bar snacks and market-driven small plates in a relaxed setting, one of the newer spots in town and already pulling a loyal crowd.

Right in the heart of the town centre, El Patio is the kind of all-rounder every holiday needs: Spanish classics, a decent steak, a long menu that keeps vegetarians and picky kids equally happy. Outdoor tables on warmer evenings are especially pleasant.

Sitting right on the beach, La Encarnación gives you the full Mar Menor experience: fresh Mediterranean and Spanish dishes with an uninterrupted view of the lagoon. Sunset here is something to plan an evening around.

More bar-and-lounge than restaurant. Armonia is the place to while away an afternoon on the paseo with cocktails, light bites and a soundtrack that never gets too loud. Good for a birthday group or anyone who wants a stylish waterfront spot.

A newer entry that has quickly earned a following for its steaks and wine pairings in a setting that feels considered rather than showy. Staff offer genuine menu guidance, which makes navigating the Murcian wine list a pleasure rather than a guess.

When the tapas circuit needs a night off, Fusion delivers an accessible Indian-European menu that caters well to families with different tastes. The curries have genuine depth and the portions are generous. No one leaves hungry.

A tiny, passionate restaurant run by people who clearly care about what arrives at your table. The Nepalese-Indian menu is more interesting than most curry houses on the Costa. Try the dal and the house special before going straight for the tikka masala.

Another well-regarded Nepalese and Indian option in town. Gurkha Durbar has attracted a loyal following among both expats and Murcian families curious about South Asian cooking. The set menus offer good value for a group.

If you're craving a proper Italian fix, Little Sicily keeps things straightforward with freshly made pasta and wood-fired pizzas that would raise no eyebrows back on the mainland. Great for an easy, uncomplicated dinner the whole family will agree on.

Spice-forward cooking that stands out on a strip of Spanish and Mediterranean menus. The kitchen takes its Indian recipes seriously and the staff have a habit of steering you toward whatever is freshest that day.

A family-run bistro that takes breakfast and brunch as seriously as its evening menu. Everything is made in-house. The kind of place where you linger over a second coffee without anyone hurrying you along. Come for the lemon meringue, stay for the steak penne.

A modern cocktail bar in the town centre that also does food well: sharing boards and kitchen snacks to accompany the longer drinks list. Good for an early evening aperitivo before moving on to dinner elsewhere.

A genuine curio among Los Alcázares' dining options. Galin's brings hearty Eastern European cooking to the Murcian coast. The portions are substantial and the welcome is warm. Well worth a visit if you want something different.