The very finest dining in the Region of Murcia according to the Michelin Guide

Restaurants in the Region of Murcia included in the Michelin Guide

The Region of Murcia boasts a typically Mediterranean culinary and gastronomic tradition, with plenty of delicious dishes to choose from ranging from the simple Ensalada Murciana to a wide variety of fish and seafood specialities, and it is no surprise that there are various restaurants to have been awarded the prestigious Michelin stars.

The Michelin Guide is the oldest restaurant and hotel guide in Europe, providing an annual compendium of the most prestigious eateries in the world. The Guide emerged around the year 1900 as a publicity vehicle invented by André Michelin, offering information of interest to travellers and bearing in mind that at that time international tourism was a privilege enjoyed only by the very well-off.

The Michelin guide was originally offered as a free gift with every set of Michelin tyres purchased, but in 1920 the decision was made to sell it as a commodity in its own right, and three years later the “Recommended Hotels and Restaurants” section was added. It was only at this point that restaurants without any link to a hotel were included.

A further category appeared later, in 1955, now known as the “Bib Gourmand”. This name comes from the famous Michelin Man figure (who is actually called Bibendum) and the award of the Bib is made to restaurants which offer quality dining at affordable prices: in most European countries the limit is considered to be around 35 euros per person. Those featured in this section are listed with a red “R”.

Although times have changed, along with travel, tourism and dining preferences, the Michelin Guide is still a bible for gastronomes, offering suggestions for high quality dining the world over, and in the Region of Murcia there is one restaurant with 2 Michelin stars and three more with one each. In addition, four more eateries are included in the Bib Gourmand category.

Two Michelin stars

Cabaña Buenavista: Located in El Palmar, just a few kilometres south of the city of Murcia, this restaurant is a must for lovers of fine dining. The kitchen is run by Pablo González and at present the restaurant offers two delicious tasting menus. Bookings can be made online through the restaurant website here.

One Michelin star

Odiseo Gastronómico: The Odiseo opened as recently as 2020 in the leisure complex of the same name in the north of the regional capital, and won its first Michelin star the following year. Head chef Nazario Cano is a native of Alicante and ensures that the highest standards are always met. There are various menu options and bookings can be made through the restaurant website.

Magoga: The theme of this restaurant in the centre of Cartagena is a fusion of the foods of the sea and the countryside, with dishes created by chef María Gómez and her husband Adrián (sommelier and maître d’hôtel). The combination of their talent and commitment has led to the award of their Michelin star, and as well as the tasting menu there is also an à la carte option. For further information click here.

Alma Mater: This restaurant in the centre of Murcia is the brainchild of master chef Juan Guillamón, who combines the very latest culinary trends and techniques with traditional cooking to create dishes full of taste and creativity. Alma Mater opened its doors in May 2019 and was awarded its Michelin star in November 2022 after becoming one of the most widely appreciated dining locations in the Region of Murcia in just three years. For further information click here, or here for the menu in English.

Bib Gourmand

Restaurante Perro Limón: Another restaurant in the city of Murcia, this time in the district of San Andrés, the Perro Limón surprises first-time customers both with its decor and with its varied menu: the products and tastes come from Hindu, Moroccan, French and Japanese cooking, and have been combined to stunning effect by chef María Crespo. Further information here.

Restaurante Alborada: Back into the centre of Murcia for a visit to La Alborada, the restaurant run by chef David Muñoz Sánchez, who offers top quality traditional dishes – to the great delight of his many regular diners! Further information here.

Restaurante Juan Mari: At the northern end of the Mar Menor in San Pedro del Pinatar, close to the Regional Park of the Salt Flats and the beaches of the lagoon and the Mediterranean, is Restaurante Juan Mari, which has been open for over 30 years offering traditional cuisine with a touch of modernity. For further information click here.

Restaurante Malvasía: Even closer to the Mar Menor is Malvasía, located just a minute’s walk from the beach of Playa Honda at the southern end of the lagoon. Among the stand-out features are the select wine list and the creative, modern dishes, while the basis of the cuisine still follows local and international traditions. For further information click here.

Information and images supplied by the tourist board of the Region of Murcia.