Gastronomic Pleasures in Puerto de Mazarrón

Fresh Produce

The traditional gastronomy of Mazarrón is primarily linked to its close connections with “la huerta y el mar” or the land and sea. Many agricultural zones of the Murcia Region, including Mazarrón are recognized in other parts of Europe including the UK for their plentiful tomato harvests, accounting for around 14% of the nation’s total tomato exports. It comes as no surprise then, that the juicy red fruits form a staple part of the local diet and principle ingredient in a wealth of dishes. Mazarrón tomatoes are eaten in a number of ways, either raw with salads, soaked in garlic, or as a key flavour in a range of hot dishes. They are often combined with local catch including grouper or monkfish prepared to Mazarrón tradition; or used to create dishes such as hake fish balls ajo-tomate, featuring a dip made from garlic and tomatoes; or grilled milt with talvina and ajo-colorao sauces, made with tomatoes and paprika. Most good fish restaurants will serve their own take on the mouth watering dishes of bonito fish with noodles, peppers, garlic, sauté tomatoes and aniseed; or Mazarrón sea bass, oven baked with pepper, potatoes, tomatoes, and dressed with pine nuts. The popular “moragas” of Mazarrón certainly deserves a mention here, an oily dish combining sardines and other fish with olive oil, vinegar and herbs. Cazuela empaná is a type of casserole, which uses Mackerel as its base ingredient, combined with Mazarrón’s prize, ripest tomatoes, onion, pepper, bay, parsley and paprika pepper. Another very popular fish dish that is traditionally eaten during Christmas and Easter celebrations is “Atasca burras”, which is prepared with desalted cod, tomatoes, black peppers and potatoes.

Homegrown Rice

As in other parts of Spain, rice forms an important part of the staple diet in homes throughout the Murcia Region, where fields of rice paddies are known to produce some of the finest “arroces” in the country. The rice varieties which are grown in Murcia, “Calasparra” and “Bomba”, are very special and known to be the best varieties for the traditional rice dishes that have become so famous throughout the country- something you will note from the price which is typically two or three times what you would normally expect to pay. When cooked correctly, Bomba and Calasparra rice have the ability to absorb three times as much liquid as normal long grain rice, remaining extremely flavourful but beautifully al dente. Those living on the coast take advantage of the delicious range of seafood that they have at their fingertips, combining it in sumptuous rice dishes such as specialty rice with clawed lobster, rice with anchovies and the pride of Murcia, “arroz de caldero Murciano”.  The locals will assure you that the latter is nothing like the seafood paella served in other parts of the country, although you might be forgiven for confusing the two!

Tapas Trail

Whether you fancy some traditional Spanish fare, an Indian, or comforting kebab on the way home from the pub, Puerto de Mazarron’s grand selection of eateries will never fail to deliver. The marina is home to a plethora of international bars, restaurants and bistros, including a retro American diner, a Chinese buffet and various British and Irish pubs serving all your favourite flavours from back home. By contrast, the hospitality industry enjoyed in Mazarrón old town is far more traditional, dominated by quaint family run restaurants and traditional Spanish cuisine. The town is the ideal place to tuck into tapas with friends, where you will discover many venues serving a tempting selection of nibbles for a taste of real Spain. During this month, Mazarrón Town Hall organizes a “Ruta del Aperitivo” or Tapas Route competition, to coincide with the annual San José fiestas. The contest typically sees up to forty bars and restaurants taking part, who must each devise four signature tapas to be served with a drink for the set price of two euros. Punters each have a scorecard and have the arduous task of visiting as many participating bars as possible and voting for their favourite tapa. The venue with the most votes is granted recognition by the Town Hall and local media, as well as a cash prize with thanks to the sponsor concerned. The contest has become extremely popular over the years with the international community showing their full support and taking advantage of the opportunity to sample some new Spanish delicacies.

Top Eateries

A Life In Spain has done some gastronomic research to compile a list of some of the top bars and restaurants in Mazarrón town and marina.

Restaurante Amapola- This is a delightful Spanish restaurant situated just along the coast from the marina on Calle Velero, in Bolnuevo. It is quite accustomed to catering for large numbers, so ideal for group reservations such as business lunches and special occasion dining. They say that if you want a reliable restaurant recommendation then you should always look to the locals first, who will gladly tell you that Restaurante Amapola delivers some of the freshest and finest Mediterranean cuisine in Mazarrón. Kate from Bolnuevo said that “If we fancy a Spanish evening we always go to Amapola because the food is superb and always well presented. The staff are efficient and well presented, which you don’t always get unless you dine in an expensive establishment. It is not quite as cheap as some of the other basic Spanish eateries in the area but still very good value and worth paying a little bit extra for pleasant surroundings and service. They also host really entertaining music and themed nights which are always well attended and ideal for making new friends as everyone gets up singing and dancing after a few glasses of vino!”

Fizz Gastro & Bar- Situated on Calle Antonio Cuello Leon, this is a stylish, contemporary Spanish restaurant, with a friendly atmosphere, wheelchair access and highchairs available on request. They offer a very high quality, value for money Menu of the Day, have a good selection of wine and comprehensive menu of gin cocktails which are guaranteed to liven up your celebration, whatever the occasion. Cassie from Bolnuevo said that “Fizz is one of our favourite venues, because it has a fresh, modern appearance and the food is to die for. It is refreshingly different to find a gastro bar which serves such delicious food, and the prices are unbeatable too!”

La Bretanita- This is a romantic French eatery with a distinctive Mediterranean ambience. Located in a peaceful area of the marina, it is the perfect spot for wining and dining a loved one. They usually serve an “amuse bouche” which is a light nibble almost like a tapa, to whet the appetite while you enjoy some refreshment and are waiting for your meal to arrive. In spite of this being a French establishment the sangria also comes highly recommended! Lindsay from Mazarrón said that “I love going for lunch at the marina, which has such a different, more sedate atmosphere than the bars and restaurants near my home in the town. Those situated behind the “Golden Bar” are particularly special, including La Bretanita. It may easily be dismissed as a faux French café but give it a go, and you won’t be disappointed!”

Chez Zoe- This is another very good restaurant on Paseo del Rihuete in a prime spot on the marina, which has a distinctive French/ Mediterranean feel. Open for lunch and evening meal the restaurant offers indoor or al fresco dining with stunning views of the seafront. The owner is a very pleasant French lady who defines the authentic French theme of the menu, whilst the Spanish Chef also brings a little local influence into the arena. Charles from Puerto de Mazarrón said that “This is one of our favourite local restaurants because the location is idyllic and food simply exquisite. You would expect to pay a lot more to dine in a French restaurant, within such a beautiful setting, but this is not the case here. The “Menu del Dia” changes each day and is certainly on a par with others available further away from the beach and in the town.” His wife, Linda commented that “The owner is very welcoming and passionate about her business. She really takes time to get to know her regular diners which is a very nice touch. The portion sizes are sufficient for us, although we have heard other people complaining that there is not enough to satisfy their appetite. So I guess you could say that this an ideal choice for those who enjoy quality food rather than quantity. It is a real gem and certainly worth a visit!”

El Palenque- Situated on Avenida Mediterraneo, Puerto de Mazarrón, this popular Argentinean Steakhouse is always a top choice for meat lovers, but also serves a wide range of Italian dishes for those who are not sold on steak. The restaurant was recently refurbished, providing diners with a choice of two stylish dining areas, indoors or out, with wheelchair access to both and highchairs available should you require. El Palenque is a firm favourite with the Spanish locals, who pack it out every weekend making for a very animated, lively evening. There is ample free parking nearby although the afterhours custom enjoyed here might see you opting to get a taxi home at the end of the night! Adam from the old town said that “El Palenque is a great compromise for anyone who feels that they should be eating in Spanish restaurants as they live in or are visiting Spain, but just fancies something a bit more substantial than fish or seafood! Unless you have the appetite of a bear, you will not be needing a starter or dessert here as the portions are enormous, and even someone like me who will never be picked for Slimming World’s latest ad campaign struggles to finish what’s on my plate!” His business partner, Dave, added that “I have never had a bad meal here and come here pretty often. They definitely serve the best steaks on the coast, and my wife is not a meat eater, but tells me that the pastas and pizzas are always good too, so it’s a win, win for us!”

Market Tavern Restaurant- Open throughout the day to serve breakfast, lunch and evening meal, this is one of the most popular British eateries in Mazarrón. Located within a small commercial centre on Calle Sierra del Carche, the restaurant has a cozy feel indoors, with ample terrace at the front for those who prefer to take advantage of the pleasant climate. The menu certainly carries a number of British pub grub favourites, such as their famous cooked breakfast, braised steak, fish and chips, and liver and bacon, with a few slightly more select dishes such as steamed mussels, battered prawns, chicken with peppercorn sauce and swordfish also available. The tavern is particularly admired for its hearty Sunday lunches, which comprise a choice of three delicious courses and a bottle of wine per couple for around 10 euros. Tina who owns  a holiday home in Puerto de Mazarrón commented that “We have made a point of coming here every Sunday that we are in Spain, over the past six years, and the standards are always excellent. We were a little dubious when we heard that Carlos and his wife had taken over from the previous owners, but having worked there from day one he obviously knew what the customers want and has continued to deliver it in the same pleasant and cheerful manner”.

Elliot’s Steakhouse and Bar- Finally, if you are missing all of your favourite winter warmers from back home, Elliot’s certainly has something to satisfy your craving. Situated in Bolnuevo, the restaurant offers a varied a la carte menu, serving a variety of steaks, lamb, gammon and chicken dishes; as well as a great value menu of the day, which alters for lunch and evening sittings. Elliot’s is renowned for serving the best fish and chips in town, as well as comforting dishes like cottage pie, fisherman’s pie, chicken pie, liver and onions and steak and kidney pudding. Thomas from Bolnuevo said that “We have been coming here for our Friday night “fish and chip fix” ever since we moved to Spain, and I can honestly say that they are just as good as the ones served in the chippie back home. The food is always fresh and piping hot, and the service pleasant and efficient”. His neighbour, Terry added that “We have dined here on the lunchtime menu on several occasions, as well as a la carte during the evening, and never been disappointed with the choice and quality. The restaurant is always clean and well presented, and it is often difficult to get a table if you do not book in advance, which can only be considered a good sign!”