Come here for quick, cheap tapas between 1-4pm. Most places close by 5pm and are dead at night.
The Tapas Scene
San Andres is Murcia's business district. During the day, it's packed with office workers grabbing lunch. At night, it's quiet.
The tapas here are practical. Think simple, filling food at good prices. You won't find fancy gastrobars, just honest local spots.
Most places offer a 'tapa con caña' deal - a small beer and a tapa for around €2-3.50. Full raciones (sharing plates) cost €6-12.
Best Tapas Bars
Bar Los Arcos
€A no-frills bar that's been here forever. Their pipirrana (tomato, pepper, and tuna salad) is the best in the area. Get it with a caña. Calle San Andres 12.
La Tasca del Centro
€€Tiny place that does excellent fried fish. Try the boquerones (anchovies) or calamares. It's standing room only at peak times. Plaza de la Cruz 3.
Casa Pepe
€Proper Murcian home cooking. Their zarangollo (scrambled eggs with zucchini) is perfect. Also does good menú del día. Calle Traperia 8.
Taberna El Rincón
€€One of the few places with terrace seating. More creative tapas like salmon tartare. Slightly pricier but good for groups. Calle Saavedra Fajardo 15.
Bar El Churro
€Opens early for churros con chocolate. Also does simple morning tapas like tortilla española. Closes by 2pm. Calle San Pedro 5.
Local Tips
The best time is 1:30-3:30pm. Everything's fresh, the atmosphere is lively, and you'll see how locals really eat here.
Most places close by 5-6pm. Only a couple stay open for evening tapas, and they're not the best ones.
Say 'una caña y lo que pongan' (a beer and whatever tapa they're serving). It's cheaper and you'll get the daily special.