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The best paellas are in the southeast of Spain

**A Memorable Day with My Family and Girlfriend in Los Alcázares, Murcia** 💓There is something truly special about spending quality time with loved ones, especially when it involves good food, laughter, and beautiful surroundings. Last Sunday, my family, my girlfriend, and I decided to make the most of our weekend by visiting a well-known restaurant in Los Alcázares, a charming coastal town in the region of Murcia, Spain. What followed was a delightful culinary experience that not only satisfied our taste buds but also gave us a deeper appreciation for Spanish gastronomy—particularly the art of paella. ### **A Scenic Drive to Los Alcázares** 💓Los Alcázares is a picturesque town located along the Mediterranean coast, known for its stunning beaches, warm climate, and rich culinary traditions. Unlike Madrid, which lies in the center of the Iberian Peninsula, Los Alcázares benefits from its proximity to the sea, meaning fresh seafood is always on the menu. The drive from our home to the restaurant was scenic, with views of palm trees, sparkling blue waters, and the relaxed atmosphere that coastal towns effortlessly exude. As we arrived at the restaurant, its reputation was evident—locals and tourists alike filled the tables, chatting animatedly over plates of steaming seafood and glasses of wine. The ambiance was lively yet comfortable, the kind of place where meals are enjoyed slowly, with no rush. ### **A Feast of Traditional Spanish Dishes** Once seated, we wasted no time in ordering. Our meal began with a selection of appetizers: **cuttlefish (sepia)**, lightly grilled and seasoned to perfection; **mushrooms (setas)**, cooked in garlic and olive oil, offering an earthy, rich flavor; and **steamed mussels (mejillones al vapor)**, fresh from the Mediterranean, served in a fragrant broth that we eagerly soaked up with bread. But the star of the meal was, without a doubt, the **paella from Murcia**. For those unfamiliar with Spanish cuisine, paella is a rice dish that originated in Valencia but has regional variations across Spain. While Valencia is often credited as the birthplace of paella, the provinces of Alicante and Murcia also boast exceptional versions of this iconic dish. In fact, many connoisseurs argue that the best paellas come from Alicante, where the rice is cooked to just the right texture, infused with saffron, and loaded with fresh seafood, rabbit, or vegetables. The paella we ordered was a **Murcian-style paella**, which included a generous mix of seafood—shrimp, clams, and squid—along with tender pieces of chicken and rabbit. The rice was perfectly cooked, each grain absorbing the rich flavors of the broth, while the socarrat (the crispy layer of rice at the bottom of the pan) added a delightful crunch. Compared to the paellas I’ve tried in Madrid, this one was noticeably more authentic. Madrid, being inland, does not have the same access to fresh seafood, and while you can find decent paella there, it simply doesn’t compare to the coastal versions. ### **Wine, Desserts, and a Pleasant Surprise at the Bill** 💓To complement our meal, we ordered a bottle of **red wine** from the Murcia region. Spanish wines are renowned worldwide, and Murcia, though less famous than Rioja or Ribera del Duero, produces some excellent varieties. The wine was robust yet smooth, pairing wonderfully with the rich flavors of the paella and seafood. After savoring every bite of our main dishes, we couldn’t resist trying the desserts. The restaurant offered a selection of traditional Spanish sweets, including **flan (a creamy caramel custard)**, **tarta de Santiago (almond cake)**, and **helado (homemade ice cream)**. Each dessert was the perfect ending to an already incredible meal. One of the most surprising aspects of the experience was the **cost**. For four people—including multiple appetizers, a large paella, a bottle of wine, coffee, and desserts—the total came to just **€120.50**. Compared to Madrid, where a similar meal could easily cost €50-€70 more, dining in Los Alcázares was not only a culinary delight but also a fantastic value. ### **Why Coastal Paella Beats Madrid’s Version** 💓This meal reinforced something I’ve always believed: **if you want to eat authentic paella in Spain, you must visit Valencia, Alicante, or Murcia**. While Madrid has countless restaurants serving paella, it is not a traditional dish of the capital. The best paellas rely on fresh, locally sourced ingredi #spain#ElChato

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The best paellas are in the southeast of Spain

A Memorable Day with My Family and Girlfriend in Los Alcázares, Murcia 💓There is something truly special about spending quality time with loved ones, especially when it involves good food, laughter, and beautiful surroundings. Last Sunday, my family, my girlfriend, and I decided to make the most of our weekend by visiting a well-known restaurant in Los Alcázares, a charming coastal town in the region of Murcia, Spain. What followed was a delightful culinary experience that not only satisfied our taste buds but also gave us a deeper appreciation for Spanish gastronomy—particularly the art of paella. ### A Scenic Drive to Los Alcázares 💓Los Alcázares is a picturesque town located along the Mediterranean coast, known for its stunning beaches, warm climate, and rich culinary traditions. Unlike Madrid, which lies in the center of the Iberian Peninsula, Los Alcázares benefits from its proximity to the sea, meaning fresh seafood is always on the menu. The drive from our home to the restaurant was scenic, with views of palm trees, sparkling blue waters, and the relaxed atmosphere that coastal towns effortlessly exude. As we arrived at the restaurant, its reputation was evident—locals and tourists alike filled the tables, chatting animatedly over plates of steaming seafood and glasses of wine. The ambiance was lively yet comfortable, the kind of place where meals are enjoyed slowly, with no rush. ### A Feast of Traditional Spanish Dishes Once seated, we wasted no time in ordering. Our meal began with a selection of appetizers: cuttlefish (sepia) , lightly grilled and seasoned to perfection; mushrooms (setas) , cooked in garlic and olive oil, offering an earthy, rich flavor; and steamed mussels (mejillones al vapor) , fresh from the Mediterranean, served in a fragrant broth that we eagerly soaked up with bread. But the star of the meal was, without a doubt, the paella from Murcia . For those unfamiliar with Spanish cuisine, paella is a rice dish that originated in Valencia but has regional variations across Spain. While Valencia is often credited as the birthplace of paella, the provinces of Alicante and Murcia also boast exceptional versions of this iconic dish. In fact, many connoisseurs argue that the best paellas come from Alicante, where the rice is cooked to just the right texture, infused with saffron, and loaded with fresh seafood, rabbit, or vegetables. The paella we ordered was a Murcian-style paella , which included a generous mix of seafood—shrimp, clams, and squid—along with tender pieces of chicken and rabbit. The rice was perfectly cooked, each grain absorbing the rich flavors of the broth, while the socarrat (the crispy layer of rice at the bottom of the pan) added a delightful crunch. Compared to the paellas I’ve tried in Madrid, this one was noticeably more authentic. Madrid, being inland, does not have the same access to fresh seafood, and while you can find decent paella there, it simply doesn’t compare to the coastal versions. ### Wine, Desserts, and a Pleasant Surprise at the Bill 💓To complement our meal, we ordered a bottle of red wine from the Murcia region. Spanish wines are renowned worldwide, and Murcia, though less famous than Rioja or Ribera del Duero, produces some excellent varieties. The wine was robust yet smooth, pairing wonderfully with the rich flavors of the paella and seafood. After savoring every bite of our main dishes, we couldn’t resist trying the desserts. The restaurant offered a selection of traditional Spanish sweets, including flan (a creamy caramel custard) , tarta de Santiago (almond cake) , and helado (homemade ice cream) . Each dessert was the perfect ending to an already incredible meal. One of the most surprising aspects of the experience was the cost . For four people—including multiple appetizers, a large paella, a bottle of wine, coffee, and desserts—the total came to just €120.50 . Compared to Madrid, where a similar meal could easily cost €50-€70 more, dining in Los Alcázares was not only a culinary delight but also a fantastic value. ### Why Coastal Paella Beats Madrid’s Version 💓This meal reinforced something I’ve always believed: if you want to eat authentic paella in Spain, you must visit Valencia, Alicante, or Murcia . While Madrid has countless restaurants serving paella, it is not a traditional dish of the capital. The best paellas rely on fresh, locally sourced ingredi #spain#ElChato

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