Where to Eat in Águilas
Águilas is a working fishing port on the Costa Cálida, so seafood sits at the heart of its food. Tuna, octopus and fresh fish appear on menus all over town. Meanwhile, the fertile Murcian countryside supplies tomatoes, peppers and other vegetables. Cooks pair these with rice dishes, simple salads and plenty of tapas. Mornings start with tostadas and coffee, and afternoons end with ice cream or horchata. You will even find a taste of northern Spain, thanks to a well-loved Asturian restaurant. Planning your trip? Read our Águilas travel guide and our Murcia food guide first. Then come back here and pick a table.
Traditional restaurants
Traditional spots in Águilas serve honest, local food. Many sit in the old town or beside the sea. New to tapas? Our guide to how to order tapas in Spain will help.
El Pimiento is a lively tavern near Plaza de España. It is known for Murcian tapas, such as fried peppers, rabbit and fried chorizo. Google rates it 4.6 out of 5 from nearly 3,000 reviews. Reviewers love the great value, fast service and friendly buzz. However, some say it does not take bookings, so arrive early. Get directions.
Mesón Willy sits in the centre and serves southern Spanish dishes with a creative twist. It is known for tuna tartar, pisto and tasty tapas. Google scores it 4.5 from 1,213 reviews. Diners often mention the low prices, friendly staff and helpful chef recommendations. Get directions.
Bar Restaurante Los Caños is a cosy tapas bar loved by locals. It is known for seafood paella and crispy patatas bravas. Google gives it 4.5 from more than 1,000 reviews. Reviewers praise the friendly staff, great tapas and good coffee. Remember that the kitchen opens late for dinner. Get directions.
Restaurante La Veleta mixes seafood and Mediterranean dishes with a lively tapas bar. Google rates it 4.5 from 899 reviews. Reviewers often share several small plates and call them excellent value. Many suggest booking ahead. A few feel the pace is a little rushed. Get directions.
Restaurante Zoco del Mar perches on the castle esplanade. It is known for sweeping views over the beaches and port. Google scores it 4.3 from 1,546 reviews. It makes a handy stop after exploring the castle. Get directions.
Costa Azul Playa overlooks the Paseo de Levante. It is known for paella, crab burgers and sea views. Google gives it 4.4 from 2,306 reviews. Diners regularly mention the tasty rice, friendly service and relaxed seafront setting. Get directions.
Chiringuito Mi Barquito by Ramonetero is a beach bar near the marina. It is known for generous portions and plenty of gluten-free choices. Google rates it 4.5 from nearly 2,000 reviews. Reviewers praise the friendly service and big plates. Expect a queue at busy times. Get directions.
Casa Don Gato is a small, relaxed restaurant on Calle Pablo Iglesias. It is known for its rice dishes and short, carefully made menu. Google scores it 4.5 from 555 reviews. Reviewers often mention the attention to detail and the friendly atmosphere. Get directions.
Helados MyS is a long-standing ice cream shop on Plaza de España. It is known for tiger nut and almond horchata, lemon granita and nougat ice cream. It also serves crêpes and breakfasts. Google rates it 4.4 from 324 reviews. Visitors love the fast, friendly service and the shady terrace under a giant fig tree. Get directions.
Fine dining restaurants
Águilas is a small town, so fine dining options are limited. Even so, a few kitchens go the extra mile. Book ahead, because tables are few. Our guide on booking restaurants in Spain explains how.
Pecado Águilas serves inventive Mediterranean food in a lively setting. It is known for creative dishes and a great wine list. Google rates it 4.5 from nearly 1,900 reviews. Reviewers say the food and staff justify the higher prices. Get directions.
Casa Menéndez is a small, family-run Asturian restaurant. It is known for its award-winning fabada, a rich bean stew, and homemade desserts. Google gives it a superb 4.8 from 552 reviews. Reviewers praise the warm owners, Bautista and Teresa, and the top-quality ingredients. Book ahead, because some dishes need pre-ordering. Get directions.
Restaurante El Poli is a seafood restaurant with only ten tables. It is known for fresh local fish and heavenly desserts. Google scores it 4.8 from 607 reviews. Diners regularly mention the passionate service from Juanfra and the fair prices. Reservations are strongly advised. Get directions.
Restaurante Garum overlooks the beach on Paseo de Parra. It is known for fusion-style dishes, such as tuna tartar, ceviche and croquettes. Google rates it 4.4 from 899 reviews. Many reviewers rave about the creative food and sea views. However, some find it noisy and the service slow. Get directions.
Budget friendly restaurants
Good food in Águilas does not need to cost a lot. Look for the menú del día, a cheap set lunch. Our guide to the menú del día explains what to expect.
Restaurante Frankfurt is a busy family favourite on Calle Iberia. It is known for a lunch menu that reviewers say costs around €11. Tuesday brings a special arroz a la banda. Google gives it 4.4 from 1,134 reviews. Diners praise the quick, friendly service and the great value. Get directions.
Bar Restaurante Oriente is a lively local spot with fish and meat dishes. It is known for a daily menu with a drink, two courses, dessert and coffee. Google scores it 4.2 from 1,012 reviews. Reviewers love the value and excellent service. Note that little English is spoken. Get directions.
Restaurante Peñarrubia is a family-run bar and restaurant on Calle de Cartagena. It is known for tapas, montaditos and good breakfasts. Google rates it 4.2 from 871 reviews. Reviewers like the friendly staff and fair prices. A few say service gets stretched when it is busy. Get directions.
Restaurante El Tiburón is a lively bar-restaurant near the beach. It is known for tapas, grilled meats and a lunch menu that reviewers say costs around €15. Google gives it 4.1 from 2,280 reviews. Diners often mention the generous portions and friendly service. Some say a few dishes arrive lukewarm. Get directions.
Before you go, remember that Spanish kitchens often open late for dinner. Check what time Spaniards eat dinner to plan your evening. Exploring more of the region? Our guide to where to eat in Cartagena has plenty more tasty ideas.