Hi,
Martha and I are quite adventurous when it comes to eating out but I can't say we've been overly impressed with the standard of the local restaurants. They generally fall into two categories - the spanish ones and the ones for the brits.
The spanish ones tend to be a bit rustic and brightly lit with grilled meats and stews the order of the day - and they can be a bit hit and miss. We tried El Patio in Los Alcazares on a sunday afternoon - full of spanish families, very charming and enjoyable - but certainly not 'fine dining'. We've also tried a few in Murcia and Cartagena - ranging from inedible to disappointing - none worth mentioning.
The ones for the brits - I include the pizzerias, chinese and indian in this. We try to avoid these places on holiday (we like to try the local cuisine) but found ourselves tempted because of the difficulty finding a half decent spanish place. The Indian in the industrial estate on the road to Roldan is exceptional. The food tastes freshly prepared and the service is very friendly. The ambience is typical indian and on the night we were there, a table of about 12 brits decided to have an impromptu sing-a-long. Good fun! The pizzeria just off the main road near the town hall in Los Alcazares was also very nice although the menu a bit limited - again popular with the brits. Someone took us to Diamante's in Pilar on a sunday afternoon - it was as if the cast of Eastenders was in and traditional english sunday roast was all that was available - yorkshire pud and jugs of gravy, plates overbrimming with stodge. Not our cup of tea!
However there are a couple of gems - El Chato on the main road in Los Alcazares (near where the market is held) was excellent on every occasion we were there. A nice varied menu with a more international flair. They play some quiet music and the atmosphere is a bit more intimate. The best so far tho' was El Alamazar (?) in Santa Rosalia near the Polaris World Mar Menor Golf Resort. This was more formal and more expensive, has a nice decor and ambience, a creative menu, well prepared and presented food (spanish with an international twist), excellent wines etc.
Maybe we'll have better luck on future visits!
DON