Murcia’s Café Bar Verónicas named one of the 18 best bars in Spain at T de Bares Awards

A bar in Murcia has been honoured as one of the best in the country at the inaugural edition of the “T de Bares” awards, a ceremony organised by Tapas magazine and held at the Forbes House in Madrid. The Café Bar Verónicas, located in Murcia City, has been chosen to represent the region as one of the 18 best bars and restaurants, one per autonomous community in Spain.

The first edition of the “T de Bares” awards was created to recognise the bars, taverns, and restaurants that shine and bring Spain’s gastronomy to the next level. These establishments were chosen based on several factors, including culinary, cultural, and artistic value.

A world-class restaurant, hidden in plain sight in Murcia

Located in Plaza San Julián, next to the iconic Mercado de Verónicas, the Café Bar Verónicas has become a famed establishment in the city. The food in the restaurant uses fresh and local produce to create delicious traditional Murcian recipes, including langoustine “caballito” (a small, fried squid sandwich), grilled artichokes, and calamari sandwiches. Seafood, as an integral part of the Mediterranean diet, is a main focus of the menu.

Blending the friendly atmosphere of a neighbourhood bar with outstanding culinary technique, Café Bar Verónicas is a go-to choice for the residents of Murcia and beyond.

In addition to this recognition, this restaurant has also been awarded a Repsol Guide “Solete,” a prestigious honour in the culinary world.

The story of Samuel Ruiz, a hometown talent with a passion for culinary creativity

The head chef of the restaurant is the talented Samuel Ruiz, who began his career as a chef when he was just 19 at El Bulli, a restaurant run by Ferran Adrià in Roses, Spain on the Costa Brava. Following this, Chef Ruiz worked in internationally renowned kitchens including Dos Palillos in Barcelona, and Joël Robuchon’s Restaurant in Paris, France. Chef Ruiz also owns another restaurant in the Region of Murcia, a Japanese tavern called Kome.

The café is open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 11:00am to 4:00pm. Residents and visitors of the Region of Murcia should not miss the opportunity to visit this renowned spot in the city, an establishment with world-class food disguised as an unassuming hometown bar.