Murcia’s best marineras crowned as 180 restaurants compete in 2026 tapas contest

San Javier was the host of the grand finale of the 2026 edition of the Best Marinera of the Region of Murcia competition, which was held from September 18 to October 18. For one incredible month, more than 180 local bars and restaurants went head to head to create their best iteration of this iconic tapa, and the winning establishment was crowned in the lively coastal town.

More than 180 restaurants take part in the competition

The marinera is an iconic tapa from the Region of Murcia, particularly associated with the capital and with the Costa Calida hub city of Cartagena. It consists of a base of a crunchy, elongated-ring breadstick called a rosquilla, topped with a generous scoop of Russian salad made with boiled potatoes, tuna, hard-boiled eggs, carrots, peas or pickled vegetables, and mayonnaise, and crowned with a rich, salt-cured anchovy in brine. This delicious seafood snack goes hand in hand with the region’s reputation, and this 2026 edition of the competition inspired residents and visitors to go out, try new restaurants, and enjoy this delicious snack.

The jury’s assessment took into account aspects including product quality, technical execution, flavour, presentation, creativity and respect for the essence of the marinera.

Traditional and reinvented marineras take top prizes

Following the jury’s verdict and a tough competition, Con Sentido de Mari and its chef Mari Carmen Martínez Sánchez, from Cehegín, have won the award for Best Traditional Marinera 2026, while La Flota and its creators Rocío Fuentes and Antonio Fuentes, from Cartagena in La Palma, have obtained the recognition for Best Reinvented Marinera 2026. Both restaurants will receive a prize of 1,000€ each.

Special mentions celebrate Murcia’s culinary talent

The grand finale of the competition also recognised other delicious versions of the tapa through honourable mentions, awarded to La Posada del Pez in Murcia City and its chef Julián Valmayor, and the Best Mahou Reserva Pairing Award, given to Kiosco Ben Arabí, also in Murcia, and its chefs Consuelo Cánovas and Cristina Gil.

The competition brought together culinary professionals, representatives of the food industry in Murcia, and members of the hospitality sector at the Almansa Park Auditorium, celebrating the Region of Murcia’s strong culinary identity and the towns that create these outstanding tapas and meals. In particular, San Javier’s selection as the host for this event brought gastronomy and culture even closer to the town.

During the event, the mayor of San Javier, José Miguel Luengo Gallego, was appointed the Godfather of the Marinera 2026.

San Javier hosts celebration of regional gastronomy

The marinera is not only a tasty snack to try for those living in or visiting the Region of Murcia; it is a testament to the tradition, quality, and creativity that make up the landscape of Murcian gastronomy. Once more, restaurants in the Region of Murcia have showcased their prowess when it comes to keeping tradition alive, bite after tasty bite.