A culinary and comfort oasis in the center of Murcia | The truth

It is the most recent bet on the gastronomic circuit in the city of Murcia. It is going strong, thanks to a palpable value proposition both in its content and in its continent, and with the intention of becoming a reference restaurant in the Region. It has barely been in operation for a week and the trust on the part of the public is already reflected daily and even in reservations, to celebrate birthdays, an intimate wedding and even a proposal in the coming days.

E7ERNO was born to live up to its name. From the outside you cannot truly appreciate its essence, you have to go through. Its interior eclipses, fascinates, transmits emotions. Renovated from a rabidly modern perspective, entering this cozy environment is like disconnecting, entering a peaceful, calm space of enjoyment. This feeling is achieved, in large part, with the decoration, which opts for a combination of neutral and warm colors and has even rescued an exposed brick wall and a light box, original from the 18th century. Because this building has history and the new restaurant intends to be part of it.

The place is located in Plaza Santa Catalina, right in front of the emblematic El Pulpito. It should be noted that both establishments belong to the same family group, although the management of each falls in different hands. The new business is led by Lucía Belmonte Jiménez, a young promise who, like the one she says, was born behind the bar and knows the sector like the Lord's Prayer. Now, she begins a new stage professionally with great enthusiasm, renewed ideas and a great desire to work.

At a gastronomic level, E7ERNO has designed a sublime, innovative menu, with nuances. It includes never-before-seen creations that surprise, convince and leave memories. This is the case of the marinera version, whose adaptation consists of a pipe toast, with a roasted eggplant emulsion and topped with a red tuna tartare. This is one of the most innovative starters, as are the wagyü croquette with dewlap veil, hoisin mayonnaise and ribeye ground and the artichoke with truffled potato cream, Iberian dewlap, chorizo ​​salt and whiskey wood. For the most traditional palates, there are mythical dishes that are always a hit, such as grilled squid, clams sautéed with young garlic and chamomile, the cheese board and sliced ​​Iberian ham.

The rest of the menu consists of salads (three), fish (four) and meats (four). Of course, each one is more irresistible, since each of these specialties involves a subtle preparation process, an assembly of ingredients that sounds – and tastes – like rock and roll, and a majestic presentation. For example, the salad of pickled salmon, brie cheese, red fruits and mango vinaigrette; the braised red tuna parpatana with fried tomato, thyme and basil, and the beef tenderloin with foie gras in Monastrell reduction.

Only two rice dishes, vegetables and rabbit with serranas, appear in E7ERNO, at the request of patriarch Juan Belmonte, a self-confessed paella lover and, at the same time, a connoisseur of the culinary preferences of national and international diners. Because Santa Catalina Square, adjacent to Las Flores Square, is one of the most visited spaces by tourists visiting Murcia. The rice can be ordered at the moment, without having to order it in advance.

The sweetest

In the dessert section, although they only have four recipes, the decision becomes somewhat complicated due to how striking they are, even though E7ERNO's objective was not to make the last bite, the sweetest, difficult. “They are all well thought out,” emphasizes Lucía Belmonte. The proposals are the baked brioche bread torrija with baileys cream and panna cotta ice cream, the apple tarte tatin with cinnamon custard and vanilla ice cream, the baked cheesecake covered with a pistachio cream and red berries, and the chocolate millefeuille. There is also fruit of the season, a gesture very taken into account especially for diabetic people.

The new restaurant practices local cuisine with great prominence for the product. Precisely, it draws on the same network of suppliers as El Pulpito, due to the responsiveness, trust and quality demonstrated daily and for years. The same happens with Estrella de Levante, which is the oldest and official beer brand of the house, as supported by 33 years of close relationship. As for the winery, its limited and select menu includes wines from the Region of Murcia, with special attention to the Jumilla, Yecla and Bullas appellations of origin, and from other producing areas of Spain.

E7ERNO has an elongated interior room in which a set of square and round tables is displayed with capacity for 80 diners, and which could increase its capacity to up to a hundred people if the furniture were redistributed, for example, to celebrate an event.

It opens on Tuesdays at noon and from Wednesdays to Sundays at noon, with opening hours at 12:30 for lunch service and at 8:30 p.m. for dinner. It is recommended to reserve in advance, by calling 621 400 338, for those who wish to give themselves a culinary tribute and transform moments into memories.