Restaurants and cafes
Puertofino
A very good, pricier seafood restaurant by the harbor that I would happily return to for fresh, more original dishes and an easy, relaxed feel at the table.
Why go
What stood out to me at Puertofino was that seafood did not feel like a token section on the menu. It felt like the main reason to come here.
I came for lunch as a pair, mostly to check out the menu and the setting, and left with a very good impression, just with a clear warning about the price level.
What I actually tried
During my visit we ordered the pan starter, several kinds of bread with tomato puree and alioli. The bread was fresh, and even though it was a simple opener, it was done really well.
From the fresh of the day section, we chose huertano baby cuttlefish and andalusian style fried baby cuttlefish. What I liked was that the dishes did not feel dull or overly standard. They were more interesting than the usual safe fish lunch option.

What I liked most
The originality of the dishes was what caught my attention first. If you like seafood and want something beyond the usual classic pick, this place fits that very well.
Service also left a good impression. Our waiter spoke Polish, so ordering was easy for me, and he also suggested a few more interesting things to try.
The atmosphere was pleasant without trying too hard. The music helped too. During my visit they were playing French music, which worked surprisingly well in the background.

Who this place suits
I would recommend Puertofino first of all to people who really enjoy good seafood restaurants. If your main priority is price or a quick cheaper lunch, this may not be the right pick.
I would choose it when I wanted a calmer lunch or dinner by the harbor and was ready to pay more for fresh seafood and a menu with a bit more character.

Practical notes before you go
Puertofino is in the Cabo de Palos harbor area. We went on a weekday at lunch, and at that time there were plenty of free tables.
Based on my visit, booking in the evening and especially on weekends would probably be a smart idea. Since this comes from one visit only, it is worth checking the current situation before going.
One more useful detail: there was no set lunch offer during my visit. If you plan to eat properly with a starter, main and dessert, it makes sense to prepare for a bigger budget.

My verdict
For me, this was a very good but clearly more expensive seafood restaurant. I did not try widely across the menu because some options felt too pricey for lunch, but everything we ordered worked for me.
Would I go back? Yes, I would, when I was in the mood for very good seafood and ready to spend more than average on lunch or dinner.
Good to know
It is not a cheap lunch spot, and a full meal with starter, main and dessert can quickly reach around 50-60 euros per person.
Location
Want to stay a little longer?
Stay beside the Mediterranean
The studio is 10 metres from the sea and about a 2-minute walk from the Mar Menor. It has air conditioning, 600 Mbps internet and a pool open until the end of October.