Melilla's food scene reflects its Spanish character with Mediterranean and North African inflections. The city is small but it has a genuine local restaurant culture — residents eat out frequently, and the tapas circuit along the main streets near the port is lively in the evenings.
Seafood is predictably good given the location: fresh sardines, red mullet, sea bass, and prawns from the Mediterranean. The catch comes in daily at the port. Local specialities include a version of pinchitos morunos — spiced meat skewers with Moroccan seasoning — and battered merluza (hake) served as a tapa.
La Muralla in the old city does solid traditional Spanish food in an atmospheric setting inside the fortress walls. La Cervecería del Puerto near the harbour is the place for cold beer and plates of seafood to share. For something quicker and cheaper, the tapas bars along Calle General Mola near the market are worth exploring.