Restaurants in Madrid
A melting pot of cultures and cuisines, many argue that
cosmopolitan Madrid does not have its own distinct flavour of
gastronomy, but the Spanish capital is highly influenced by the
contributions of the immigrants who once settled here.
Madrileño fare can never be called dull or boring with
such delicacies as tripe and sausage, or crispy pig's ears and
sweetbread (bull's testicles), but plenty of other safer options
exist for the less adventurous, such as
gazpacho (chilled
tomato and cucumber soup),
Besugo al horno (baked bream),
Cocido (beef, pork, chicken and vegetable stew) and the
well-known
tapas (savoury tidbits of appetisers). Those with
a sweet tooth can enjoy
barquillos (rolled wafers),
buñuelos (type of fritter filled with custard and
whipped cream) or
bartolillos con crema (type of small pie
with custard).
As in most Spanish cities,
tapas restaurants can be found
all over Madrid and some of the most popular and diverse eateries
can be found in the area around Plaza Mayor and Sol. Visitors
should bear in mind that lunch and dinner start much later than in
many other countries. Fridays and Saturdays are the busiest
evenings for eating out and it is advisable to make a booking in
advance to be sure of securing a table.
| Restaurante Botin |
$$$$$ | Spanish |
Immortalised by Hemingway's
The Sun Also Rises, when
Jake invites Brett to Botin for the Segovian speciality, the
Restaurante Botin has been catering to guests since 1725. Botin is
a family-run restaurant that has spanned three generations,
offering friendly customer service. Much of the décor
pertains to the original restaurant, from the charcoal hearth to
hanging copper pots and an 18th century tile oven. The mixed fish
casserole and the grilled filet mignon 'Botin' are excellent, a
dessert favourite is strawberries with whipped cream. Open daily
for lunch and dinner, reservations recommended.
Address: Calle de Cuchilleros 17
Telephone: 91 366 4217
| Zalacain |
$$$$$ | Continental |
This intimate and luxurious restaurant is decorated in deep
shades of red and gold, and furnished in the finest dark wood. The
menu offers and array of mouth-watering temptations which include
lobster salad with sherry vinegar, followed by duck stewed in port.
The chocolate blini with pineapple rounds the evening off nicely.
Open for lunch and dinner Monday to Friday, and dinner only on
Saturday. Reservations essential.
Address: Alvarez de Baena 4
Telephone: 91 561 5935
| Jockey Restaurante |
$$$$$ | French |
Favoured by international celebrities and politicians, Jockey
has been serving gourmet Spanish cuisine for over four decades and
is dedicated to customer service and quality produce. A recipient
of a Michelin star, this restaurant is ideal for a special
occasion. Small but sophisticated, Jockey extends over two levels
with wood panelled walls, white linen tablecloths and turquoise
suede seating. Recommended dishes are the sea bass, lamb a la
Provencal and marinated partridge. With a wine list of over 600
wines from across the globe, and a mouth-watering dessert menu, a
meal at Jockeys is a wonderful experience. Open Monday to Saturday
for lunch and dinner, reservations recommended.
Address: Amador de los Ríos 6
E-mail: jockey@restaurantejockey.com
Telephone: 91 319 2435
| Taberna La Bola |
$$$$$ | Spanish |
La Bola is one of the last restaurants in the city to don a
blood red façade, initially operating as a wine shop in
1802. This family-owned restaurant has been passed down over seven
generations and continues charming visitors with its 'olde worlde'
décor of velvet, Spanish tiles and lace curtains. La Bola
guarantees affordable prices and homemade dishes, packed with
flavour. House specialities include Madrileña-style stew and
roast lamb. Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner, and
Sunday for lunch only. Reservations recommended.
Address: Calle de la Bola 5
Telephone: 91 547 6930
A modern restaurant that offers cool interiors, tasty food and
attentive service, Wagaboo is a good bet for lunch or dinner in
Madrid. Specialising in pasta and noodles, Wagaboo has a great
selection of contemporary Italian and Asain cuisine. The stylish
industrial interior of exposed brick and piping is complimented
with chic lighting, red leather seating and shiny dark wood tables.
Contemporary art and photography adorn the walls, and the
glassed-in kitchen allow patrons to see the pasta and noodles being
made. Try an Asian stir-fry or the pizza with pesto, cherry
tomatoes, arugula, feta and parma ham. Open for daily lunch and
dinner.
Address: Calle Gravina 18, Chueca
Telephone: 915 316 567
| La Broche |
$$$$$ | Modern Eclectic |
With two Michelin stars and a white minimalist setting, designer
cutlery and large windows looking onto the street, La Broche has
been designed so that the only colour in the restaurant is the
food. A perfect location for a special celebration, La Broche's
menu offer a variety of haute cuisine, from freshly baked bread
placed on the table with four different olive oils to a carpaccio
of wild mushrooms or escargots and salmon risotto. Don't forget to
look at the dessert menu! Open Tuesday to Friday for lunch and
dinner, dinner only on Monday and Saturday. Reservations
recommended.
Address: Calle Miguel Angel 29-31
Telephone: 91 399 3437
| Bazaar |
$$$$$ | Mediterranean |
Bazaar serves creative Mediterranean food in a trendy
environment. Priding itself on fresh produce and modern cuisine,
Bazaar offers dishes such as thinly sliced tuna with mango chutney,
or tender ox with parmesan and rocket. With oils, wines and various
fripperies on display, Bazaar has an initial delicatessen feel to
it. Follow the large staircase to the dining area with cream
leather banquettes, and windows overlooking the streets of Chueca -
ideal for people watching. The menu is displayed as a list of
dishes with no definition between starters, mains and desserts.
There is a wide-ranging wine list. Open Monday to Saturday for
lunch and dinner, reservations recommended.
Address: Calle Libertad 21
Telephone: 91 523 3905
| Chic Restaurante |
$$$$$ | Local |
Situated oppostie the Royal Opera House, Chic serves seasonal
cuisine with a daily menu featuring only fresh produce and
innovative combinations. Set in a long, low-lit cellar, the
restaurant is made of up three rooms - the cool bar area with fresh
colours, the first dining area with cream walls and crimson
tablecloths, and the second dining area with olive green walls,
exposed brick and white linen tableclothes. To compliment the
Iberian nouvelle cuisine, there is a selection of wines from the
cellar and tapas snacks. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
Address: Calle Campomanes 5
Telephone: 91 541 8307
Maintaining its old world charm, quality dishes and
unpretentious ambiance, Casa Paco has been a favourite of
Madrilenos for over thirty years. A superb steak house, meat at
this taverna is ordered by weight and the Casa Paco Solomilo
(fillet steak) is a firm favourite. For those after something
lighter, the sole and baby lamb are also first-rate dishes. The
tiled dining room and traditional décor at Casa Paco add to
the homely atmosphere, as does the old fashioned bar, natural
sidra (cider) and conscientious service. Open Monday to
Saturday for lunch and dinner.
Address: Puerta Cerrada 11
Telephone: 91 366 3166
| Café Balear |
$$$$$ | Mediterranean |
For the best paella and a quality selection of cavas (Catalan
champagne-type wine) that compliment this traditional dish,
Café Balear is the place. The elegant dining room is simply
decorated with white linens and curtains, lifted by art prints and
potted palms. Try the stuffed aubergines
a la Mallorquina,
or perhaps the vegetarian paella with fresh ginger. Attentive staff
and a friendly atmosphere add to the appeal of this lovely
restaurant. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
Address: Sagunto 18 near Plaza de Chamberi
Telephone: 914 47 9115
Explore Spain on foot or by bike with a small intimate group of
like-minded adventure seekers.
Intrepid Travel, one of the world's leading suppliers of small
group adventures focused on getting off the beaten track,
interacting with the locals and having real life experiences
throughout Spain.