People from Madrid “madrileños” we love food
and we are happy to devote a huge amount of time and energy to the act of eating. Then there is the geography of Madrid, which sits in the centre of the country like a giant spider on its web. Much of the highest quality produce ends up here. The fish and seafood, in particular, are of unsurpassable quality, the fish market being the second largest in the world after Tokyo.
It is not impossible to eat badly here, but you do have to try quite hard. The sheer quantity of good restaurants, bars and casas de comida (bistro-style eating-houses) is bewildering. There are tapas dishes in endlessly varied incarnations – designer, traditional, fusion – presented as tiny bar-snack canapés or on big plates for sharing. This are our 2016´s selection :
Ultramarinos Quintin-Calle Jorge Juan 17
If you are a foodie and high level shopping is your thing, this is the place to eat.
We loved this happening place with the crowd spilling out onto the street with drinks in hand. Inside the restaurant is very large but run to perfection. The place is beautiful and offers delicious food and outstanding service. The menu is modern Spanish and has something for every taste. If you like a great scene and very excellent food this is a must!
García de la Navarra – Calle Montalban 3
The one unwavering principle of the brothers who run this restaurant/wine cellar is to use seasonal products from the best suppliers. García de la Navarra is a must for good food and has one of the best stocked cellars in the city. Hungry punters come here to share dishes like veggies and hearty stews. Ask about special dishes that don’t appear on the menu. An easy way to get acquainted with the excellent cuisine here is by eating at the bar.
MEAT ing –Valenzuela 7
The name doesn’t deceive. Meat lovers will feel right at home in this restaurant near the Puerta de Alcalá, a place where Galician beef (in the shape of meatballs, steak tartar, sirloin steaks…) is king. But the prince here takes the shape of vegetables (delivered from markets in San Sebastián) – a premium product favored by minimal presentation.
La Tasquita de enfrente- Ballesta 6
The quality of the basic ingredients is non-negotiable at this restaurant with just eight tables, where the chef Juanjo López deploys all his culinary talents. Traditional recipes are transformed into contemporary, elegant dishes. Haute market-style cuisine, exceptional service and an outstanding wine and champagne list.
Arzabal-Doctor Castelo 2
Arzábal is part of the ‘golden mile’ of high-end gastrobars in the western end of the Salamanca neighbourhood. In fact, Arzábal now has two places – as well as the original, there’s a new, slightly more formal dining spot on the Reina Sofía Museum. The success of this establishment rests on the care lavished on apparently straightforward items such as wild-mushroom croquetas, eggs with truffles, fried artichokes, and dressed burrata cheese (by far the best I’ve eaten). Thoroughly recommended.
