Traditional Spanish restaurants in Madrid
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A
Casa Alberto
One of the most atmospheric old tabernas of Madrid, Casa Alberto has been around since 1827 and occupies a building where Cervantes is said to have written one of his books. The secret to its staying power is vermouth on tap, excellent tapas and fine sit-down meals; rabo de toro (bull’s tail) is a good order. As the antique wood-pannelled decoration will suggest straight away, the raciones (large tapas servings) have none of the frilly innovations that have come to characterise Spanish tapas, and jamón, Manchego cheese and croquetas are recurring themes.
reviewed
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B
Taberna la Bola
In any poll of food-loving locals seeking the best and most traditional Madrid cuisine, Taberna La Bola (going strong since 1870 and run by the sixth generation of the Verdasco family) always features near the top. We’re inclined to agree and if you’re going to try cocido a la madrileña (€19) while in Madrid, this is a good place to do so. It’s busy and noisy and very Madrid. It serves other Madrid specialities, such as callos (tripe) and sopa castellana (garlic soup).
reviewed
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C
Las Tortillas de Gabino
It’s a brave Spanish chef who fiddles with the iconic tortilla de patatas, but the results here are delicious – tortilla with cockles, with octopus, with all manner of surprising combinations. This place also gets rave reviews for its croquetas. The service is excellent and the bright yet classy dining area adds to the sense of a most agreeable eating experience. Reservations are highly recommended.
reviewed
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D
Casa Lucio
Lucio has been wowing madrileños with his light touch, quality ingredients and home-style local cooking for ages – think seafood, roasted meats and eggs (a Lucio speciality) in abundance. Casa Lucio draws an august, always well-dressed crowd that has included the king of Spain, former US president Bill Clinton and Penélope Cruz.
reviewed
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E
Posada de la Villa
This wonderfully restored 17th-century posada (inn) is something of a local landmark. The atmosphere is formal, the decoration sombre and traditional (heavy timber and brickwork), and the cuisine decidedly local – roast meats, cocido (meat and chickpea stew), callos and sopa de ajo.
reviewed
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F
El Original
With the best products and signature dishes from each of the regions of Spain, you might expect El Original to be a bastion of traditionalism. Indeed, it describes its food as classic Spanish cooking. But the classic theme ends when you step into the restaurant and find trees growing in the sleek dining room.
reviewed
