Tips 1 - 10 of 10 Madrid Restaurants
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Casa del Abuelo: Atmospheric bar specialising in prawns!
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Tip Rating:    Satisfaction: 
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Restaurant Name: Casa del Abuelo
Calle Victoria was to be one of my favourite streets in Madrid, lots of bars and restaurants with a lively, friendly atmosphere.
It is one of those photogenic streets, with azulejo tiled bars, bull fighting posters pasted to the walls, painted fronts of restaurants, with the smell of food wafting into the air, along with conversations and laughter.
Walking past this place I'd spotted pots of prawns being cooked on a grill, the smell was incredible! So I entered and ordered by pointing, and stood at a table supping a crisp beer, while I waited for my food.
Casa del Abuelo translates as Grandfathers House. It was established in 1906, and is still run by the family members.
It is quite a small bar, with standing room only. (crunching over discarded prawn shells, as is it's tradition in Spain to throw these on the floor along with paper napkins).
In the doorway is the grill. Behind the bar that stretches the length of the room, are racks of wine bottles. On the walls are old Black and white photos and mirrors with the menu and prices painted on. (See pics below)
Originally, this was a place where sandwiches were sold - up to 1,500 in a day, with garlic sausage and anchovies. With the Spanish Civil War came a shortage of flour, so bread was limited. The owner then started buying prawns in Toledo, to sell to his customers.
Prawns al ajillo -(in boiling olive oil, infused with garlic, chilli and parsley) or a la plancha- fried or grilled in their shells, or alla gabardino (battered and sprinkled with salt), langoustines and prawn croquettes are the only items on sale, but they are of high quality.
Sweet wine from Alicante is a speciality of this bar - I'm afraid that I prefer a dry wine, so opted for a glass of beer. Perhaps next time, I'll try the wine. Yes, I had a small glass at my latest visit
Due to the popularity of this place, 2 other premises have opened 1 in C/Goya 57, 28001, and the other on C/Nunez de Arce 5, 28012 *
Check out their web page for more info about the history of this establishment.
This is now in my Top 10 of Food heaven!
Favorite Dish: Gambas al ajillo - peeled prawns in olive oil and garlic-Which came with a basket of crusty bread to mop up the bubbling oil- Mmmmmmmm!
Finely chopped garlic, chilli and parsley were cooked in the boiling oil, then a handful of prawns were added for a few minutes. Ooooh i'm drooling just thinking of the smell and flavour.
7.50 Euros for the prawns and bread.
UPDATE - just been here again (twice) I´m HAPPY!
8.50 Euros now for the above dish, which I enjoyed with a small glass of white wine. *Also noticed another place with the same name and menu directly opposite - don´t think it was there last visit! (It was closed on the Monday night)
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Theme: Seafood
Comparison: about average
Prices: less than US$10
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Phone: 902027334
Address: Calle Victoria 12 28012 Madrid
Directions: From Sol, exit to the right of Tio Pepe sign, look for Maison Jamon which is at the foot of C/Victoria. Near the top of this road you'll find prawn heaven!!
Website: www.lacasaalbuelo.es
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Restaurante Arrocería Mediterráneo: Great place for Paella and VT Meet
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Tip Rating: [Not enough ratings yet]Satisfaction: 
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Restaurant Name: Restaurante Arrocería Mediterráneo
This was the venue for our 2nd evening meal of the VT Meet, again organised by Ursula and Santi.
Quite a smart looking restaurant in the Salamanca district of Madrid. Our party of 12 had a table in a room by ourselves - so we could do the things that you do at a VT meet that involves food and alcohol- Eat, drink, chat, laugh, and take numerous photos of each other and our food! (pic 5)
This was quite a relaxed night- I think most of us were feeling a bit tired We'd enjoyed a late night/early morning the previous night, then most had been out for the day to Chinchon (I spent the day catching up on sleep and recharging my batteries for the rest of my Spanish trip) Some of our party had travelled many miles to attend this weekend - Martha had flown in from the USA! Others had travelled from Portugal, Sweden, Denmark, Germany and Barcelona. (I'd lost track of where Claus had joined us from, as he seems to spend every day in a different country!)
The menu was quite extensive, with an emphasis on fish and seafood.
14 appetisers, ranging in price from 8.60 Euros - 18.40 Euros included dishes with anchovies, crayfish, razor clams, home made croquettes and the typo -Dish of steamed MUSCLES or in sauce! (well I think it was a typo!)
6 salads 8.90 -11.50 Euros - Mediterranean Salad, Carpaccio of smoked cod with tomato, Baby eel shrimp and salmon and one intriguing 'With Avocado on Salmorejo (garlic and tomato soup)'
There were some meat dishes - including Brochette of chicken and Entrecote on the grill.
The rice dishes came under the headings of Dry Rice, Soupy Rice and Sticky Rice!
Dry Rice - 14 choices, which included 5 Paellas with meat and shellfish, Chicken vegetables and Bean gum, Clean Paella (I think this is where the fish and meat is presented without bones or shells etc) and Fideua (a paella made with noodles). Other dry rice dishes included ones with rabbit, lobster, quail, cod or vegetables. 15 - 23 Euros.
Soupy Rice - 3 choices - Rice with lobster, seafood or clams 16.30 - 23.90 Euros.
Sticky Rice - 5 choices - mushroom and green asparagus, monkfish and shrimp, mushroom and shrimp, vegetables and cod 16.50 -18.50 Euros
There is also a childrens menu for 10 Euros.
So as you can see, there was a lot of decisions to be made- especially as the rice dishes are for a minimum of 2 people. Also, there is quite a limited choice for anyone who doesn't eat fish or meat.
I opted for the Mixed Paella (pic 2)- (Shellfish and meat -served with prawns, mussels and clams with their shells) and shared this with Rasmus and Sara. I think Birgit shared the vegetarian option of mushroom and green asparagus - and I'm not sure what the other choices were.
We all enjoyed our main course, and some of us managed to squeeze in a dessert and or coffee.
The Dessert menu had 11 temptations - I was swayed by the Lemon Sorbet in Champagne (5.20 Euros) Other choices included Almond, House or chocolate cake, yogurt cake with raspberries, cheesecake with bilberries, fruit salad and various ice creams.(3.90 - 5.50 Euros)
We split the bill between us - which came to around 15 Euros including drinks- (Can't remember exactly)
If you book a table for Friday or Saturday night, there is a 50% discount promotion!
I hadn't realised until I checked the web site (which I couldn't get an English translation of) that this restaurant is part of a chain of about 9 restaurants. The other restaurants also serve pinchos and tapas.
So after our lovely meal, it's time to move on - Ursula knew a jazz club a short walk away......
Favorite Dish: The Paella was delicious, full of flavour and plenty of shellfish and chicken.
I also enjoyed my lemon sorbet in champagne - I'd misread the menu - thinking it was lemon and champagne sorbet, so was expecting it being served in a dish. Instead it came in a glass, and was more liquid than I'd expected- It was delicious though - I could have drunk a few more!!
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Theme: Local
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20
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Address: Calle Jorge Juan, 13
Directions: Salamanca District
Metro: Retiro (line 2) or Serrano (line 4).
Website: www.arroceriasmediterraneo.com
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La Mallorquina: Mouth watering pastries and cakes
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Tip Rating: Satisfaction:
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Restaurant Name: La Mallorquina
UPDATE - Yesterday (July 18th) I went for breakfast, to find that it was being renovated, so not sure when it will be open again)
La Mallorquina has been baking and serving delicious pastries, cakes and confectionary here since 1894! It is located in the bustling Puerta del Sol, at the end opposite the Tio Pepe sign .
I first saw this place on Saturday afternoon - after drooling over the displays of buns, pastries and gateauxes in the window, I decided to wander in - Blimey! it was heaving -
Counters stacked with freshly baked sweet and savoury delicacies lined 2 walls. Upstairs is a salon, where You can enjoy a more relaxing experience apparently. I was hoping to enjoy a cafe con leche and a sticky bun, standing at one of the counters, but decided that I'd probably not get served for a while, or would get too jostled. It was quite entertaining watching respectable looking white haired ladies, and groups of elegantly dressed middle aged women speedily manouvre into tight spots, with assistance of elbows, handbags, and a 'don't mess with me' expression on their carefully made up faces.
I was starving, so selected an empanadilla - a flaky pastry pastie with ham and cheese filling - for 1 euro! I ate this outside, while enjoying the bustle of Sol.
On the Monday, I decided to try my luck again - this time it was less crowded - I selected a sticky soft bun (Can't remember its name - it began with M, and had a twirl of custard and sugar syrup )- 1 euro and a cafe con leche 1.20 euros - both were delicious, and I was able to enjoy it without being pushed about.
Favorite Dish: I enjoyed my ham and cheese empanadillo - buttery flaky pastry - although I think more of the pastry ended up attached to my jumper!
My bun and coffee were also very good. I enjoyed eating here but I was surprised, given its' location that it wasn't full of tourists - having said that, out of the window, I could spot the Golden Arches of Mc D's - one of many spotted in the centre of Madrid.
I'd head straight for La Mallorquina the next time I visit Madrid - great atmosphere, and great pastries
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Theme: Bakery
Comparison: about average
Prices: less than US$10
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Phone: 91 521 12 07
Address: Puerta del Sol, 8 Mayor, 2 Madrid
Directions: Sol Opposite end to Tio Pepe sign, behind Metro entrance
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Meson Cinco Jotas: Specialists in Iberico ham
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Tip Rating: Satisfaction:
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Restaurant Name: Meson Cinco Jotas
I came across Meson Cinco Jotas or 5 J's, while wandering around.
One of the things I was keen to do while in Madrid, was to try the Jamon Iberico, I'd read about this delicacy in a Spanish cookery book that I'd recently purchased. Meson 5 J's specialises in Iberian hams, and takes a pride in each step of the process from breeding, the acorn and grass diet, to the presentation of the many cuts of meat. (See the web page http://www.mesoncincojotas.com in Spanish and English for lots of interesting info about the pigs, restaurants and recipes etc)
I stood at the central bar,( There are separate dining areas with seating), menu cards were on display in Spanish and English. The young waitress was very efficient, and I'd soon placed my order. This was quite a busy place, but there was a nice atmosphere, I felt quite comfortable here by myself. Hanging from the ceiling were hams. At one end of the bar was a man preparing the food - he appeared to be very skilled, carefully carving slices of ham and arranging them on plates, also slices of cheeses, which he expertly sliced then stacked up.
While waiting for my meal I enjoyed my beer and a complimentary tapas of olives, which were some of the nicest I've ever tasted!
To be continued..
Favorite Dish: I tried a tapas of Jamon J5 - slices of thinly sliced sweet tasting Iberico ham, which came with fresh crusty bread and some savoury biscuits/crackers.
I had a draught beer which was cold and crisp
My ham tapas was 3.60 euros and my cerveza was 1.85 euros Total 5.45 Euros
To be continued
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Theme: Local
Comparison: about average
Prices: less than US$10
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Address: C/ Arenal, 6 28013 Madrid
Website: http://www.mesoncincojotas.com/#
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ELHECHO: Comfortable bar/ tasca/ restaurante
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Tip Rating: Satisfaction:
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Restaurant Name: ELHECHO
After wandering around Lavapies, and not being able to decide which cuisine to try - Moroccan /Turkish / Chinese / Indian / Kurdish and Lebanese were just a few of the restaurants I'd hesitated outside, I decided to keep walking.
I soon found myself on Calle Huertas, and was enticed to look at the menu of this brightly painted bar. Dish of the day was Fideua - a paella made with noodles instead of rice - I'd seen this on the menu in Valencia when I visited earlier this year, but didn't have chance to try it then. So this was my chance.
Entering into the busy room, I chose a place at the bar on a stool. Seating available near the windows or on a raised platform.
I really liked the atmosphere here, a mix of clientele, mainly 30 + age group - couples, small groups of friends etc. It seemed a popular friendly place.
The service was quite quick in here despite there only being 2 staff. Neither seemed to speak english, and even though I attempted a bit of spanish, I resorted to pointing and miming, which worked.
Favorite Dish: My Fideua was delicious - very tasty sauce, not too salty, with mussels, squid, prawns, cockles etc. Fresh crusty bread to mop up the sauce -Mmmmmmmm, I could just eat this now!
I chose the 1/2 racion portion which was just right for me.
I also enjoyed a large crisp cerveza, then finished with a cafe con leche
Fideua - 7 euros
Cerveza doble - 2.10 euros
cafe con leche - 1.25 euros
Total 10.35 Euros
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Theme: Local
Comparison: about average
Prices: less than US$10
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Phone: 91 429 95 90
Address: C/Huertas 56 28014 Madrid
Directions: C/ Huertas runs uphill from the Paseo del Prado, opposite the Plaza de Murillo - if locating on your map.
Metro Anton Martin is to the south of C/Huertas, at its mid way section
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Cupido -: Un Amore di gelato!
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Tip Rating: Satisfaction:
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Restaurant Name: Cupido -
Yes, it was the end of November, so I did have second thoughts about entering this gelaterie, but once I saw the delicious looking ice creams, the cold outside was forgotten!
The shop was light and brightly decorated, with a display of various ice creams made with fresh ingrediants.
I selected chocolate and hazelnut which looked rich and glossy in a cornet - plastic tubs were available too. The assistant said I could have 2 flavours for 2.20 euros, I chose lemon - mainly because I had enjoyed the lemon ice cream that I'd eaten earlier this year at Grom in Padua, Italy, so had to see if this was as good.
Well, I enjoyed my ice cream, the lemon wasn't quite as good as Groms' Limone, but then again I don't think I'll ever find anything to compare - although I'll enjoy trying to find an equal!
Favorite Dish: I enjoyed my cornet with chocolate and hazelnut and lemon ice creams - as it was quite cold outside, I had a bit of time to enjoy it, unlike summer, when it would probably have melted quite quickly!
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Theme: Ice Cream
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: less than US$10
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Directions: Calle Arenal, which leads off Sol - opposite end to Tio Pepe sign
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Los Arcos: Cafe- Bar Off Playa Mayor
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Tip Rating: Satisfaction:
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Restaurant Name: Los Arcos
Although I've visited Spain a few times now, I still haven't tried Chocolate con churros - the delicious sounding, calorie loaded drink with doughnut like fingers to dunk.
After looking at Playa Mayor, I spotted this place, with a notice advertising the afforementioned item
Well, I'd lost track of time, and hadn't realised that it was now nearly mid day - so when I ordered Chocolate con churros - I was met with an apologetic shrug from the proprietor. I realised that I was too late - so I ordered a cafe con leche instead.
This was quite a pleasant small bar. I could see a man busily preparing food in the tiny preparation area behind the bar. There was a steady stream of local workers nipping in for a quick coffee, or to collect food which they'd presumably ordered earlier.
I would probably have stopped and ordered some food, but I'd spotted a bar opposite advertising Bocadillo Calamares, which I was looking forward to trying
(Please see my previous tip)
Hopefully I'll get to try Chocolate con churros next time I visit Spain
Favorite Dish: Although I only had a caffe con leche here, it was a good cup of coffee, and the bar was quite a relaxing place to be
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Theme: Local
Comparison: about average
Prices: less than US$10
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Phone: 913664853 913653130
Address: Plaza Mayor, 1 Madrid 28012
Directions: Through the arches of entrance/ exit of Plaza Mayor - If facing the clock tower in the Plaza this bar is in the right corner. It's opposite La Bar Ideal - see my previous tip.
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Cafeeke: Belgian cuisine and beers!
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Tip Rating: [Not enough ratings yet]Satisfaction:
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Restaurant Name: Cafeeke
This was the venue for our Madrid VT Meet, well chosen and organised by Ursula and Santi.
OK, we're in the heart of Spain, but We're in a Belgian bar/restaurant! Well, it was a great choice-
Ursula had negotiated a special menu for us - 3 courses and 3 drinks for 17 Euros-Bargain!
This is a small cosy bar that welcomes VTers and pets! Some canine guests were present, (and were lucky not to get trod on at times!)
Our table was upstairs, where it was a bit hot, but fans were soon in place to cool us down.
to be continued....
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Theme: Other
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20
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Phone: +34 913 669 842
Address: C/ Cuchilleros 3 28005 Madrid, Spain
Directions: Madrid City Center, next to the Plaza Mayor at the Arco de Cuchilleros.
Other Contact: http://www.facebook.com/group.ph
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 Comments for suvanki about Madrid | | | | |
Stephanie Mon Aug 24, 2009 07:36 UTC
Restaurante Arrocería Mediterráneo - I look forward to reading the completed tip. :))) When was this meeting? | bijo69 Thu Jul 16, 2009 22:03 UTC
Great page Sue! Looking forward to see you there in 2 weeks! | VeronicaG Mon Feb 16, 2009 17:44 UTC
We'll be flying into Madrid in September for about 1 1/2 days before flying to Barcelona. I'm already preparing for our trip and marking off places we'll want to see, many of which you visited....your restaurants look like good choices, too. | jumpingnorman Sat Jan 24, 2009 20:22 UTC
Oooooooh...I love prawns...this tip is making me hungry! |
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