Skip to main content

Our Top Three Favorite Food Finds in Madrid

So you’re planning a trip to Madrid? There is nothing as great as tasting local gastronomy.   And while El Bulli stole the Spanish spotlight for so long, Madrid has always held its weight in the kitchen. We have been on our own culinary tour around the capital and here are our top picks.

Bistro Bla Bla Bla

Related Videos

This laid back cool destination, Bistro Bla Bla Bla (yes, that is actually the name) in the Chueca neighborhood, not only has a modern  French cafe interior and live jazz, but has an international twist to the menu.  Influenced by Mexico, Paris and New York, the salmon tartar was one of favorites.

Served in glass tulip sundae dish and long silver spoon, this appetizer paired perfectly chopped salmon with a delicate sauce of basil mayonnaise with fresh parsley.  The wine list makes this the perfect weekend brunch spot, and by brunch, we mean a 2pm start time – it’s Espana!

Calle Prim, 13

Valgame Dios

Translated from Spanish, Valgame Dios literally means ‘good heavens’ or OMG !  In typical Spanish form, this not to be missed café doesn’t open until 1pm (or 13:00), so lunch time is the ultimate time to drop in for a bite to eat.

Quite popular amongst the neighborhood locals , the framed black & white prints that cover the sizable square columns, are paired with an eclectic mix wing-backed chairs and comfy sofas, giving this eatery it’s unassuming charm.

One of the dishes loved by locals and tourist alike is their artichoke carpaccio.  Served on an earthenware oversized circular plate, the thinly sliced artichoke and drizzled with a red pepper infused Spanish olive oil, which surprisingly had more of an orange citrus note..  Topped off with shaves of parmesan, this menu must-have is ideal to share for lunch or dinner.

Calle de Augusto Figueroa, 43

Luzi  Bombon

Is it the DJ or poured concrete interior that makes this restaurant on Paseso de la Castelanna, a chic combination of atmosphere, entertainment and food.?

When you walk into this very progressive little eatery, it’s through a massive faded wood and metal door.  For those of you who know The Modern restaurant inside MoMA in NYC, this has a similar vibe – modern and cool, yet very friendly and relaxed.

The dish that’s great for brunch or late nosh is the yellowtail ceviche. Prepared with the traditional fresh lime juice, the large chunks of tuna make this anything but traditional.  With red onion, parsley and basil, a Spanish white wine is the perfect pairing for this tasty offering.

The DJ is on Monday through Saturday if you want a little seat wiggle while getting your grub on.

Paseo de la Castellana, 35

 

 

 

 

Editors' Recommendations

Nam prik, the fiery Thai chili dip you should be adding to everything
Chiang Mai native Chef Setalat Prasert of Spicy Shallot breaks down this amazing Thai favorite
Spicy Shallot Nam Prik in a basket.

Fiery, herbaceous, tart, and savory, nam prik is a chili sauce that's absolutely beloved throughout Thailand. With more than a dozen varieties, this hot sauce and dip is enjoyed with everything from raw and steamed vegetables to grilled meats or fish. While the dip is traditionally prepared in a mortar and pestle (or a Thai krok), modern cooks often use a blender or food processor to make this vibrant chili dip. 

To guide us through this Thai delicacy is Chiang Mai native Chef Setalat "George" Prasert of Spicy Shallot. Spicy Shallot, located in Elmhurst, Queens, on a three-block stretch of Woodside Avenue named Little Thailand Way, serves a unique blend of Thai cuisine and Japanese sushi. The restaurant is also a showcase of Prasert's favorite — nam prik kha.

Read more
The ultimate guide to world-class seafood paella, according to an executive chef
Chef Miguel Molina of La Pulperia NYC shares his culinary insight on the perfect seafood paella
Paella from La Pulperia.

Perfectly al-dente rice flush with fresh shellfish, a properly made seafood paella is one of the greatest foods in the world. This delicacy from Valencia, Spain, is the perfect dish for a festive gathering, a fun family meal, or a romantic dinner for two. While it can be made with poultry and game meat in Spain, some of the most popular versions of paella often lean heavily into seafood.

At La Pulperia, a pan-Latin American restaurant in Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan, they've mastered the seafood paella. Executive Chef Miguel Molina is a native of Guerrero, Mexico, and is lending his creativity and culinary background to the restaurant menu, which includes a stellar paella made with black squid ink. The food here is a blend of cultures, combining influences from Latin and South American countries like Peru, Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico, creating totally distinctive flavor combinations. So what better guide is there to help us on the journey of making a world-class paella?
The foundation: The rice
Octopus paella from La Pulperia in NYC.

Read more
How to make the perfect shepherd’s pie, according to a cookbook author
Cookbook author Licia Kassim Householder shares her delicious recipe, guaranteed to be a hit
shepherds pie recipe untitled  14

Although Saint Patrick's Day has come and gone, it doesn't mean that we want to stop eating delicious Irish-American dishes. Hence, the reason you sought out a shepherd's pie recipe. We don't want to burst your bubble, but shepherd's pie isn't a traditional Irish dish. But, for that matter, neither is corned beef. However, this colcannon version of shepherd's pie really ups the level of the dish's Irishness.

Shepherd's pie has its roots in English cuisine. Dishes like corned beef and shepherd's pie have found their way into Irish-themed menus thanks to Irish-American celebrations, with emphasis on the American part. However, that doesn't mean you can't enjoy a delicious shepherd's pie on St. Patrick's Day or any day. It's a hearty and filling comfort food for the chilly winter and spring months.

Read more