Madrid restaurants for a special experience?

[urigio]

We are planning a Madrid trip in Febuary and wanted to make sure we have the best the city has to offer while we are there.

Type of cuisine and cost don't really matter to us as long as we can experience the best of Madrid/whatever makes the Madrid experience special. (ex. We LOVED Cal Pep in Barca)

We would love to hear what is your favorite restaurant/dining experience in Madrid.

Also, while you are at it, maybe a lounge/bar recommendation as well?

[afteryouwho]

Hi. Got here late so any of my suggestions will just sit on the board. I was a chef/restaurant owner for many many years in Madrid so my recommendations are very personal. I think it is a pity you didn't go for Sant Celoni but that is because I am a loud fan of Santi. But your choice of Arce and Iñaki are certainly a good one. I personally would have recommended a tiny little place called La Repanocha where I have never had anything less than excellent food and friendly efficient service. And the bill doesn't leave your eyeballs on the table!

[PBSF]

I would check out this board for Madrid recommendations. For top end dining, La Broche for modern Spanish. Less modern (but not traditional), my favorites are Arce and Sacha. Sant Celoni is also high on the list but I have not eaten there. The chef, Santi Santimaria, has a Michelin 3 star restaurant, Can Fabes, in a town near Barcelona. From my numerous meals there, I consider his food the best in Spain. Madrid has some excellent seafood restaurants: El Combarro and La Trainera are two. They can be expensive but they will serve the fresh and best seafood available. The best are the simply prepared items. For roasts and steaks: Julian in Tolosa, Asada Ansorena and Casa d'a Troya are excellent. There are great tapa places in every neighborhood. I've posted many of my favorites on this board. If you have some specific questions, happy to help.

[David W]

When thinking back on our visit to Madrid, La Broche (for a modern take) and Arce (for a more traditional take) are my favorite memories. Lots of posts about both.

[urigio]

Thanks for the recommendations. We just made a reservation for Arce. We are staying two nights, so for the other night, I think we'll try out one of the tapas places.

Thanks, again!

[PBSF]

I hope you enjoy Arce. You'll be given a menu when you sit but chef Inaki Camba will make the round and chat with you about the menu, etc. If the restaurant is busy, be patient because he spends quite a bit of time at each table. Besides Spanish, he speaks French and some English. Let him know how hungry you are and what your food preferences are and he will compose a balance menu on what is best for that day.
As for tapas, there are good places in every neighborhood. If you want to do a tapas crawl, the best are around c/Cava Baja in La Latina.

[cleveland park]

I second la Trainera, also el pescador and el cantabrico (casual, but not cheap). What about Viridiana? I think the place is outstanding