Madrid Restaurant/Tapas Advice

[savlad]

Taking 3 friends to madrid for there first visit. Staying around the Opera area, but happy to go further afield to find some great eating. We have 2 nights so would like one night to be a nice, authentic, mid range spanish meal - if it had a tasting menu that would be ideal - Would be thinking around 50-75 Euro a head for this - would prefer a lively/friendly atmosphere rather than quiet and romantic!

2nd night i was thinking of doing a bit of a "tapas crawl" in and around the sol area I know there are loads of places around here but any particular favourites that people would recommend?

Any advice much appreciated!

[PBSF]

There are many many posts regarding to restaurants and tapas places for Madrid. Search this board and if there are specifics that interest you, many would be happy to give some feedback.

[vioredum]

Hey savlad,

What do you mean by "lively"?I recommend you to visit "Sacha",one of Madrid's best restaurants-nice decadent atmosphere and fantastic food-

As a matter of fact,they recently published an article on a Spanish newspaper and most of Spain's best chefs (including Arola and Adrià) mentioned "Sacha" as one of their favorites.

Just for the "Tortilla manchada" is worth the visit-

"Zaranda" is also a good option,and they have a great tasting menu for 60 €

Now,If you prefer to see a lively and modern atmosphere in a fantastic place (right at the "Puerta de Alcalá) full of goodlooking people,I'd recommend you to go to "Ramsés"
Food is just about OK and it's as expensive as Sacha (around 50-60 / p.p).

You may also have dinner at Sacha and then head to Ramsés for a drink or two (they have a great cocktail bar).

For tapas around Sol:Hmmm,thee Sol area is full of mediocre tapas places which are mostly tourist-oriented (for instance,a decent Spanish restaurante would never serve paella at night).
Do not sop at one of the bars at Plaza Mayor;head to "La Latina area"-within walking distance from Sol- and try "Txirimiri" (C/Humilladero 6) or "Juana La Loca".

For any other questions that you may have,I'll be glad to help you.

Saludos.

Sacha: C/Juan Hurtado de Mendoza 11
Tel # :[phone]

Zaranda :Eduardo Dato 5
Tel # :[phone] - ( 1 Michelin *)

[currycue]

Agreed, we stayed on Calle Huertas in March and it that area was chock full of mediocre, touristy tapas bars. The one that stood out was Casa Alberto (Huertas, 18) Yes it was touristy, but they took no shorts. Great food, great service, great drinks and they even served the famous pata negra ham, not just the regular serrano. Highly recommended tapas bar! I still crave their patatas ali-oli, croquetas de jamon and albondigas de ternera.

[ensenadian]

Hi Savlad,

There are loads of fantastic places in Madrid, but if you are only there a few days go straight to La Latina and visit ALL the places on Cava Baja and Cava Alta. Ask the locals for the best item in each place and enjoy!