Blogger Con Botas de Agua takes us out and about in Madrid to visit her favorite places to wine and dine in the city. With her lovely family, she meanders around one of her favorite neighbourhoods in town, the Retiro. By glancing through her photographs, one can’t miss how much she cherishes her city and certainly knows how best to present it to the world, with love and taste.
LA MONTERÍA (Lope de Rueda, 35)
I have to confess that it's my favorite place, so I had to put it at the top of the list. They just recently renovated it. And having a beer and tapas at a table next to the large window is for me one of the greatest pleasures in life! Tacho, my husband, and I escape whenever we can to come here. My favorite tapas are the warm partridge salad, foie gras flakes, the Salmorejo and the oxtail.
LA CASTELA (Doctor Castelo, 22)
My second favorite place is La Castela. It is one of the most typical Spanish tapas bar. Fresh beer, good and simple food. You cannot be disappointed. Unfortunately, it is quite difficult to sit at lunchtime during weekend, unless you come at 1 p.m, which is pretty early for Spain. I would recommend La Castela specialities: seafood and croquettes. But the whole menu in general is delicious!
LA TABERNA LAREDO (Doctor Castelo, 30)
Not far form La Castela, I recommend you La Taberna Laredo, where we love having a romantic dinner at night, when we can escape. Like my previous recommendations, the food is excellent. Among our favorites are the risotto with boletus mushrooms (in season), mussels with red sauce and rabbit ribs. The tarte Tatin is also killer. Have I ever told you that I am a crazy obsessed with apple pies?
EL CAPRICHO (Doctor Castelo, 14)
Nearby the Retiro park, you’ll find El Capricho.The service is always very nice and it’s spacious. Beer and good tapas guaranteed!
ARZÁBAL (Menéndez Pelayo, 13)
For a long time the Arzábal was my favorite place. I went there all the time! When you sit, they give you bread and a XXXL butter cube! I just love it! Their tuna salad with tomato is my favorite. It is a very lively place and a neighbourhood’s myth. Simply a must!
All photos by Con Botas de Agua.
