The best places to eat in Madrid are not necessarily expensive, but as the supply of tapas bars and restaurants is so high, only the difficulty of doing it is very clear. I was recently asked by a friend who was visiting Madrid, what, where the best places to eat well, and here a quick result of that conversation.
In the center of the city of Madrid, you can eat a daily menu for € 8, which is about 5 pounds in most restaurants around the old town. The covers are actually quite common, but the Spanish are two parallel streets primarely called Cava Baja and Cava Alta, to enjoy a glass of wine or a beer with tapas (Spanish appetizers).
One of the “must stop” restaurants, is located on Cutlers Street known as Restaurant Botin, is actually the oldest in the world, celebrities and Hollywood stars, presidents and prime ministers have been there. In fact, this restaurant was so successful that the owner, Emilio Botin, is one of the richest people in Spain and enjoy being president of the Banco Santander.
While Botin Restaurant has a reputation, not necessarily the best restaurant. A few minutes walk Cuchilleros street is a place called Casa Lucio, who has to book months in advance. The house specialty is called “starry eggs” that are simply chips with fried eggs on it. Once you try this dish certainly become addicted to it. Casa Lucio saw guests like Bill Clinton, Margaret Thatcher or George W . Bush. Rates are still very accessible.
If you want to experience the real Spain, go to any tapas bar called “Lizarran” are found in almost all districts of Madrid. Lizarran is a franchise that offers self-service drinks and snacks, you can take the screen in the bar and will be charged at the counter when you’re done for the number of sticks of wood to the left of the plate. It s common practice among the people of Madrid trying to hide some clubs to get free tapas, but beware, if you get caught is a fairly embarrassing.
Opposite the Royal Palace and near the Opera Café de Oriente, probably the best of Madrid terraces with excellent views and live music in summer, is furnished in 18th century France at affordable prices. The candlelight, the atmosphere of the Plaza de Oriente at night and quality of food sitting in a perfect place for a romantic dinner.
If you can afford, restaurant and terrace at the Hotel Ritz is one of the best places, especially the Sunday brunch is simply breathtaking. It takes a lot ‘of preparation, but the end result is fantastic. The Hotel Ritz is also’ the place ‘where all the stars in Hollywood to stay and eat in their premieres throughout the year.
Other high-quality restaurants are Donostiarra Grill, El Amparo, Lhardy and Portobello, where David Beckham enjoyed many lunches while playing for Real Madrid. Madrid hotels are very expensive, so they remain privately owned apartments in Madrid you can save money and invest more wisely to eat out. The same advice applies for or apartments in Barcelona