A bustling storefront spot whose cramped tables and long bar channel the aura of a Madrid side street, Cobras & Matadors hits the mark with quality ingredients and value-oriented pricing. Among the numerous appetizers and tapas are traditional gazpacho, Galician-style grilled octopus with salsa verde, and bacalao (salted cod) cakes with garlicky aïoli. Larger plates may include roast game hen with Catalan sweet-and-sour sauce or paella. There's no wine list here, but no corkage fee either—bring a bottle from your own cellar or buy one from the owner's wine shop next door, where the intriguing inventory leans heavily toward Spanish vino.
Visit the Travel Talk forums for help on planning your trip