Leaving on trip to Madrid/Sevilla/Granada next week - Looking for restaurant recommendations please
Feb 22nd, 2006, 05:36 PM
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Leaving on trip to Madrid/Sevilla/Granada next week - Looking for restaurant recommendations please
We are leaving next week for a week long trip to Madrid (day trip to Toledo) Sevilla and Granada. Hotels and trains/buses are all booked and we are now looking for some restaurant recommendations. Also is there anything special we should look to purchase while we are in Spain? We have not alloted extra time for shopping, but is there anything we should look for? Any other last minute recommendations and advice is most welcome. Thanks, Susan
Feb 22nd, 2006, 06:37 PM
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Having no idea the type of cuisine you prefer, or if you are interested in trying something different, it's hard to recommend a nice restaurant, but I'll let you know what some of our recent favorites are.
Madrid:
El Club Allard, Ferraz, 2
Restaurante Montana, C/Lagasca, 5
La Cordobesa tapas and wine bar
La Terraza del Casino, Alcalá, 15
Jockey, Amador de los Ríos, 6
Horcher, Alfonso XII, 6
La Manduca de Azagra on Sagasta 14
Combarro, Ortega y Gasset, 40
Alkalde, Jorge Juan, 10
Lago de Sanabria, Ayala, 23
Teatriz, Hermosilla, 15
El Buey, Plaza de la Marina Española, 5
Al Norte, Calle San Nicolás. 8
Orixe, Cava Baja 17
Julián de Tolosa, Cava Baja, 18
Sevilla:
Egaña-Oriza at San Fernando, 41
Hacienda Benazuza El Bulli Resort
La Taberna del Alabardero at Zaragoza, 20
Poncio, across the river in Triana on Calle Victoria, 8
Casa Robles, at Alvarez Quintero, 58
Casa Román on Plaza de los Venerables
Corral del Agua, Callejón del Agua, 6
La Albahaca, Plaza Santa Cruz
We haven’t been to Granada for a while, so there is nothing I can recommend.
Madrid:
El Club Allard, Ferraz, 2
Restaurante Montana, C/Lagasca, 5
La Cordobesa tapas and wine bar
La Terraza del Casino, Alcalá, 15
Jockey, Amador de los Ríos, 6
Horcher, Alfonso XII, 6
La Manduca de Azagra on Sagasta 14
Combarro, Ortega y Gasset, 40
Alkalde, Jorge Juan, 10
Lago de Sanabria, Ayala, 23
Teatriz, Hermosilla, 15
El Buey, Plaza de la Marina Española, 5
Al Norte, Calle San Nicolás. 8
Orixe, Cava Baja 17
Julián de Tolosa, Cava Baja, 18
Sevilla:
Egaña-Oriza at San Fernando, 41
Hacienda Benazuza El Bulli Resort
La Taberna del Alabardero at Zaragoza, 20
Poncio, across the river in Triana on Calle Victoria, 8
Casa Robles, at Alvarez Quintero, 58
Casa Román on Plaza de los Venerables
Corral del Agua, Callejón del Agua, 6
La Albahaca, Plaza Santa Cruz
We haven’t been to Granada for a while, so there is nothing I can recommend.
Feb 22nd, 2006, 07:11 PM
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Feb 22nd, 2006, 07:13 PM
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Thank you Robert2533. You are right, I should have provided more detail. We are looking nice meals for dinner - less expensive during the day. For dinner I would like to not spend more than 22-25 euro per entree if that is do-able and still have a nice meal. While in Spain we would like to try local cuisine but I am more of a fish eater (lighter meals) while my husband doesn't have a preference. We are pretty adventurous when it comes to food, and we enjoy a good meal, good atmosphere and good service. We both work in New York City and eat out in the city quite often. I don't know if that helps! Susan
Feb 22nd, 2006, 08:31 PM
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The restaurants I listed offer a variety of cuisines from Spain’s various regions. Remember, in Spain lunch is the main meal of the day and can be rather inexpensive, depending on the restaurant. In then evening, usually 7:30 (19:30) to 9:00 (21:00) is tapas time (pintxos in the north).
Madrid and Barcelona offer some of the widest ranges of cuisine (international as well as local), so you can have you choice of excellent meals to choose from.
Madrid and Barcelona offer some of the widest ranges of cuisine (international as well as local), so you can have you choice of excellent meals to choose from.
Feb 22nd, 2006, 08:33 PM
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Hi Sue
I really enjoyed the seafood in Spain. I don't eat anchovies at home but the ones in Spain are sensational. Not salty and hairy like ours. Have them with red peppers on crusty bread. Also nice this way are boquerones - white anchovies. I also enjoyed chopitos - fried whole baby squid.
In Seville we dined at - http://www.restaurantelacueva.net. Set in a picturesque plaza in lovely Barrio Santa Cruz. Great seafood at inexpensive prices.
We were in Granada and our taxi driver took us for a tour of Albaycin. he pointed out a restaurant that had great roast rabbit. I didn't get the name of the restaurant but from memory it was fronting a small plaza. I'm sure if you asked your taxi driver he would know the place. Alternatively the Sacramonte area is well known for its flamenco so you could take a dinner and show there. Shopping wise, some interesting bric a brac at the Moroccan style markets near the Albaicin. Go at night - with the lights on it's really pretty and atmospheric. For more info about Granada I think this site is excellent - http://www.vivagranada.com/
Toledo. Visit the sword factory. Toledo is world renowned for sword making. If you're into this you will pick up some fine pieces. However what I was more interested in was the jewellery there. I picked up a beautifully worked gold pendant with an ancient Moorish design. I paid €45 which I thought was inexpensive for something non touristy looking. It's quite eye catching - I get a lot of comments about it! My wife picked up a beautiful brooch with a Moorish design too.
In Madrid have a look at Antigua Casa Talavera, Calle Isabel la Católica 2.
Now I'm not into ceramics but this place has been descibed as "the first house of Spanish ceramics" and I would agree. Admire the facade which is over 100 years old and then step inside. Some beautiful, non tourist quality ceramics - this is not the Plaza Mayor junk! However for cheap gifts or personal items and a unique shopping experience visit the El Rastro flea market, on every Sunday. Best get there in the morning. As far as dining I enjoyed the restaurants at Plaza Santa Ana - very atmospheric in the evening. My favourite tapas bar was the Alhambra, Calle Victoria 9. If you are a chocaholic you must visit San Ginés Chocolateria, Calle de Coloreros. It's at the end of the street and serves hot chocolate and churros (sticks of fried dough). Go for an evening stroll and finish here. Death by chocolate!
As you can see I'm very enthusiastic about Spain! I'm sure you will enjoy it just as much as we did.
Buon voyage
I really enjoyed the seafood in Spain. I don't eat anchovies at home but the ones in Spain are sensational. Not salty and hairy like ours. Have them with red peppers on crusty bread. Also nice this way are boquerones - white anchovies. I also enjoyed chopitos - fried whole baby squid.
In Seville we dined at - http://www.restaurantelacueva.net. Set in a picturesque plaza in lovely Barrio Santa Cruz. Great seafood at inexpensive prices.
We were in Granada and our taxi driver took us for a tour of Albaycin. he pointed out a restaurant that had great roast rabbit. I didn't get the name of the restaurant but from memory it was fronting a small plaza. I'm sure if you asked your taxi driver he would know the place. Alternatively the Sacramonte area is well known for its flamenco so you could take a dinner and show there. Shopping wise, some interesting bric a brac at the Moroccan style markets near the Albaicin. Go at night - with the lights on it's really pretty and atmospheric. For more info about Granada I think this site is excellent - http://www.vivagranada.com/
Toledo. Visit the sword factory. Toledo is world renowned for sword making. If you're into this you will pick up some fine pieces. However what I was more interested in was the jewellery there. I picked up a beautifully worked gold pendant with an ancient Moorish design. I paid €45 which I thought was inexpensive for something non touristy looking. It's quite eye catching - I get a lot of comments about it! My wife picked up a beautiful brooch with a Moorish design too.
In Madrid have a look at Antigua Casa Talavera, Calle Isabel la Católica 2.
Now I'm not into ceramics but this place has been descibed as "the first house of Spanish ceramics" and I would agree. Admire the facade which is over 100 years old and then step inside. Some beautiful, non tourist quality ceramics - this is not the Plaza Mayor junk! However for cheap gifts or personal items and a unique shopping experience visit the El Rastro flea market, on every Sunday. Best get there in the morning. As far as dining I enjoyed the restaurants at Plaza Santa Ana - very atmospheric in the evening. My favourite tapas bar was the Alhambra, Calle Victoria 9. If you are a chocaholic you must visit San Ginés Chocolateria, Calle de Coloreros. It's at the end of the street and serves hot chocolate and churros (sticks of fried dough). Go for an evening stroll and finish here. Death by chocolate!
As you can see I'm very enthusiastic about Spain! I'm sure you will enjoy it just as much as we did.
Buon voyage
Feb 23rd, 2006, 12:42 AM
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Dear Susan.
In Granada, if you like fish go to:
Cunini on the Plaza Pescaderia #14 and try the fish baked in a bed of salt. It is delicious.
Another place in the Albayzin area that has a wonderful view of the Alhambra is:
Mirador de Morayma on Pianista Garcias Carrillo #2. Ring the bell and they'll open the door to a quaint garden patio.
Enjoy and buen viaje!
In Granada, if you like fish go to:
Cunini on the Plaza Pescaderia #14 and try the fish baked in a bed of salt. It is delicious.
Another place in the Albayzin area that has a wonderful view of the Alhambra is:
Mirador de Morayma on Pianista Garcias Carrillo #2. Ring the bell and they'll open the door to a quaint garden patio.
Enjoy and buen viaje!
Feb 23rd, 2006, 01:29 AM
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Here's a good restaurant in Madrid.
http://www.gomadrid.com/rest/botin.html
Supposed to be the oldest restaurant in Europe or even the world. It's in the Guinness book. 1725 or thereabouts.
Anyway, the prices are fairly cheap-depending on what is cheap. But, the place has bags of charm. From the bottom cellar, with the arched ceilings up to the top floors, it's great.
Even more, the food is very good. They have roasted pork or lamb as specials but many of other sides are great.
You can get the clams "marinara", if you like seashells which bite. Not too sharp but it's certainly not bland.
You can get the green beans with hunks of jamon and even if you ask, you can get them to put tomato sauce too. Yummy.
For those who are desert maniacs, you have to order the souflet with ice cream inside. It has to be odered when you make your first order, since it takes about twenty minutes.
Have a look into the oven area and see the pigs getting cooked. This is a real fun place as well as good food.
Some days you have the musicians passing in the rooms. This is a special treat since the "Tunas" do a nice song or two.
I've eaten on lunch and evening time and both were good. If you go in the evening, you can take a drink afterwards on one of the bars nearby. These bars are built under the Plaza Major and the bars are narrow and deep. Each bar is different and it's a fun evening trying out a few of those with music playing from the depth.
This is more than just a meal. It's worth the time.
Blackduff
http://www.gomadrid.com/rest/botin.html
Supposed to be the oldest restaurant in Europe or even the world. It's in the Guinness book. 1725 or thereabouts.
Anyway, the prices are fairly cheap-depending on what is cheap. But, the place has bags of charm. From the bottom cellar, with the arched ceilings up to the top floors, it's great.
Even more, the food is very good. They have roasted pork or lamb as specials but many of other sides are great.
You can get the clams "marinara", if you like seashells which bite. Not too sharp but it's certainly not bland.
You can get the green beans with hunks of jamon and even if you ask, you can get them to put tomato sauce too. Yummy.
For those who are desert maniacs, you have to order the souflet with ice cream inside. It has to be odered when you make your first order, since it takes about twenty minutes.
Have a look into the oven area and see the pigs getting cooked. This is a real fun place as well as good food.
Some days you have the musicians passing in the rooms. This is a special treat since the "Tunas" do a nice song or two.
I've eaten on lunch and evening time and both were good. If you go in the evening, you can take a drink afterwards on one of the bars nearby. These bars are built under the Plaza Major and the bars are narrow and deep. Each bar is different and it's a fun evening trying out a few of those with music playing from the depth.
This is more than just a meal. It's worth the time.
Blackduff
Feb 23rd, 2006, 03:02 AM
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For a good meal in Sevilla, check out "Los Cuevas". It's located Virgen de las Huertas, 1. I think that this is Los Remidios section or maybe Triana.
I used to have lunch there for many years. The food is great but the ambiente is even better. I have even entered at 2:00 in the morning and they fed me.
I liked to chose plates of many different dishes. Then my guests and I can each take a bite of many different items.
Antonio, the owner usually will give you a Coupa de la Casa or a drink on the house before you leave. If you're a good customer you'll more than one coupa.
Blackduff
I used to have lunch there for many years. The food is great but the ambiente is even better. I have even entered at 2:00 in the morning and they fed me.
I liked to chose plates of many different dishes. Then my guests and I can each take a bite of many different items.
Antonio, the owner usually will give you a Coupa de la Casa or a drink on the house before you leave. If you're a good customer you'll more than one coupa.
Blackduff
Feb 25th, 2006, 06:56 AM
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The Granada restaurant which Worldinabag remembers from the Albayzin district may be El Torquato. It appears to be the neighborhood meeting place for "good ole boys" at the bar,and for families meeting in the diining room for dinner after work.
The waiter, at first, did not seem happy to see us "outsiders", but when we attempted some rudimentary Spanish, we became best friends. The food was excellent, with a wide ranging menu and some daily specials on the chalkboard.
And, besides, you're going to be a few blocks away, at the San Nicholas church to see the Alhambra at sunset, aren't you? :=)
The waiter, at first, did not seem happy to see us "outsiders", but when we attempted some rudimentary Spanish, we became best friends. The food was excellent, with a wide ranging menu and some daily specials on the chalkboard.
And, besides, you're going to be a few blocks away, at the San Nicholas church to see the Alhambra at sunset, aren't you? :=)
Feb 26th, 2006, 04:38 PM
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Robert mentions these two:
La Taberna del Alabardero at Zaragoza, 20
An additional point of information. We deeply regret eating lunch, then going for a walk past this place and seeing the 12Euro Menu del dia, which looked absolutely fantastic. This is a cooking school and we went inside and looked around. The food looked great. Dinner is a la carte and much more expensive.
Poncio, across the river in Triana on Calle Victoria, 8
This may have been our best meal of the trip. The chef Willie Moya, personally comes out and takes your order and supervises the dining room all throughout your meal. He helped us pick out food and the food was delightful. Nice area to walk aroundin after eating.
Enjoy!
Ken
La Taberna del Alabardero at Zaragoza, 20
An additional point of information. We deeply regret eating lunch, then going for a walk past this place and seeing the 12Euro Menu del dia, which looked absolutely fantastic. This is a cooking school and we went inside and looked around. The food looked great. Dinner is a la carte and much more expensive.
Poncio, across the river in Triana on Calle Victoria, 8
This may have been our best meal of the trip. The chef Willie Moya, personally comes out and takes your order and supervises the dining room all throughout your meal. He helped us pick out food and the food was delightful. Nice area to walk aroundin after eating.
Enjoy!
Ken
Mar 14th, 2006, 01:58 AM
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Ate lunch at Taberna yesterday, Ken. It was great!!!! Definitely not traditional spanish food, more contemporary, rather experimental (beer ice cream?!) but definitely a good buy. The gnocchi in the cuttlefish ink was really good.
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