A simple introduction to some popular places to eat in Madrid and Barcelona; some of them with low price and well known among young people, others are simply part of the food history in the city and a must-visit if you want to know a bit more about tradition and culture of Spain. In some of these places, you will get the chance to chat with very particular waiters who have been working in the business for many years and will be happy to explain everything about spanish food.
Madrid
- Casa Labra. Great bar, located right in the center of Madrid (one minute walk from Sol square). It was open in 19th century and has one of the most notable characteristic from a Spanish bar which is long-standing. You will get your drink and tapa to eat standing as the place is very small and only few seats available. Its most popular tapa is the bacalao.
- Casa Amadeo Los Caracoles. For those who can handle eating snails, one of the best restaurants is Casa Amadeo, a classic place and very near to El rastro (street market), there is option to have a table or eat standing. It offers as well other delicious variety of tapas, however the star of this menu are the snails, with a spicy touch in the sauce that most people end up eating with bread, how we say ‘rebañar el plato’.
- El Tigre. As mentioned, this bar is very popular specially among students and young people and reason for that is the low prices, and the big size of tapas you get for free when you order a drink. There are three El Tigre in the city, located at the centre.
Barcelona
- Soma. Delicious tapas where the product seasonality and quality are a must. They also take care of the presentation and plates are often different from the typical tapas you might find in other Spanish restaurants.
- Elsa and Fred. Not only a great offer of tapas with a mix of other cuisines like french and japanese, but also nice place to go for brunch and coffee.
- Two smucks. For cocktails and a peculiar style, this is the place to go. Not the typical commercial music or decoration. Some of the best cocktails in town, don’t let the weird ingredients confuse you 😉
- El Xampanyet. A classic bar, with delicious classic tapas and affordable price. Great place to go if you want to experience the authentic Spanish food and way to eat as they have a long bar were customers can eat standing.
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