Madrid’s Top 10 : Tapas Bars – Top 10 Tapas Dishes

Tasca La Farmacia

Like all genuine Madrid tascas,
this pub on the edge of Salamanca serves its customers a tasty
appetizer with each drink, to give them an idea of what’s on offer. Croquetas de Bacalao béchamel paste deep fried with nuggets of cod are the house speciality.

Casa Ciriaco

When
Ciriaco first opened its doors in 1906, most of the customers were
artists, writers and other Bohemian types. Nowadays it’s more
respectable but Ciriaco has preserved its reputation for excellent tapas. The boquerones (anchovies in vinegar) go down a treat with a glass of the house wine .

Los Gatos

Bring
your camera when you visit this wonderfully over-the-top bar, often
overlooked by tourists. Every inch of space is crammed with bric-à-brac –
signed basket­ball shirts, old telephones, beer barrels, bull’s heads,
you name it. Steer your way to the bar for a glass of beer and a plate
of shrimps. While you’re about it, take a look at the tempting array of
canapés, filled rolls and
delicioustapas.

• Calle Jesús 2

• 91 429 3067

La Casa del Abuelo

Near
Plaza Santa Ana, “Grandad’s place” is a spit-and-sawdust bar with bags
of atmosphere. It’s customary to order the house wine to accompany the tapas – variations around the humble shrimp. Try them grilled in their shells (a la plancha) or peeled and fried in oil and garlic (al ajillo). Standing room only .

El Bocaíto

The bocaítos are small squares of toasted bread, served with a topping of salmon or anchovies. They are the mainstay of an extensive tapas
menu. Expect quality rather than quantity and keep an eye on how much
you’re spending, as it’s quite easy to run up a fair sized bill .

La Trucha

This Andalusian-style tapas bar has a lovely summer terrace, and is always popular. Sit at the bar and observe tapas
being prepared in the kitchen, or watch as assorted smoked canapés are
made at the cold counter. From the most delicious tortilla in town to
deep-fried trout, the choice is outstanding .

Bodegas Rosell

Manolo
Rosell, the owner of this high-ceilinged tapas tavern, has won Spain’s
“Golden Nose” award for wine-tasting, and proudly serves his discoveries
alongside tasty tapas .

El Rincón de Goya

Located just off Calle Goya, this is the perfect place to stop and refuel after shopping in Salamanca. The tapas
are listed on the wall behind the bar, and the most popular are the
large, toasted canapés with toppings such as brie, steak, wild mushrooms
and prawns. There is a small seating area by the bar .

Taberna de Antonio Sánchez

This
Lavapiés hostelry dates from 1830. The wooden furniture and
bullfighting memorabilia are as authentic as the menu of tortilla and
stews .

Casa Labra

The
speciality here is cod croquettes. If you don’t fancy standing at the
bar, classic Madrid dishes are served in the wood panelled room at the
back .

Potato dishes

Including patatas bravas (fried, with a spicy tomato sauce) or patatas alioli (boiled, with a mayonnaise and garlic dressing).

Canapés

The toppings for canapés range from anchovies and egg slices to morcilla (black pudding) and smoked salmon.

Tortilla

The famous Spanish omelette is far thicker than other cuisines and is made with potatoes. It is often served as an appetizer.

Pimientos

Peppers are usually served rellenos (stuffed with meat, cod or tuna) or de padron – grilled and salted.

Empanadillas

These are pastries usually with tuna and tomato or meat fillings.

Croquetas

Spanish croquettes are made with a thick béchamel sauce and chopped ham, chicken or cod then deep fried.

Raciones

Larger dishes to share, including hot stews, jamón Serrano(cured ham), chorizo (spicy sausage) or queso manchego (sheep’s milk cheese).

Conservas

Canned fish, including boquerones (anchovies) mejillones (mussels) and berberechos (cockles).

Soldaditos de Pavía

These are cod fingers fried in batter.

Gambas

Shrimps are grilled in their shells (a la plancha) or peeled and then fried in oil and garlic (al ajillo).