Best Tapas in Madrid: La Musa

As part of the Triumvirate of Madrid’s incredibly hip eateries, which include Ojala, La Musa and La Musa Latina, you know you’re getting a restaurant at the forefront of Madrid’s new wave tapas bars.  However one of the best things about La Musa is that it still manages to preserve the good things from the classic Madrid tapas bar but, as always with these restaurants, the menu definitely lets you know you’ve entered the modern world of tapas dining.

As opposed to its sister restaurant Ojala, La Musa is best suited for small groups with plenty of tables for pairs and little space for bigger groups.  The menu follows suit as well with a pared down list of smaller yet sharable tapas items.  Whether or not you’ve been to one of the other restaurants, the fried green tomatoes are still a can’t miss item from the salad menu; here they come out paired with a side of fig jam that is a perfect complement to the creamy cabra cheese they are always topped with.  The grilled eggplant salad is another delicious highlight from the salad list. Although this isn’t a Japanese restaurant, two good choices from the tapas menu include the California Roll and the Tempura – if for nothing else than their price of 5€ each. Another highly enjoyable choice from the short list of tapas is the Jabali (wild boar), which comes accompanied with honey aioli.  La Musa offers some well thought-out combination plates that make ordering simple with the Trio de Tapas and the Degustacion de Tapas.  In addition to that they offer complete dinner for two options and the brilliant option of choosing a combination of desserts instead of having to select only one (which can be difficult given their dessert menu; think Brownie with Ice Cream and Strawberry Cheesecake).  A rotating daily lunch menu is also available as well as an extensive choice of breakfast options.

La Musa is highly recommended for anyone wanting to get away from the standard tapas menu, but who still appreciates the shareability, low-cost and amiable atmosphere of the traditional cerveceria.  The place gets slammed on the weekends so weekday nights tend to be best if you’re looking to avoid long waits.  The carefully selected decorations and updated tapas menu make La Musa a must for those looking to tap into Madrid’s trendy dining scene.

La Musa
Manuela Malasana 18,
Metro:  Noviciado or Tribunal
Hours:  Mon.-Thurs; 9:00 am-1:00 am,
Fridays; 9:00 am-2:00 am,
Saturdays; 1:00 pm-2:00 am
Sundays; 1:00 pm-1:00 am

To go back to the main food and tapas page, click here.

By Coleman File