In the land where toast with olive oil and churros dipped in hot chocolate are the typical breakfast, how would bagels fare? Beigol Bagels, which opened up barely two weeks ago, is about to find out. Although there are a couple of bakeries that sell bagels and its necessary ingredients, Beigol Bagels is the first sit-down and chill out café in Madrid solely dedicated to the consumption of these round wonders. Behind this place is a native New Yorker who’s longing for bagels got her through making her own, an idea later amplified with the opening of this friendly bagel sanctuary.
Yes, that’s right; all that’s sold in this café is either made or prepared in its kitchen. This includes the different kinds of bagels: normal, sesame, garlic and onion—cheeses and toppings, which brings us to Beigol’s second perk after guaranteed freshness: variety. In here you will find traditional combinations, strange Spanish infusions and sugary creations that can place a bagel as a good option for breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert. Let’s start with the conventional kinds so as to not scare off the traditionalists: bagels with cream cheese or butter, with ham and cheese or with cream cheese and salmon. There is also the Spaniardized option, bagel with olive oil and crushed tomatoes, or with a tortilla stuck in the middle—all these range between 2.50 and 3.80 euros.
For the more adventurous there are the special combinations for 5.00 euros each: pizza bagels; chicken, cheese, lettuce, tomato and mayo, and fried plantains with cheese bagels. Of course there are also a variety of ingredients for the old “make your own” option, where there bagel is 2.50 euros and the toppings range between 30 cents and 1.60 euros. Among these are chorizo, ham, egg salad, tuna and mayo, salmon, plantains and many other vegetables. Sweet options aren’t lacking either they have bagels with nutella, sugar, honey, sweet apple, and marmalade, all between 2.60 and 3.80 euros. There are a couple of other items on the menu for those who don’t want bagels—gazpacho, a soup of the day and dessert brownies—but coming here for something other than bagels is like going to the Museo del Jamon for chicken cutlets. Be sure to try some of their tasty drink options though, like the natural juices and chocolate milk, all under 2.00 euros.
Beigol Bagels wants you to come and read, work or waste time with acquaintances for as long as possible, for its designed precisely for that. The two sofas and window lounge chairs are soft and comfy, the music is background noise and the lighting is artsy and not too bright. There is a small but valuable bookshelf filled with names like Conrad, Wilde, Joyce and Garcia Marquez, the walls are covered with art or photography of local artists and Wi-Fi is readily available. Theme nights are on the way of being organized. So far Wednesday’s are reserved for cycling enthusiasts and Thursday’s are dubbed international night, where Spanish and English learners can come and learn from each other. Plus, the café’s schedule make it a multipurpose place indeed: it is generally open from 10:00 a.m. till late at night, so it’s not only a place to get all three meals but also a fully equipped bar that serves beer at 1.20 euros and all other liquors between 5.00 and 7.00 euros—a well rounded place worth going to!
Beigol Bagels
Calle de Melendez Valdes, 29
91 162 53 89
Metro: Moncloa or Arguelles
Hours: Mondays, Wednesdays and Sundays 10:00am – 12:00am / Thursdays, Fridays and Saturday’s 10:00am – 2:00 am / closed on Tuesdays
By Daniel Sznajderman
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What immediately comes to mind when you hear the words Barrio de Lavapies? Immigrants, colorful buildings, dirty zigzagging streets, drug peddlers and a whole lotta Indian food would be the probable answer of many people that have been to this popular neighborhood. This particular article focuses only on the last point (sorry there, drug seekers). There are enough Indian restaurants in Lavapies to fill its streets with waves of hot curry and ride them with naan surfboards, but if you find having a huge amount of choices to be rather overwhelming I’d like to humbly recommend a sure thing: the Anarkoli Indian Restaurant. Located in the neighborhood’s main street, it is a place to have a feast of traditional and odd Indian dishes full of that which characterizes Indian cuisine outside of India: intense flavor and ever present spice.
The restaurant is clean and simple with one room that serves as a bar and waiting place for takeout orders and an ampler room for dining. The brick walls hold various posters and paintings of Indian religious figures and of the country itself, but these are not too overwhelming in number or variety—the food is what you should be concentrated on anyway, and the food is good. If as mentioned before you have a problem with having too many choices then bad news with the menu, this place has almost too many dishes to count. To give some idea and direction the menu is sectioned so forth: entrees (2.95 to 4.95), tandoor oven cuisine (5.00 to 13.50), chicken and lamb dishes (6.95 to 8.25), vegetable plates (3.95 to 5.50), the all inclusive two person meal (approx 32 euros) and a large selection of breads (3.50 each).
Notable entries include the traditional meat somosas and the spicy lentil soup, the latter goes well with some naan bread, which is offered in its traditional form but also with garlic, meat and cheese. You can also order the peshwar naan which comes doused with almonds, coconut and sugar—though that hardly classifies as a side dish anymore! Chicken and lamb options are ample, with dishes such as mango chicken, and the explosive paneer tikka which comes as a mix of meat, cheese, yogurt and spices. For 13.50 euros there is a mix grill plate that combines chicken tikka and tandoori, lamb kebab and fried king prawns.
For those who can only think of innocent animals being slaughtered when reading this list of recipes, don’t worry—there’s stuff for you cow huggers as well. The malai kofta is a cheap dish of potato balls with almond cream, while the mitar paneer has fried cheese, onions, tomatoes and peppers. If you’re a curry lover (you know, the kind who can’t help always getting curry despite having other dishes to choose from) there are plenty of curry options when it comes to the type of meat, rice and spice level. These are usually 8.00 euros each except the mixed curry that comes at 12.50 and the vegetarian at 5.00 euros. Well, there you go—next time you are walking in Lavapies on a sunny day or are itching for Indian food, drop by Anarkoli.
Anarkoli
Lavapies 46
91 467 60 00
Metro: Lavapies or Tirso de Molina
Open daily from 12:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
By Daniel Sznajderman
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El Corral de la Morería is Madrid´s best known tablao, offering arguably the best flamenco performances in the city. Flamenco isn’t its only strength: the food has earned the hard to get recognition of the Michelin Guide. The flamenco spectacle runs from 22 to 23:30 and then again from 24 to 1:30 in the morning—the musicians are first rate and the dancers are amazing, most are young artists that have risen to be among the best of their generation. As for the food, the menu has a wide selection of exquisite Spanish delicacies than can be ordered á la carte or by fixed menu. It is an expensive place—the cheapest starter is 17 euros and fixed menus can cost up to 99 euros—that also charges 34 euros as cover charge for the show. For detailed information and reservations click here.
To go to the main Flamenco in Madrid page click here
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By Daniel Sznajderman
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Standing inconspicuously somewhere along the narrow Calle de Infantas, Zara is not the kind of place you’d expect to have a good reputation and widespread popularity. Yet this small restaurant has been known to locals as the place to go to eat Cuban food for nearly thirty years. Its cozy, simple ambience and nonchalant staff makes costumers feel at home and the food, as today’s lingo so rightly expresses, is the bomb. Lodged between bigger buildings, the sliding door leads to a small space that looks a bit like a cabin with rough walls and a bent wooden ceiling. The decoration is intentionally plain, with just a couple of maps of Cuba and a small olden time sign of La Habana. The place, however, is not dirty or crookedly built: on the contrary, the floor and tables, covered in traditional red and white checkered tablecloths, are impeccably clean. This must be so because of the tight shift run by the restaurant’s owners, an elderly couple, he a Spaniard and she a Cuban, who first opened the place in 1978 as a café and then expanded it into what it is today.
The restaurant offers virtually all the traditional Cuban dishes—as well as some Spanish and infused ones—that will make those that are used to the food happy to eat it again and those that are new to it happy to have discovered it. The menu’s backbone is rice, black beans, meat and chicken, ingredients that although common, are seasoned here to produce a distinct flavor. Common not only in Cuba but in large parts of South America is the “ropa vieja” dish. “Old clothing” refers to seasoned and juicy meat cut into little strips, which comes accompanied by rice and beans—here in Zara, they offer their own black rice as an alternative to the customary white that is delicious. Just as commonly well known are the chicken and rice dishes and the “arroz a la cubana”, rice with fried eggs and tomato sauce.
What makes this restaurant authentic and worthwhile is that it also makes food using ingredients that, opposed to rice and chicken, aren’t very common on this side of the Atlantic. Yuca (cassava in English), a root vegetable and common side dish in Latin America that can be served fried or boiled, is tasty and should not be passed up. Another celebrated sidekick are tostones: fried plantains that are as eagerly eaten by little children as toothless old timers wherever they form part of the daily diet. Heading towards sweeter things, the place offers a variety of fresh juices, and by that I mean thick, colorful, tasty juices. Such fruits are also used in desserts, notably the guayaba paste, fresh pineapple and coconut in sugar based syrup.
Drinking enthusiasts and dependants need not worry: although not a bar, Zara offers plenty of alcohol, from standard beer and wine to more tropically inspired drinks like pina coladas, daiquiris, and of course Cuban rum. Also available is ice cold sangria (we are in Madrid after all) and a variety of cream liqueurs like Cointreau and Baileys. As far as prices go, Zara is neither cheap nor expensive—a big meal for 3 would for instance cost around 60 euros. The general price breakdown would be: soups and entrees cost between 3 and 5 euros, meats and seafood between 8 and 15, and desserts and drinks are around 6 or 7 euros.
Zara
Calle Infantas 5
91 532 20 74
Metro: Gran Via
Open Monday through Friday from 13:00 p.m. to 17:00 p.m. and 20:00 p.m. to 23:30 p.m.
By Daniel Sznajderman
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When it comes to food, Madrid is known to be especially cosmopolitan. It seems that every type of culinary experiment and tendency can be found in and around the city’s streets and boulevards, and Las Noches de Moscú is a perfect example. Set up a few blocks from the tribunal metro—on one of those streets that get downtrodden by partiers on weekends—this genuine Russian restaurant will transport you to good food and a warm atmosphere as soon as you walk in the door.
The place is small and colorful, not more than eight tables surrounded by walls decorated with a sense of folklore that you’d imagine exists more in this restaurant than in Moscow itself: part of the ceiling is built in the shape of a dome that Russian architecture has made famous, the walls are filled with reproductions of 19th century traditional Russian portraits and the indispensable babushka dolls, and the food is served in traditional porcelain dishes. Of course, such decorations are of backburner importance compared to the quality of the food—happily, all that eye candy isn’t there to distract customers from the meals. In fact, the courses are mostly succulent and satisfying pieces of Russian cuisine that, with the exception of a few rather luxurious dishes and drinks, are priced at amounts not seen since the Iron Curtain days.
The menu offers different sections of food with soups and salads starting at 3.50 euros, fish and meat from 6.50 euros, blini-blinchinki’s (traditional crepes) at 6.00 euros, and desserts ranging from 2.00 to 5.00 euros. Among the essentials are well known Russian dishes: the beef stroganoff (12.40) is just right while the “borsch moskovita” is the traditional warmer upper, a delicious soup with onions, beetroot and other vegetables and a hint of white cheese (5.40). Dishes with herring are a specialty of the house, a particularly good combination being the “salat ish padshuby” (5.80 Euros) which comes with potatoes and is marinated with onions and carrots. If you’re feeling particularly oligarchic, there’s always the good old blini with black caviar (22.00 euros for 100gr worth). The black bread and salmon crackers included in the meal aren’t bad either. Finally, desserts are meant to be refreshing and aren’t as heavy as the main courses. Among the recommended are the Kamchatka yogurt (3.50 euros) and the lemon sorbet with vodka (5.00 euros).
There is variety when it comes to drinks as well: juice combinations are mostly 3.00 euros (the beetroot, apple and orange juice mix is good); white, red, and pink wines range from 9.00 to 28.50 euros and vodka choices are not limited. A well worth it drink is the white Russian sangria. Whether it’s a drink that has been altered to fit Spanish culture or one that is totally made up, its mix of wine, cucumber, fruits and vodka is perfectly balanced. A big jug will cost you 9.80 euros and can be shared by three people—two if you plan to not drive back home. The relaxed ambiance and food attracts all kinds of clientele, from family to groups of young people, whom are well attended by the young staff.
Las Noches de Moscú
Calle del Marqués de Santa Ana, 37
91 531 04 11
Metro: Tribunal
Open everyday from 13:30 p.m. – 16:30 p.m. and 20:30 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.
By Daniel Sznajderman
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Wish there were a place to go for a meal in Madrid that offered take-out service and authentic Italian dishes made from the freshest ingredients. Well, look no further than La Vita é Bella.
Stepping into La Vita é Bella is like being inside a bustling coffee shop in Italy. The décor is minimal with few tables and bar stools.The reasonably priced food and variety of options make this spot perfect for a quick mid-day snack or a relaxing dinner at a nearby plaza or park. All locations offer mouth-watering pizza, pasta and stromboli. While the place is normally packed with tourists, students, and locals, the staff is efficient and thorough. There are tables to sit and enjoy your meal but only a few, so be prepared to wait or take your food on the road.
What to order: The Malasaña pizza is a must: A delicious combination of tomato, mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, pesto, arugula, and fresh Parmesan. The menu offers fifteen thin-crust pizzas that have both meat and vegetarian options. Pizza comes in one-size only, which can feed two people or one, depending on how hungry you are.
For dessert order a cannolo, a ricotta cheese filled pastry tube dream.
La Vita é Bella means Life is Beautiful in Italian – fitting for how you feel after eating at any of their locations!
Address: Calle Pelayo, 22, C/ Espiritu Santo, 13, Plaza de San Ildefonso, 5
Telephone number: 915231741, 915238401, 915214108
Hours: Sunday – Thursday 12 PM -12 AM, Friday, Saturday 12 PM – 1 AM
Average Price: 7 euros
Neighborhood: Chueca, Malasaña, Antón Martín
Metro: Chueca, Tribunal, Antón Martín
By Marissa Friedman
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We all know that after the Rastro on a Sunday afternoon the hip thing to do is head to La Latina for tapas, drinks, and fun. But what many people don’t tell you is that it’s sometimes difficult to find a place that a) isn’t packed and b) isn’t expensive. Well, aren’t you lucky that you found us! Because we’ve stumbled upon the perfect place to go after stocking up on goodies at the Rastro…We even debated not filling you in. Just kidding, we would never do that. Okay, ready? It’s called La Buena Mezcla, and it’s on Calle Redondilla, 9, around the corner from the jam packed Plaza de la Paja.
So what makes this place stand out? On Sundays La Buena Mezcla gives you free plates of food for ordering a glass of wine or a beer. Yes, it’s not the other way around. Order a glass of wine or beer and you get to choose between dishes like Pisto (similar to Ratatouille), warm eggplant salad, spicy yummy lentils, tortilla, and more. Of course, there are other things you can order off the menu, but the free plates are large enough to fill you up. And, if you order another glass of wine/beer, you get another plate, for free!
La Buena Mezcla is exactly what its name translates to in English. It’s a mix of everything. Walk in to the establishment and it looks like Oprah should hire one of her de-clutter bugs to help clean out the place. There are paintings, tea pots hanging from the rafters, and the feel is vintage. The music is chill and soulful, and if you go downstairs you’ll find low tables, pillows, and great bathrooms. The downstairs has more of an Arabic feel.
We should also mention that they are known for their Mojitos, and Frutos Naturales. During the day they offer a Menu del Dia for 6 euros; the food is typical Spanish or Jordanian dishes.
Also, everyone there is super friendly. Lola is the owner of the place and she greets everyone with a smile as they walk through the door.
Now, whenever someone asks, “where should we go after the Rastro?” You’ll say, “I know this really great place. La Buena Mezcla. Have you heard of it?”
Beer = 1.50 – 3 euors
Wine = 2.50 euros
Cocktails = 7 euros
Menu del Dia = 6 euros
La Buena Mezcla
Calle Redondilla, 9
91 365 1106
Tuesday – Friday – 8 a.m. – 2 a.m.
Saturday-Sunday – 1 p.m. – 2:30a.m.
To go to the main Food and Tapas page click here
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If you’re looking to have a quiet cocktail with a friend, impress a date, or get together with a group of former colleagues, head to the heart of Madrid’s Malasaña neighborhood and check out La Mucca.
The modern, urban, style of the establishment resembles what you’d find in Soho, New York. It blends perfectly with the traditional Spanish mom-and-pop shops, graffiti-ridden façades, highly fashionable boutiques, and rock’n’roll bars in the neighborhood.
The seating arrangements include an outdoor terrace (open all year round, thanks to outdoor heaters), and a huge interior that is cozy and open. Besides the usual tables for small to large groups, there is a semi-isolated area with a sofa and armchairs giving the space a “living room” feel.
But of course, the main attraction is the food. Served by a young, dynamic, and friendly staff, the restaurant offers a variety of reasonably priced dishes from all over the world: Spanish and Mexican tapas, fresh Mediterranean salads, Asian dishes, American hamburgers, Curry chicken, Italian pizza, and more. Try the popular “Boletus Pizza” or the brand-new “Kill Bill Pizza,” made with tuna, ginger and wasabi. For dessert, have a bite of their yummy cakes.
The restaurant offers a wide selection of Spanish wines and if you’re a gin lover there’s no better place for a glass of Hendrick’s (7.50 euros) than right here. Their most popular drinks include: the Cucumber on Flames (ginger, rum, sugar, orange juice, and rose petals), and Hendrick’s Hot Punch (ginger, port, clove, nutmeg, lemon juice and water).
In case you need another reason to check out La Mucca, we have one! Go ahead and take the furniture home with you. That’s right – it’s for sale. All of it!
Quick Tips:
- La Mucca’s kitchen is open all day.
- There’s a lunch menu for 10.90 euros on weekdays and a special priced menu for groups.
La Mucca
Plaza de Carlos Cambronero 4
Neighborhood: Malasaña
Metro: Noviciado or Callao
Telephone: 91 521 0000
Types: bar, restaurant, tapas
Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 1:30 p.m.; Sat and Sun: 12 p.m.
Closing hours: Sun-Thurs: 2 a.m.; Fri and Sat: 2:30 a.m.
By Trini Goyanes
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If you’re an American Ex-pat, student, or just have a big sweet tooth head straight for the new bakery and coffee shop that just opened in Malasaña. For more information click here.
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The brilliance of tapas is that, like Spanish people, they don’t mess around – they get straight to the point. With other cuisines your plate features the star dish flanked by the distracting supporting cast: the ho-hum salad and starch. With tapas, on the other hand, every dish is a stellar solo performance – no distractions. Vinoteca, just off the Plaza de Chueca, has an all-star line up of tapas. For more click here.
Vinoteca
C/ Pelayo 48, 28004 Madrid, Spain
To go to the main Food and Tapas page click here
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