Photo Gallery: Where To Eat In Madrid Now

Dec 5, 2011 5:51 pm

With El Bulli done, Spain has a new culinary pulse

By Brad A. Johnson

After the high-profile closing of El Bulli, and with some of Barcelona’s top chefs recently decamping for Madrid, the capital city has suddenly become Spain’s new culinary epicenter. Here are some photos from a recent vist. Still full!

Photo Gallery: Where To Eat In Madrid Now

Le Cabrera

Among the hippest of Spain’s new-generation tapas bars, this two-story lounge and gastro bar was opened in 2010 by Sergi Arola and Diego Cabrera, two young tastemakers formerly of Hotel Arts in Barcelona. Calle Bárbara de Braganza, 2 +34 913 199 457

Photo: Brad A. Johnson

Ramón Freixa Madrid

After making a name for himself in Barcelona at the height of that city’s culinary dominance, chef Ramón Freixa (originally a protégé of France’s Michel Bras) moved his eponymous restaurant to Madrid in 2009 and instantly became one of the most important chefs in town. Extraordinary tasting menus. Rising star sommelier. Calle Claudio Coello, 67 +34 917 818 262

Photo: Brad A. Johnson

El Club Allard

El Club Allard opened as an exclusive private club in 1998 but changed direction in 2003 by opening its doors to the public. The turn-of-the-century mansion still feels like a private sanctuary of the ultra-elite. Calle Ferraz, 2 +34 915 590 939

Photo: Brad A. Johnson

El Club Allard

El Club Allard chef Diego Guerrero is easily one of Spain’s rising stars, with desserts, especially, that transcend the extraordinary. Calle Ferraz, 2 +34 915 590 939

Arce

Wry and gregarious, chef Iñaki Camba comes out of his legendary kitchen to greet and interview the guests at every table, asking about preferences and likes and dislikes — so he can customize every dish to his diners’ desires. If he asks whether you like mushrooms and risotto, you would be foolish to say no. Calle Augusto Figueroa, 32 +34 915 220 440

Photo: Brad A. Johnson

Poncelet Cheese Bar

Opening in mid-2011, this new wine and cheese bar offers one of the most extensive cheese selections in Europe, if not the world. And they serve an extraordinary ice cream made with honeycomb and Parmesan. Calle José Abascal, 61 +34 913 992 550

Photo: Brad A. Johnson

Lagrimas Negras at Hotel Puerta Americanas

Pay no attention to the absurdly designed Hotel Puerta Americanas in which this elegant restaurant resides. Focus soley on the impeccable modern Spanish cuisine of chef José Luis Estevan. Like tea after dinner? You’re in luck. They’ve got one of the best selections in the world. Avenida América, 41 +34 917 445 400

Photo: Brad A. Johnson

Madrid

The new culinary center of Spain offers inventive dishes in all types of settings from cheese bars to high-end hotel restaurants. But remember, eating in Spain is a stylish affair so be sure to update your wardrobe with advice from our style guys before hitting these spots.

Photo: Brad A. Johnson