Restaurants in Retiro & Paseo del Prado (Madrid)

La Fídula

A legendary live music venue that attracts fans of jazz, blues, soul, and classical music. The clientele, mainly in their 30s, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere where they can sit and chat in peace. Look for the poster on the wall outside that advertises the music program. From mid-June to the end of August there are no live shows.

La Gamella

You'll be served inspired and creative dishes in a pretty dining room decorated with brightly colored walls and lots of original paintings. Chef Richard Stephen's taste reigns supreme and at the moment it's concentrated on authentic North American favorites like Caesar Salad, hamburgers and cheesecakes mixed with Iberian standards like spicy Chorizo Sausage and Sweet Pepper Pastries. The wine list sticks to Spanish wines with varieties from Rioja, like Marqués de Murrieta or the house wine (Marqués de Legarada).

Iroco

A welcoming modern restaurant named after an African tree, its walls are decorated with botanical prints. It has one of Madrid's prettiest outdoor eating places in its little central patio. House specials include a Magret of Duck, Lamb Ravioli, and Pepper Steak. They are best accompanied by fine wines from Rioja and Ribera del Duero that appear on the wine list. The desserts are elaborately prepared and beautifully presented. Try the delicious Warm Apple Cake with Chocolate Sauce, the Honey Parfait, or Profiteroles Filled with Walnuts And Chestnut Cream. There is an affordable set meal at lunchtime.

Restaurante Oter Epicure

This restaurant specializes in seasonal dishes from Navarra in the north of Spain, such as Salt-Baked Fish and grilled meats of all kinds. It has an excellent wine list and a fine selection of cigars on offer as well. Buy a box of cigars and the management will ensure that any remaining ones are kept in perfect condition for your next visit. The simple, modern interior is decorated in tones of grey, and the place fills up with local business people at lunchtime. Private dining rooms and valet parking are available.

Amparo

You are sure to enjoy the creative cuisine served at El Amparo, one of the most elegant restaurants in town. It is spread over three floors and the dominant feature is the huge central skylight; the walls are covered with paintings and tapestries. Master chef Martín Berasategui's specialties include puff pastry filled with tangy apples and foie gras, smoked fish dishes, Oxtail Stew with purée of celery and ravioli stuffed with goose liver paté and truffles. All of Spain's highest quality Denominación de Origen wines appear on the wine list and there is a wide choice of spirits like Orujo (typical spirit from northern Spain) and cognac. Valet parking is available.

Balzac

Another of star chef Andrés Madrigal's elegant creations, you're sure to have a memorable meal here. His contemporary versions of classic Mediterranean cuisine are simply excellent. The emphasis is on fresh fish, wild game and seasonal vegetables. Goose Liver Salad is a specialty starter and the strawberry and mint sorbet is the perfect dessert. As you would expect, the wine list is extensive and the sampler menu offers a taste of the best at a reasonable price. You'll find it on a quiet street in one of Madrid's most upmarket districts, close to Hotel Palace and Retiro Park. Valet parking.

Kikuyu

The food and the decor are fresh, new, modern and Mediterranean. You'll be served light and healthy dishes at reasonable prices. The specialties are rice dishes and salads and there are meat and fish dishes as well. There's a good selection of red and white wines to choose from. As for the decor, the walls are grey with metalic features and floor is black slate and marble. You can look through a huge window onto an inner courtyard filled with lush plants illuminated at night.

Viridiana

Abraham García has been one of the star chefs in Madrid kitchens since the early 1990s and he's had time to develop his own unique style. It's now available here, where he adds exotic touches to traditional Spanish recipes to produce dishes like Smoked Goose Liver, Calamares al Martini (squid with Martini sauce), Rape en Salsa de Cava y Almendras (monkfish in sparkling wine and almond sauce) and Solomillo a las Trufas (sirloin with truffles). Try the Grapefruit Sorbet for dessert. There's an extensive wine list to choose from, the service is good and the dining room is attractively decorated with photos from Luis Buñuel´s movies.

La Trainera

Some of Madrid's best fresh fish and shellfish are served in this simple and homely restaurant. That's because the owner also has a stall in Mercamadrid, the capital's most important fresh produce market, and therefore gets direct access to best ingredients available. You'll be dazzled by the choice: clams, mussels, oysters and percebes (goose barnacles) are just a few of the shellfish varieties that are delicious steamed. The fillets of sole could not be more tender. There's no red meat on offer, only Iberian cured ham. The interior is decorated with a nautical theme. Even though it's a fairly simple place, the prices are high.

Independencia Boulevar

You could easily make this place your regular haunt, as it changes throughout the course of a day to meet your every need. Come in the morning for coffee and pastries, drop in at lunchtime for homemade Spanish cuisine or turn up at night for cocktails, rock and pop music, and use the pool table. It is located in the basement of a protected historic building opposite Puerta de Alcalá. The interior decor has preserved the original exposed brickwork. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, and you can enjoy great views of Parque del Retiro (Retiro Park) from the outside terrace in summer. Valet parking is available.

Kupela

Located just 50 meters away from the nation's main political debating chamber (Congreso de los Diputados), this typical Basque cider house is famous for its set price all you can eat and drink menu. It specializes in grilled meats and fish. Try the grilled monkfish, hake Basque-style, cod al pil pil (simmered in garlic) or T-bone steak, and panchineta for dessert. The interior is decorated in soft colors with exposed wooden ceiling beams, barrels of cider and paintings of northern landscapes.

Centro Cubano

You can hang out at the cocktail bar and listen to a pianist playing live before heading in for dinner. Try the traditional Ropa Vieja (shredded beef) with black beans, the Picadillo Criollo (Creole mincemeat), fried banana and the fresh guava desserts for an authentic Cuban experience. There's live music on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. The combination of sensual music, friendly service, photos and posters on the walls depicting this tropical island paradise will make you want to buy a one-way ticket to Havana.