TAPAS BARS

1. Tasca La Farmacia

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Like all genuine Madrid tascas, this pub (see Tasca La Farmacia) 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.

2. Taberna del Alabardero

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Located in the vicinity of Teatro Real, this little taberna opened its doors in 1974 and has been delighting its clientele ever since. Try the Basque cuisine that the chefs make with fresh vegetables straight from the garden.

TopTen

Interiors of Taberna del Alabardero

3. Venta El Buscón

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A traditional tapas bar tapas bar (see Venta El Buscón), Venta El Buscón is decorated with artisan tiles and paintings of the Spanish poet Quevedo. It serves typical tapas Madrileñas at excellent prices, with a variety of fish and meat dishes. Don’t miss the Spanish omelette or the fried squid.

4. Los Gatos

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Bring your camera when you visit this wonderfully over-the-top bar (see Los Gatos), often overlooked by tourists. Every inch of space is crammed with bric-a-brac – signed basketball shirts, old telephones, beer barrels, bulls’ heads and countless other curiosities. Steer your way to the bar for a glass of beer and a plate of shrimps. While you are there, take a look at the tempting array of canapés, filled rolls and delicious tapas.

5. Taberna Antonio Sánchez

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This Lavapiés hostelry (see Taberna Antonio Sánchez) dates from 1786. The wooden furniture and bullfighting memorabilia are as authentic as the menu of tortilla and stews.

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The bar at Taberna Antonio Sanchez

6. La Casa del Abuelo

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Near Plaza Santa Ana, “Grandad’s Place” is an atmospheric spit-and-sawdust bar (see La Casa del Abuelo). It’s customary to order the house wine with the tapas – variations around the humble shrimp. Try them grilled in their shells (a la plancha) or peeled and sautéed in oil and garlic (al ajillo). Standing room only.

7. La Perejila

A local favourite, this cosy bar (see La Perejila) features Andalucian decor. Classic tapas dishes prepared with an innovative twist and an excellent range of wines are available here. Popular dishes include veal meatballs; smoked cod; tomato purée with bread, olive oil, vinegar and garlic; and warm toast with grapes and almonds.

TopTen

Traditional shrimp tapas

8. Bodegas Rosell

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Embellished with colourful Madrileño-style tiles, this early 20th-century tavern (see Bodegas Rosell) is owned by the award-winning sommelier Manolo Rosell. The menu features tasty traditional tapas that can be paired with a choice of wine from the extensive wine list.

9. Casa Gonzalez

Founded in 1931, this hybrid gourmet cheese shop and tapas joint (see Casa Gonzalez) is known for its authentic dishes and wines. The menu here features superb charcuterie, canned fish and seafood among other delicacies. Choose a few tapas with a bottle of wine and sit at a marble table by the window to savour them.

10. Casa Labra

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Do not miss out on the cod and cod croquettes (see Casa Labra). If you don’t fancy standing at the bar, classic Madrid dishes are served in the gorgeous 19th-century, wood-panelled room at the back.

TOP 10 SPANISH TAPAS DISHES

1. Croquetas

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

TopTen

Deep-fried croquetas

2. Canapés

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

3. Tortilla

The famous Spanish omelette is far thicker than those of other cuisines and is made with sliced potatoes and onions.

4. Pimientos

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

5. Empanadillas

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

6. Potato dishes

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

7. Raciones

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

8. Conservas

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

9. Soldaditos de Pavía

These are cod sticks fried in batter.

10. Gambas

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

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