Renovated Spanish tradition. That’s how Casa Macareno defines itself, and it has the history to prove it. The tavern first opened its doors in 1920 as a bodega owned by Felipe Marín and his brothers, as the entrance’s original mosaic tiles remind us. Nowadays, the restaurant focuses on the spirit of the 1950s, when good service was fundamental and quality food always came first.
Without pretension or grand experiments, the menu at Casa Macareno is built on shareable basics like Iberian ham, cheeses, pickles and canned delicacies, as well as classic Spanish dishes such as croquettes, patatas bravas, ‘salmorejo’ (similar to gazpacho) ‘huevos rotos’, and cod. In addition to these national staples, you can also find specialities that reflect a new era of local gastronomy meant to please more gourmet palates. Dishes like sea bream crudo, glazed artichokes, foie gras and steak tartare honour culinary tradition while keeping guests on their toes.
The dining room gives a nod to days gone by with its tablecloths cloth napkins, making it for an ideal environment where you can enjoy a slow-roasted suckling pig or grilled cod. But if you’re looking for a more casual experience, stick around the bar or claim a spot at one of the bistro-style tables next to the windows. These are the best places to grab a beer or a ‘yayo’ vermouth (with a touch of gin, like how the original owners used to serve it). If you stop in during the week, check out the daily set lunch menu for inexpensive, rustic dishes with humble ingredients like lentils and beans.