Café Comercial

It's hard to put into words the disgust and uproar caused when Café Comercial was shut down. To put it in context, the bar was originally opened back in 1887, and became a hub for local artists and intellectuals. Much to the joy of lovers of tradition, the doors are open once again for great conversations, and food from the kitchen of Pepe Roch.

The Madrid of yore lives on not only in the decor and furnishings at Café Comercial – the original bar, floors and mirrors are all intact – but in the kitchen too, as traditional recipes are modernised but only a bit, so the most diehard traditionalists are happy too. One example is their 'patatas bravas' with sweet tomato, garlic mayonnaise and mustard. There's also the scrumptious shrimp croquettes and omelettes, both made with whole shrimps. We can also recommend the 'ensaladilla' (Russian salad) and the meatballs with Pedro Ximénez sauce and saffron, cooked over a low flame so they come out just perfectly.

Newer additions that definitely deserve a mention are the steak tartare with a bit of a kick, and the fresh and appetizing marinated salmon. All the quality recipes pay tribute to Madrid. So along those lines, be sure you try the mouthwateringly good 'torrija de brioche' with violet ice cream for dessert.