El Bogavante del Almirante

Almirante wins the award for most fanciful set design. Nestled in a cave-like basement, a ponderous lobster claw hangs from the ceiling, while black outlines of sea creatures swirl across shrimp-pink walls. The staff, clad in black, add to the scene, which feels more Manhattan than Madrid. Seafood is their forte. The fish specials are always excellent, but the arroz con bogavante (lobster paella) takes the prize. Almirante and its lobster have been attracting an international set since opening in 2000.