Nikko Hinderstein (1972)

Just off San Bernardo, this new spot has great prices and fantastic food. Instead of offering a huge menu-del-día that you can’t finish, they have several dishes per day depending on the season and the Chef’s mood. On the regular menu, try the Tuscon burger that has avocado and goat cheese.

The tapas are great too, I’ve tried the spicy sliders (little hamburgers) that were great, and at brunch on Saturday AND NOW SUNDAY, they have the regular favorites like french toast and eggs benedict.

Just off of busy Fuencarral, La Ardosa always has a pleasant jazzy atmosphere filled with typical Spanish scents.

The bar is packed with paraphernalia dating back to 1892 when it was founded – a picture of the owner’s family, famous people who have stopped in over the years, a board showing the results of their Guinness drinking contest (can you top 14 pints?!) and reprints of Goya’s “Caprichos” prints (silly, sometimes vulgar whimsical images). Check out this video of Chef Anthony Bourdain at La Ardosa!

They serve some of my favorite tapas; sliced ham from pigs who have only eaten acorns (Jamon de bellota), dried tuna (Mojama – tuna jerky!), and a thick version of gazpacho called Salmorejo. The “raciones” are big here, so you can ask for a “media-ración” instead of a full plate.

If the bar looks full from the street, push through the crowd, duck under the bar, and try the back room which is not accessible any other way.

I was recently asked where to get the best bread in Madrid and I was hard-pressed for an answer. Most of the Spanish breads I’ve tried are not spectacular – let’s assume that is to not take away from rich food it is usually sopping up.

I’m a big fan of this Belgian bakery chain that has popped up around Madrid because they have flavorful breads and delicious desserts. Their lunch and dinner menus are impressive as well featuring fresh greens and fruits. Do try the Belgian waffles or the multi-grain bread that is served with nut butters and tasty jams. If you take a loaf of bread to go, you can ask for it to be sliced.

Oh, and I don’t drink coffee, but apparently this is the best place to get real foam on a cappuccino! I stick to the homemade lemonades.

There is a 1 euro charge per person to enter the café which seems ridiculous at first, but the food prices are reasonable and I always leave thinking I got the bargain. On weekends, pay another euro and go up to the rooftop terrace to enjoy a spectacular view of Madrid. It’s breathtaking.

The Circulo de Bellas Artes (The Circle of Fine Arts) is a beautiful old building from 1880; back in the day there was a student named Pablo Picasso who took painting classes. Now they offer daily events ranging from classical to contemporary music concerts, dance performances, art exhibits and films, but my favourite part is the cafe.

This little organic product store is hidden in the city center. There are handmade soaps and lotions, imported clothes from afar and bag and shoes made from recycled materials.

Everything there is organically made, ethically constructed and good for your soul. The prices are fair enough (and even better when there are sales) – hemp and cotton pants will run 30-60€ and handbags are under €20.00.

I really love the natural soaps because there is a chocolate-scented one with shea butter that smells delicious. For everything in the shop, the Cameroonian owner has a story to tell about where it came from or how it is made, which is part of the fun of shopping there.