Image by Nikko Hinderstein

I love the gregarious waiters at Casa Mingo – some of whom have been working there for over 25 years. They help set the jovial mood of this sprawling restaurant which gets even bigger in warmer weather with a sidewalk and rooftop terrace.

Casa Mingo is famous for its home-brewed (sweet, apple, alcoholic) 5-euro-a-bottle cider which comes from the Asturian region of Spain, but everyone will tell you that the real house specialty is the roasted chicken. The menu only has a handful of options for sharing like the whole roasted chicken, tortilla de patata (potato omlette), “cabrales” cheese (like blue cheese) and delicious cider-cooked chorizo sausage. For dessert they even have a cider-made cheese cake, but I prefer the almondy Tarta de Santiago which also comes from the North of Spain.

Of note, they only accept cash and they don’t take reservations. Casa Mingo is a bit off the beaten path, a 10-15 minute walk from the Principe Pío metro stop, but the economical and tasty meal is worth it. For an added bonus, don’t miss the Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida next door with Goya’s frescos and tomb.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Casa Mingo | Restaurants (Asturian) | Whole roasted chicken € 9.50
Paseo de La Florida, 34 | Gran Via & Princesa | +34915477918
11:00 – 00:00 daily