In Spain, an old tradition regarding lunch during weekdays is still present today. During Franco's dictatorship, it was decided to force restaurants to offer an economic meal for Spanish workers. The menu del día is still present nowadays, and it's a cheap way to have a complete and good meal. More or less 10 euros includes first, second, dessert and one drink. Crazy, huh! Spain is different.
At first you would think quality will be sacrificed for the budget constraints... you are wrong. Many people in Spain don't go home to have lunch nor eat at work; they go to a restaurant. These menus are simply put a presentation card of the restaurant. If it's good, these workers will go there every day to have lunch, so at specific places, quality is guaranteed.
Alquitara offers not only a classy menu del día, but also a diverse menu of tapas of high quality. The location is also marvellous, as its terrace gets a lot of sunlight. From there, you can see the plaza de Daoíz y Velarde, a pedestrian square locals of all ages frequent, especially around 18:00 - 20:00.
In Alquitara, the food is a great deal and of high quality and the place is at a very relaxed location. I highly recommend having their menu del día, but if you can't make it, enjoy their delicious tapas.
Calle de Téllez 29
Tapa burrata:
€
12
+34
915522135
Find your way with 254 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"La Hummuseria" is a vegetarian restaurant in Madrid made for hummus fans like me! My favourite's the one with mushrooms. Protip: say yes to the egg...
by
"Konnichiwa" is a Japanese street food restaurant in Madrid. Their specialty is the ramen with the egg, which they cook with a blowtorch at your table!
by
"Quesería Cultivo" is a cheese shop in Madrid where you can find a wide artisanal selection. My protip: do get some bread from two numbers down the street.
by
"Sala de Despiece" Madrid defines itself as "a bar with a kitchen and a great tasting of raw materials". Once I was there I understood.
by
"Harvey's Cocktail Bar" in Madrid makes me feel as if I've entered an American vintage speakeasy. Unlike new hip retro chains, this one feels authentic...
by
"Bodega de la Ardosa" in Madrid is 'castizo' -- pure, genuine. This kind of bar is in danger of extinction, so enjoy it while it's still alive!
by
"Bosco de Lobos" in Madrid is 'a bar that serves Italian food in a garden. It's a brunch and meeting place...' My favorite though, is their 'library'...
by
"Banibanoo" Madrid is an Iranian restaurant that's just fabulous if you like new & exotic sorts of flavors. I like their combination dishes and desserts.
by
"Tapería La Pequeña Graná" in Madrid is still holding on to the proper tradition of tapas -- more and more difficult to find. Also, they have great beer!
by
"Tepic" in Madrid is a Mexican restaurant with Oaxacan delicacies! I love the chicken tingas, the panuchos yucatecos and the guacamole!
by
"Fellina" in Madrid's Chamberí is an Italian restaurant that's really exceptional. Everything tastes like 'nonna' cuisine. Oh, the burrata with tomato...
by
"Mama Campo" in Madrid is one of my favourite places to have lunch: top ingredients, amazing desserts and a very nice location on Plaza Olavide...
by
254 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 254 Insider Tips