Tortilla de patatas is everyone’s favourite snack food here in Madrid. Safe for vegetarians, it usually features just 3 ingredients; eggs, potatoes and onion. What’s not to love? It’s greasy and filling and can be enjoyed at any time of day and Bar Casa Paco has the classic potato version of course, plus another 32 incredible variations on the theme. They are all freshly made, and all priced the same for a portion. Flavours include caramelized leeks, octopus, steak, crispy onions and parmesan or chicken with apple. 

This wildly popular restaurant doesn’t only have omelettes though. Its second speciality is another dish beloved by the Spanish; croquetas, which are made from breaded bechamel, served piping hot and typically feature little bits of ham. Here they have 7 different croquetas every day, with ingredients like foie, steak with honey and mustard and Idiazábal cheese.

Paco’s elevates these two familiar foods to another level of deliciousness, and although it’s slightly off the beaten track, you’ll be happy you made the effort to come. The raucous atmosphere in the evening is incredible; don’t come here for a quiet dinner! The customers are young and hungry, and the waiters survive the onslaught with energy and good humour. There are other dishes of course, and a very reasonably priced lunch menu too.

You can get tortilla and croquetas in almost every bar in Madrid, but often they are indifferent. Don’t settle – make a pilgrimage to Bar Casa Paco and experience some of the best!