I was excited when Don Panko Katsu House arrived in the neighbourhood. It’s got the authentic look that only a real Japan-lover would be able to recreate. A little investigation confirmed my impression - the Spanish owner, David de la Torre, had fallen in love with katsu when he was working for Japanese restaurants in London, which was when he had the chance to visit Japan and hone his knowledge of this tasty curry, which is served with rice and crunchy panko-covered meat, seafood or veg.
Just recently this year, Don Panko appeared in the Time Out 50 Best Restaurants list, yet despite that accolade, it is just enough off the beaten track to make it still easy to get a stool in this cosy little eatery.
Other things of note on their small but perfectly formed menu are the selfish croquetas (you won’t want to share!) and their wonderful selection of Japanese gins, if you fancy a cheeky G & T; (there’s whisky too if that’s your preferred tipple).
And while you’re in the neighbourhood, why not drop into the Museo Geominero?
Find your way with 243 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Madrid in the 1980s was certainly rocking and she became a fixture in the city’s music scene, always going out in her famous leather jacket and cap.
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This fantastic wine shop, "Vino y Compañía" is the place to discover the fantastic variety and quality of wine on offer in Spain. Come with an open mind!
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Although it’s a Galician restaurant, they do an excellent paella mixta (chicken and seafood) and arroz negro, flavoured and coloured with squid ink.
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The apartment block this cafe sits under is an ugly beauty and I love it, not least for the exuberant planters that are an integral part of the building.
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I didn’t think Madrid was lacking anything but now I’ve found "Mazál Bagels and Café" I’m wondering how I survived without its bagels all these years!
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What sets this bar apart is its exceptional handling of ingredients, creating dishes that sing with Andalusian flair—a nod to Manu's roots.
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They have a wide selection of wines to suit all pockets, and you can also discover some weirder flavours if your tastes run to the unique...
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"Mo de Movimiento" in Madrid offers a new take on the restaurant business - sustainable organic ingredients, recycled materials and second opportunities!
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Sala Canal Isabel II in Madrid used to be a water tower: now it's an uber-cool gallery used for media exhibitions. I love it, and not just because...
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VETA is the biggest contemporary art gallery in the city, so once you’ve had your fill of the Old Masters at the Prado, why not get off the beaten track?
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Don’t worry about collecting and counting plates - there’s an “all you can eat” lunchtime menu, you can fill your boots for a very reasonable fixed price.
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His favourite time seemed to be that magic hour when the sun is sinking low in the West and turns everything a golden pinky hue.
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243 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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