Espacio Fundación Telefónica is one of the places that make me happy to live in Madrid. It has the elements you see in many great public buildings here - forward-thinking architectural design and an imaginative use of the space. Inspired by the skyscrapers of Manhattan with some added Baroque details and completed in 1929, this was Europe's first skyscraper and the tallest building too (for about 5 minutes!).
During the Civil War, Ernest Hemingway, John Dos Passos and Antoine de Saint-Exupéry sent their reports from here -- this building has some real history! Nowadays, it houses the Telefonica flagship store and a telecommunications museum and (my favourite part) the Espacio Fundación Telefónica, created when part of the building was remodelled in 2012, and now features an incredibly photogenic staircase and has very cool exhibitions - check what’s showing on their website. There is also an auditorium which has free concerts and a café.
The Espacio Fundación Telefónica is in what may be the busiest part of central Madrid, on the corner of Gran Vía and Fuencarral streets, but no matter how crazy it is outside, inside I have always found it to be an oasis of calm - it makes a wonderful contrast.
Find your way with 264 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
The top dishes for me are the pancakes with sweet and savoury fillings (all gluten-free) and the Middle Eastern inspired offerings, especially the falafel.
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Whether you're in the mood for fluffy pancakes dripping in honey, a hearty avocado toast, or a classic eggs Benedict, Adorado Bar has you covered.
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The heart of their offerings is the legendary piri piri sauce - a spicy, tangy concoction that elevates the succulent grilled chicken to a whole new level.
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This harmonious blend is evident in every dish, from the petite, intricately crafted bites to the more substantial, hearty plates.
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A standout feature is its nod to traditional Spanish cuisine with a selection of casquería (offal dishes) paying homage to age-old culinary traditions.
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Unlike the pan-fried versions found closeby, their shaobing is grilled to perfection, giving it a distinct texture & flavor that's both rustic and refined.
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If you are reading this, it's because you're looking for somewhere authentic and off the tourist trail in Madrid. "La Nueva"will give you that...
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"Pizza Posta" in Lavapies, Madrid, makes Argentinian pizza - thick, pillowy and crispy on the outside...
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Asturian gastronomy offers some of the most comforting dishes in Spain, and "El Ñeru" restaurant is one of the best ambassadors we have in Madrid...
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"SilverwoodBloom" in Madrid sells an intriguing assortment of niche products and objects for beautifying your home. I simply want them all!
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"NAP" Madrid - Neapolitan Authentic Pizza - is for eating pizza, period, and that's why the restaurant has few other options. But that's a good thing!
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264 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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