Nestled in the middle of the bustling streets of Malasaña, Rocablanca may seem like an unpretentious place. Its façade doesn’t scream “tourist attraction,” which is why, like many, you may overlook it if you walk by. But if you love croquettes as much as I do, you should check out this bar.

The magic of Rocablanca lies in its diverse croquette menu. From the classic serrano ham to the exquisite cabrales cheese – a robust blue cheese native to Asturias – to the unexpected fried garlic shrimp, there’s a flavor for every palate. And let’s not forget the fried eggs with chorizo and the delicate salted cod variations.

In a city dotted with tapas bars, one might assume finding a good croquette would be a cinch. But the reality is different. A truly delectable croquette is a rarity – one that’s generously sized, brimming with flavor, and authentically reminiscent of its ingredients. Rocablanca ticks all these boxes.

After numerous visits, even though the reason I go to is their croquettes, I always end up ordering some other tapas (I love their fried calamari!).