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We know that September is hard for many. Gone are those days of beach bars, beaches, swimming in the pool, afternoons in the sun or trips to the other side of the world. Now it’s back to the routine, back to the office and looking for new motivations. But who said you can’t turn the tables and look for the positive side of all this? From Tapas we want to motivate you with what we do best: a good gastronomic plan. Because there is nothing like improving the mood through the palate, either with a good appetizer, an exotic recipe, a dinner with a show or a more casual evening. These nine restaurants in Madrid that we show you below will make this return to routine much more bearable.
Ikigai Flor Baja
There is nothing better for a return to routine than dropping by the local Yong Wu Nagahira, one of the best Japanese restaurants in Madrid that also has Spanish fusion, French and other parts of the world). The proposal of this chef is always a safe bet. Always in constant evolution, Yong’s cuisine surprises for its fusion of classic recipes with that particular innovative, traveling and tasty touch that characterizes Ikigai. You can opt directly for the Omakase Menu (90 €) with dishes such as Panipuri and Iberian steak tartar with yuzu kosho, beet millefeuille cooked in its own juice, spiced mirin, tonburi and sheep cheese and eel foam or the 10 nigiris of the chef’s choice.
Where? At calle de la Flor Baja 5.
Hermanos Vinagre
And why not live in an eternal aperitif? To keep you in the summer spirit, we recommend you to visit Hermanos Vinagre, the authentic temple of the appetizer. You can start with some pickled mussels or their delicious cockles (it should be noted that all their preserves are homemade) and then move on to a Russian salad, fried ear or their traditional sandwich. All accompanied, of course, with a well-drawn beer, a glass of wine or a vermouth. Make a note in your diary because it is one of the essential restaurants in Madrid for this return to routine.
Where? At Calle Narváez 58; at Calle Gravina 17; and at Calle Cardenal Cisneros 26.
Bakan
Traveling without leaving Madrid is totally possible. Next Destination: Bakan. This Mexican restaurant located in Puerta de Alcalá has become an obligatory stop for Mexican food lovers. One of its strong points, without a doubt, is the liquid part with more than 250 mezcals and tequila -some of them you can only find exclusive in this place-. In the menu you will also find essential proposals, especially those that include their homemade tortillas. Bakan has its own tortilla factory where tortillas are made daily with chalqueño blue corn using the nixtamalization process. What should you order? Any of their tostaditas (tuna, sea bass ceviche or cochinita pibil), tacos or cacalas, the ceviche or dare to try their insect section.
Of course, you must finish toasting with one of their cocktails: from their flavored margaritas to original proposals such as La Mula (version of the Moscow Mule but with mezcal) or the Veracruz Sour.
Where? At Plaza de la Independencia 5.
Casa Sr. Ito
Before falling back into the gastro monotony, anticipate and give yourself a real feast with the original proposal castizo-Japanese chef Daniel Carmona prepares in Casa Mr. Ito. In this cozy place you can taste the best of Spanish gastronomy fused with Japanese cuisine, with creations such as gyozas of cooked, the bacon bao or ham croquette, with veil of Iberian jowl and fresh shichimi on sweet black sesame cream. With special mention to their exquisite zamburiña with gochuraru bilbaína and nori seaweed chip or the stars of the house, the japo taco and the Katsu Sando. You will have the need to try all the dishes on the menu!
Where? At 6 Marqués de Riscal Street.
Robuchon Madrid
A luxury meal is able to fix and brighten up any day. That’s why a visit to Robuchon Madrid is all you need for this September’s return to routine. In any of the spaces of this restaurant located in the former Embassy, you will enjoy a unique and sophisticated evening, with all the Robuchon essence.
At L’Atelier, for example, you will live a gastronomic experience in capital letters. With the proposal of chef Jorge Gonzalez, you have at your disposal a tasting menu that combines creations of Joel Robuchon with the touch of the Spanish chef. And all paired with a wine list with 800 excellent references.
If you want to continue the plan, you can continue with Mario Villalón’s signature cocktails in another of his exclusive spaces: Le Speakeasy, which has that clandestine touch of old cocktail bars, which will make you travel straight back to the 1920s.
Where? At Paseo de la Castellana 12 and Calle Ayala 2.
Sessions Restaurant (Hard Rock Hotel Madrid)
If you feel like something more casual, at the Sessions restaurant, inside the Hard Rock Hotel Madrid, you can enjoy an American proposal with dishes made in the Josper oven, but also surprising dishes such as the Mac and Cheese croquettes, which combine two of the most typical recipes of Spain and the United States.
To liven up the evening, inside the Hard Rock Hotel Madrid, specifically in the Roxy Garden, its outdoor garden, they have organized this September the Acoustic Sessions, a series of concerts in which artists such as Merino (September 6), Bely Basarte (September 13) and Julia Medina (September 20) will perform.
Where? At Ronda de Atocha 17.
SLVJE Madrid Velázquez
Visiting SLVJ is much more than a gastro experience. It is one of the restaurants in Madrid that you should visit in this return to routine. It has become the ideal place to enjoy a good gastronomic proposal, accompanied by fun and a design that makes it even more special. With a menu of Japanese essence and touches of fusion, you will find exquisite recipes designed by Fermín Azkue, Chef Owner of SLVJ. Among them, delicacies such as Soft Shell Crab, Fujirroll or Dinamita stand out in the Sushi Bar section; the Bogavante Dumplings, the Salmon Crispy Rice or the Cauliflower boom, to share; or the Robata section with options such as roasted and glazed lamb, tuna tataki or sea bream, among others.
To complete the experience, at dinner the restaurant becomes a real show, where you can end up enjoying Borja Goikoetxea’s cocktails and finish the night at Fetén by SLVJ, the underground club on the lower floor, which even has a bowling alley.
Where? At 62 Velázquez Street.
Monchis
If what you want are different flavors, in Monchis, located in the Food Hall Canalejas, inside the Four Seasons, you have a fusion of the best Mexican and Japanese flavors to delight your palate. From nigiris with the typical Mexican touch to tacos with all the Japanese essence.
Mouthfuls with their own personality that will make you forget the routine and try different things. And all with the seal of the famous chef Julián Mármol. You have several menus at your disposal.
Where? At 12 Alcalá Street (inside the Canalejas Food Hall).
ABYA
Enjoying a meal inside the iconic Palacio de Saldaña is reason enough to start September on the right foot. At ABYA you have 1,000 m2 of pure gastronomy, art and culture. With recipes developed by Aurelio Morales, the chef presents a free and unbound cuisine that connects the world with Latin America. From the grilled angus sirloin taco to the linguini with Alfredo’s sauce and crab stew or the grilled Atlantic snapper (bocinegro).
The proposal is completed with a liquid menu with more than 400 references of wines, cavas and a selection of signature cocktails from around the world. Not to mention the spectacular decoration with more than 100 works of art chosen by owner Manuel González together with interior designer Paulina Morán and other decorators.
Where? At 32 Ortega y Gasset Street.
