Eating out in Madrid

Madrid unites the best of Iberian gastronomic traditions. You will find restaurants of all types in this international city. The matter of unique Madrid cuisine is highly contended, specifically whether it exists at all. The Spanish capital has developed a culinary tradition including Andalusian, Catalan and many other foods, plus recipes contributed by the many immigrants.
Classics include tortilla espanola (omelette with potatoes), hake, roast lamb and of course the paella, which can include meat, seafood, vegetables or rice. The risk of a bad dining experience is very limited in this city. The Spanish generally eat lunch around 3 in the afternoon, and dinner is seldom served before 10. There are several other eating habits of the Spanish you should be aware of. There is no Spanish cuisine per se - rather a blend of different regional specialties. The homeland of paella is Valencia, and it is not a universal Spanish dish either. Catalan cookery is based on delectable sauces and vegetables, while Basque foods generally revolve around fresh seafood and meat. Fish dominates Galician cuisine. A classic meal in Madrid will consist of cocido, a nourishing stew with soup and solid food in two separate parts. The cocido includes several varieties. Cocido Madrileco consists of chickpeas, vegetables, beef, chicken and pork. Sound heavy? It is, so be prepared. You won't feel like eating in the next three days. Another classic dish is callos, also known as tripe. Favourites are baked bream with codfish as the main ingredient and garlic soup.
Restaurants in Madrid serve excellent desserts, of which you might order torrijas, similar to French toast, buelos, a fritter filled with whipped cream, marzipan, soft or hard nougats, succulent anise doughnuts, custard pie or rolled wafers. Many of these are available all year round.
You may hear the phrase Ir de tapeo quite often in Madrid. It means "going out for tapas". In hot weather heavy stews and sauces are hardly appropriate, so this is when the tapa steps in. Tapas are light starters that can include tortillas, olives or squid depending on what you choose. You will find snack bars serving them throughout the city. They are commonly offered with wine or beer.
The best part of the city for gastronomic delights is the old town. This area features numerous excellent, friendly establishments, hidden away in the charming lanes. Tapa bars, taverns and restaurants serving the best local dishes abound in this famous tourist area. Over 80% of the wine bars in the city are in the historical district. The oldest restaurant in the world, Botin, is also located here. This establishment dates back to 1725.
Locals traditionally eat fried squid at Plaza Mayor during the Christmas holidays. Another native tradition includes breakfast, which is rarely to be had in restaurants. People stop off at bars for breakfast on their way to work. The classic breakfast here is coffee and a croissant or sweet roll. You can opt for deep fried, crispy porras with hot chocolate. Lunch is the main meal of the day. Most restaurants offer menu del dia, consisting of a starter, bread, main course, dessert, tea or coffee. This menu is generally cheap, and a great way to sample different dishes within a full-course meal. Of course, you can go with a la carte as well. Starters include soup, salad or tapa. You can choose from meat, poultry or fish for the main course. Wine is often served at lunch, but be warned that it will be mixed with soda unless you are at a luxury establishment. Madrid's lively Chueca district features a true gem, the Ribeira Do Mino, known as the best seafood restaurant in town and perhaps the entire world.
Since Spanish cuisine is extremely delectable and diverse, it would not be adequate to look for ethnic restaurants in Madrid, although there is certainly no lack of them.