Arce
Chueca’s best haute cuisine restaurant is not cheap, but it is a real gem. The menu changes regularly to make the most of seasonal produce, such as game and wild mushrooms.
Calle Augusto Figueroa 32
91 522 0440
Closed Sat L, Sun, 15–31 Aug
Ribeira do Miño
This back-street Galician marisquería is well known for its good value shellfish, fresh fish and delicious crêpes suzettes.
Calle Santa Brigida 1
91 521 9854
El Cisne Azul
Exquisite, large tapas are on the menu here. Try the wild mushrooms, rocket salad, lamb chops and steaks.
Calle Gravina 19
91 521 3799
Café Oliver
Trendy bar restaurant with modern interior. Serves Mediterranean cuisine and brunch on Sundays.
Calle del Amirante 12
91 521 7379
El Parnasillo
Cocktails are the speciality of this Malasaña bar .
Calle de S Andrés 33
91 447 0079
Pepe Botella
Relax at this old café with its red velvet banquettes and marble topped tables.
Calle S Andrés 12
91 522 4309
La Manduca de Azagra
This Navarre restaurant with its avant-garde decor is famed for its perfect vegetables, fresh fish and meats such as rack of lamb. Tapas are served at the bar.
Calle Sagasta 14
91 591 0112
Closed Sun, public hols, Aug
La Bardemcilla
Owned by the sister of Spanish actor Javier Bardem, this lively café-restaurant serves typical Spanish dishes named after Bardem’s films.
Calle de Augusto Figueroa 47
91 521 4256
Closed Sat L, Sun
La Kitchen
This bright restaurant serves Spanish dishes with a modern twist. It is essential to book a table.
Calle Prim 5
91 360 4974
Closed Sun & hols
Café Manuela
More like a club for young people who drop in to chat, read the paper or play board games. Draught beer, cocktails and snacks.
Calle de S Vicente Ferrer 29
91 531 7037
La Ardosa
This cosy taberna’s best known customer was the painter Francisco de Goya. Guinness on tap, as well as excellent tapas. Try the fabada (bean and squid stew.
Calle de Colón 13
91 521 4979
Cervecería Santa Bárbara
Large modern bar, popular with office workers, serving beer on tap. Good range of tapas.
Plaza de S Bárbara 8
91 319 0449
Libertad 8
Relax at this Bohemian bar-café and listen to the singer-songwriters who perform in the back room.
Calle Libertad 8
91 532 1150
Bocaíto
Classic tapas. The prawn and garlic tostadas are wonderful .
Calle de la Libertad 6
91 532 1219
Closed Sat L, Sun, Aug
€
El Comunista
One of the most authentic tabernas in the city, offering simple home cooking.
Calle de Augusto Figueroa 35
91 521 7012
Closed Sun, Mon L
La Isla del Tesoro
One of the few vegetarian restaurants in the city offers international dishes.
Calle Manuela Malasaña 3
91 593 1440
Bodegas el Maño
This old fashioned wine cellar really looks the part, with fluted columns and painted barrels. Draught vermouth, beers and wines. A good range of tapas – the stuffed squid goes down a treat.
Calle de Jesús del Valle 1
91 531 3685
Closed Sun
Café Isadora
Stylish bar decorated with posters of the legendary dancer Isadora Duncan. Jazz plays in the background while you chat over champagne cocktails and unusual liqueur coffees.
Divino Pastor 14
91 445 7154
Closed Mon
Café Comercial
Founded in 1887, and for that reason alone is a “must see”. Tatty, fin-de-siècle decor. Internet café upstairs.
Glorieta de Bilbao 7
91 521 5655
Taberna de Ángel Sierra
Try the escabeche de atún (pickled tuna) at this tapas bar, which has Vermouth on tap.
Plaza de Chueca
91 531 0126
Closed Wed
