Great recs throughout this group and many of these names come from here. Thank you!
I’m planning a trip in April and in my head about picking spots that give different experiences between traditional and innovative. Likely going to try to eat at tapas bars for lunch (but if that’s missing out, and I should try for dinner, I’d love to know!).
Contenders for more innovative, from my understanding (picking 3, likely for dinner) Barra Baja Augurio Sr. Cangrejo La Casa del Tigre Descasto Sobretablas
Fish (picking 1 for dinner): Barra de Canabota La Barra de Inchausti Jaylu (I know the reviews talk about the pricing but looks so classic)
Sort of feels in its own category and looks so nice: La Cochera del Abuelo
More traditional, hitting up as many as possible: Las Teresas El Rinconcillo Casa Morales Bodeguita Romero Salmedina Casa Roman
@ecg1231
I’m not sure I understand “what would you prioritize”? Could you explain a bit more?
I like all of your contenders, but my BFF wasn’t impressed recently by the classic Jaylu. It’s often compared to Rafa in Madrid, which she likes very much, but she indicated that it was fairly empty at the normal dining hour and just didn’t stand out in any way. I was somewhat surprised. She is a travel concierge and dines out often, all over the world. Just thought I should mention that, even though Jaylu does have a Repsol sun.
Barra Baja is best experienced at one of the 8 bar seats in front of the chefs just to watch them create their innovative dishes (but they don’t necessarily always engage in lengthy conversations with the diners in front of them–we went with Azahar, so our experience was fantastic).
Sr. Cangrejo now has 1 Repsol sun and along with the more formal Sobretablas (1 Repsol sun), housed in a mansion in the El Porvenir neighborhood. These two may be the most expensive in your innovative category. At both there are tasting menu options.
Both Barra de Cañabota (pricey, especially for crustaceans) and La Barra de Inchausti (moderately priced) are solid choices. The latter serves the best sopa de galeras (mantis shrimp soup) I’ve ever had.
Your traditional list sounds fine. I would probably eliminate El Rinconcillo because it has become very tourist saturated. I think it’s resting on its laurels a bit.
Casa Román and Las Teresas for Iberian ham, but Cervecería Salmedina is known for seafood, whose owners, the Guardiolas, supply to Cañabota. As Azahar says, “seafood heaven”.
@ecg1231
Just a question…will you be a single diner?
If so, I would probably not book Sobretablas or Jaylu because both seem to me more of a couple’s place to dine.
For a single diner, I would recommend dining at a lively bar, where you may be able to interact more with the staff, fellow diners and chef.
For casual then, Casa Román and Las Teresas for Iberian ham, la Barra de Cañabota, Inchausti and Salmedina for seafood and Barra Baja where you can watch the preparations and perhaps engage with others sitting at the 8 seats in front of the chefs.
Casa del Tigre is whimsical and fun.
Augurio has high tables. Sr. Cangrejo has a bar and high tables.
I haven’t been to the new Desacato. I have it on my list.
