Mr & Mrs Smith

Head to Calle Cava Baja and Calla Cava Alta for great tapas bars, such as Casa Lucio. For succulent grilled meats and traditional dishes try Casa Julian de Tolosa on Calle Santa Clara (+34 943 671417). For a bit of history, El Botin on Calle de los Cuchilleros (+34 913 664217) is reputedly the oldest restaurant in the world and a good choice for roast suckling pig. Loft 39 on Velásquez (+34 91 432 43 86) is a stylish place for lunch or dinner. It’s slightly more formal in the evening and has a hip bar for aperitivos or nightcaps. Viridiana on Juan de Mena (+34 915 311039) near the Prado has arguably the best gazpacho in Madrid. The food is creative and delicious, including the wild boar meatballs flavoured with cinnamon. Dassa Bassa on Villalar (+34 91 5767397) is a real gastronomic treat. Inventive dishes, such as oxtail with wine and chocolate, are prepared by two of the rising stars of Spanish cooking.