Casa Manolo

One of the best sources of 'cocina casera' (home cooking) in Madrid, Casa Manolo has an endearing, right-at-home atmosphere, enhanced by the black-and-white photo of the owner's grandmother and aunt that presides over the restaurant. But even though it's all about tradition, this place prepares creative mouth-watering salads that put the usual iceberg-based 'ensalada mixta' to shame – the aubergine with tomato and goat's cheese, for example, must be one of the best in the city. And then there's lentil soup, 'cocido' and other hearty stews, all supremely well prepared.