La Catapa

If there’s one tavern you simply can't miss in the Retiro neighbourhood, it's here at La Catapa. Miguel Ángel Jiménez has many years of experience under his belt, so it comes as no surprise that this is one of the best bars in the city. What started out as a tiny bar down the street is now an important stop on any food lover's itinerary. Whether you're enjoying tapas at the high tables and stools in the bar or sharing dishes over a tablecloth in the dining room, you'll want to stick around for the great service and lovely staff.

Among the tapas include highlights like periwinkles, mashed 'revolcona' potatoes, 'morcilla' and 'chistorra' sausages, prawns and mushrooms. And that's just for starters. Next you've got to try the potato and truffle croquettes – they're without rival in the city – and the Russian salad with marinated pheasant, rabbit cutlets, artichoke flowers, tuna tartare, 'escupiñá' clams, sweetbreads... We could go on about these delights all day.

The menu is always changing, and you'll also get specials that come and go with the seasons. If a urchin is in season, they might do a toritilla made with it along with seaweed. If they've got Denia 'gamba roja' prawns, you could get them in a stewy rice or with teardrop peas and egg yolk. And so it is with all products they prepare and serve.

Another reason to make the pilgrimage to La Catapa is the wines. Their selection of wines by the glass is the main attraction, but there's also sherry and champagne. With the help of María José Jurado, one of the best sommeliers in Madrid, and part of the team since early 2018, you'll get the perfect varieties to pair with your food for an outstanding meal.