La Taberna de Pedro (CLOSED)

Pedro García de la Navarra earned his stripes working under great chefs before making his dream come true by opening his own eatery. Just next to La Taberna de Pedro you'll find the restaurant Vinoteca García de la Navarra, which Pedro runs with brother, Luis, and where you can stop in for more formal meals, although most of the dishes are shared across the two menus. In the Vinoteca you'll find Luis, a great sommelier, in the dining room and in charge of the wine cellar with more than 700 varieties.

La Taberna has the charm of the best tapas bars, with its high tables, chalkboards on the wall with a list of dishes, sandwiches and wines of the week recommended by Luis, and the constant bustle of attentive and friendly waiters carrying orders to and fro.

You can't pass up the classics on the menu, which are also available in half portions, such as the Russian salad ('ensaladilla'), eggs with Manchego ratatouille, scrambled eggs, 'chipirones' (squid) with onions or in squid ink. There's also a selection of fresh meats and fish, but if you're into stews, be sure to try one here, because that's their speciality, along with seasonal vegetables. Star dishes include the tripe ('callos'), pigs' trotters with white wine, tongue with onion, lentils, and meatballs with potatoes.

With a clear objective based on offering simple and honest cuisine made with the best fresh and quality products, La Taberna de Pedro has made a name for itself among the best bars in Madrid.