Unique dining from the Spanish capital

No matter where you go in Spain you are likely to be told of the unique gastronomy of the town or region, and when you visit the country’s capital city you will have the luxury of choosing from it all. Whether you’re the ultimate foodie or someone who has a passing interest in the joys of eating, Madrid’s streets offer you a chance to thrill your palate as you join the locals in what is more than just a sustenance routine.

Mediterranean cool mixes themes

A stay at our NH Collection Madrid Abascal hotel ensures you have easy access to Madrid’s food culture and you do not have to venture far for your first taste of it. Just across the road is Restaurant FOX, which offers up a variety of themes to dine in. Get a sense of its Mediterranean menu, for example, while seated in the rather chilled ‘El Porche’, or enjoy a business lunch in the more modern ‘Kitchen’ space. There’s the ‘Glenfiddich Room’ for an intimate group dinner and when the sun is shining, as it invariably does in Madrid, you have the ‘Fox Garden’ to breath in the fresh air while you eat.

Movie hall magic does dining perfection

My next suggestion to you is a little further away – around 25-minutes’ walk from the hotel, but perfect when en route towards, or returning from, downtown – and goes by the name of Platea Madrid. Once a cinema, its unassuming façade hides Michelin star dining, Spanish tapas-a-plenty and funky live music and acts from a selection of local and visiting performers. It can sometimes be a little pricy but you’re paying for the experience as much as the quality fare. And for a true movie moment, reminiscent of the classic scene from Goodfellas, enter via the grocer’s store on Calle de Goya. By doing so you will admire some of the most spectacular produce, including Spanish hams and condiments, before stepping into the open plan restaurant hall. This always impresses my unsuspecting visitors to the city.

One street, gastronomy heaven

What has come to be known as ‘The Ponzano Experience’ may sound like an organized affair but I can assure you it is anything of the sort. Just five minutes away from the hotel you will come across Calle Ponzano, and it is on this street where the feasting decisions are made difficult. With over 20 eateries along the facing sidewalks, the ‘experience’ is all about nibbling on some tapas in one scene then moving onto another. I prefer to arrive with no strategy and let the night take the group where she desires, although if we end up in La Máquina de Chamberí, Fide, Sala de Despiece or La Contraseña (my personal favorites) then I’m extra pleased. The evening vibe gives a true Madrileño flavor as locals mingle through the myriad of delicacies available, along with suitable accompanying refreshment. Although it's in Spanish, this page might tempt you to explore even more!

Hotel comforts in style

Despite the adventures that lie outside the hotel, it would be remiss of me not to mention the delights that remain within our premises. Our very own DOMO restaurant has a distinctive look and feel about it and is under the direction of Chef Ángel Aylagas, ensuring whatever your order will please the eye as much as the taste receptors. Offering healthy breakfast or brunch, and a deliciously satisfying lunch and dinner, you can feel comfortable in the knowledge that we are always here for you. The only risk is that you don’t make it out to try the rest of the city.

About Beatriz Sánchez-Herrera

My name is Beatriz and I’ve worked in the NH Hotel Group for six years now.I love what I do, each day is different and I am very lucky to be the person guests go to when they need help or something special.