Best places for paella in Madrid

Everytime I go to Madrid I like to try new places to eat paella and to try the best restaurants and bars for tapas. It is not so easy to find the best places to eat this Spanish dish in Madrid, but I can recommend some of my favourite ones. Don’t forget that paella originated in Valencia and that the main ingredients are: rice, chicken, rabbit, vegetables. I prefer seafood paella 😉

NOTE: Don’t eat paella in the evening because the ingredients are often leftovers for lunch.

Here are the best places to eat this yummy dish in Madrid:

La Barraca. Calle de la Reina, 29. The atmosphere is warm and the quality of food is great. This is my favourite restaurant. There are set menus or you can choose individual courses. The classic paella costs about €18.50. I inform you, however, that the VAT is excluded and that the service of table is €1.50. I suggest you to reserve your table online. The restaurant will be closed until 21st July 2014 for refurbishment. Opening times (Lunch: 1pm – 4pm/Dinner: 8.30pm – 12am);

La Albufera. Capitan Haya, 45. This restaurant is inside the hotel Meliá Castilla, near Plaza Castilla. The paella is good but I also recommend you arroces, rice dishes, such as the one with lobsters. Paella costs about €20, it depends on what type of paella you choose. This is the ideal restaurant for a special occasion for groups (special menus are available) or business lunches. There is also a covered terrace which is very nice. Spanish dishes are accompanied by an extensive wine list. Opening times (Lunch: 1pm – 3.30pm/Dinner: 8.30pm – 11.30pm/ Closed in August).