Alkalde

Frommer's Review

For decades Alkalde has been known for serving top-quality Spanish food in an old tavern setting, and it continues to do so exceedingly well. Decorated like a Basque inn, it has beamed ceilings with hams hanging from the rafters. Upstairs is a large típico tavern; downstairs is a maze of stone-sided cellars that are pleasantly cool in summer (although the whole place is air-conditioned).

Basque cookery is the best in Spain, and Alkalde honors that noble tradition. Begin with the cream of crabmeat soup, followed by gambas a la plancha (grilled shrimp) or cigalas (crayfish). Other recommended dishes include mero salsa verde (brill in green sauce), trout Alkalde, stuffed peppers, and chicken steak. The dessert specialty is copa Cardinal (ice cream topped with fruit).

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