Café del Círculo de Bellas Artes

You can easily get into this former members-only club if you pay a modest 1€ entry fee (which also allows you to see whatever exhibitions are on in its galleries). The high-ceilinged cafe-restaurant up the steps from the wide hall boasts 1920s-style ceilings, chandeliers, artistic statues, and soaring pillars. From its huge windows, you get a clear view of the ever-changing scene in Alcalá Street outside, though passersby can equally easily see what's going on inside, which is how it's earned itself the nickname la pecera, or aquarium. At lunchtime you can join politicians and bankers from the nearby parliament or the Banco de España to enjoy a variety of pork, beef, fresh fish, and chicken dishes. The reasonably priced set menu is changed every day, and once a week the chef prepares a sturdy traditional cocido (the Madrileños' favorite meat and vegetable stew). At night no dinners are served, but people flock here to devour tapas of gambas (shrimps) or boquerones (fried anchovies) with their glasses of Rueda blanco or Ribera del Duero tinto wine.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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