La Querencia

Frommer's Review

Because of the many desirable restaurants that flank it, it's easy to overlook the charms of this one. Set within a 400-year-old town house, it offers an appealing mixture of elegance, restraint, and urban hip, all of it factored into a long and narrow format that includes an exotic and cozy bar (painted red) near the entrance, and a more formal forest-green dining room in back. The high ceiling and formal layout evokes a salon in a colonial governor's house. Surrounding you will be a collection of antique guitars and wind instruments. Separating the two areas is a skylit courtyard with an open view of the hardworking kitchens. You can opt to sit anywhere within this warren of rooms, but our preferences involve drinks and tapas in the red-painted bar area in front, surrounded by artwork and hints of Madrid during its movida, and candlelit meals in back. Your meal might begin delectably with a ceviche of sea bass with orange zest; or sautéed shrimp with roasted pineapple, coconut flakes, and a rum-flavored vinaigrette. Main courses include a superb version of pork loin topped with cranberry sauce, served over caramelized apples, or a rack of lamb with red, black, and white bean ragout with fines herbs and puff pastry.

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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