Taberna del Alabardero

Dress up to visit this fine restaurant, whose red walls, carved white cornices, tufted banquettes, and little sculpted cherubs add up overall to romance. You'll receive royal treatment from the Spanish staff, who are accustomed to attending to the real thing -- Spain's King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia have dined here.

Order a plate of tapas to start: lightly fried calamari, shrimp in garlic and olive oil, artichokes sautéed with smoky serrano ham, and marinated mushrooms. Although the a la carte menu changes with the seasons (look for the duck breast with sweet vinegar sauce in spring), several paellas are always available, including the rich and flavorful seafood paella served on saffron rice. The Taberna also offers vegetarian lunch and dinner menus. The wine list features a selection of 315 wines, some American, but mostly Spanish. Bargain alert: Weekdays 3 to 6:30pm, tapas are half-price at the bar.

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.