Sara In-Madrid

Step into La Negra Tomasa, and for a second, you’ll forget you’re in Madrid. The live Cuban music, waitresses garbed in traditional outfits and the unmistakable smell of delicious Cuban cuisine makes for an atmosphere much like any Havana restaurant. The food is great, the mojitos flow and the music doesn’t stop until 5.30am, so get your get your appetite ready and don’t forget those salsa moves you learned from Dirty Dancing.

etiquetas: cuban , food , international , nightlife , restaurants

For those of you who aren’t craving churros, but need an early morning bite after a long night at the discotecas, stop by Cafeteria Galatea. Located in Salamanca, this eatery is famous for it’s generously sized hot dogs and is sure to hit the spot.

etiquetas: food , late-night , nightlife , restaurants

Scandanavian Eats

Perhaps instead of Nordic, that should read “Vodka”, because there are 40 different brands on offer at this stylish restaurant, decorated with blond wood and warm orange tones. The menu offers an interesting mix of blinis, sushi-style fish and open sandwiches. Some dishes even come accompanied with vodka shots. Head downstairs after your meal to enjoy the cool basement vodka lounge.

etiquetas: copas , food , nightlife , restaurants , scandanavian

Madrid is reputed to have the second-best fish market in the world after Japan. You can put that theory to the test at 19 Sushi Bar, where they’ll serve you up some of the raw stuff. Chef Álex Moranda, originally from Alicante, discovered a passion for sushi while living in Japan and has brought that enthusiasm back with him. Look out for his diminutive, smiling figure slicing and dicing at the sushi bar. Don’t miss the house speciality: sashimi of kobe meat -- beef reared on beer and regular massages.

etiquetas: food , international , japan , restaurants , sushi

This two-level restaurant is managed by Sonia, a helpful host who speaks Korean, Spanish and English. Like many traditional Korean restaurants, Seoul serves plenty of kimchi -- spicy, pickled cabbage -- as well as pickled cucumbers, seaweed and bean sprouts. Try the muhl nang myun: buckwheat noodles served in a chilled beef broth -- perfect for the summer months. And to pass the time while you enjoy your meal, see if you can spot some of the dishes you’re eating on the Korean soap operas that play on the flat-screen television in front of you.

etiquetas: food , international , korean , restaurants

Burger bars don’t necessarily mean junk food -- something that’s abundantly clear at Home. The wood-panelled diner boasts booths, little frilly lamps at each table, authentic chunky cutlery, and menus printed on brown-paper grocery bags, like the ones you see in American movies -- all that’s missing are waitresses in gingham aprons. Try La Clásica, a burger served with lettuce, tomato, pickles, bacon and cheese. The 100 percent organic meat is fantastic, and is perfectly accompanied by the extras.

etiquetas: american , burgers , food , malasaña , restaurants

This remains a perennial favourite among La Latina’s many tapas bars and eateries. Ideally located in Madrid’s oldest square and distributed over three levels (cutting down on the noise and making the place feel more cosy), they’ve gained a solid reputation for healthy, innovative cooking.

etiquetas: cheap , food , la latina , restaurants , vegetarian

The Best Mexican in Madrid

Now, I don’t want to brag, but I do know good Mexican food – I’m a Texan, after all. And El Alebrije is good Mexican food. You know the sensation (rarely found in Spanish cuisine) where your tongue and lips are numb and on fire at the same time? Well, El Alebrije delivers awesome dishes with as much spice as you can handle, plus mariachis on weekends. Stick with a margarita, because the 64-drink cocktail menu might induce decision-making panic. (Especially with names such as Perro Salteado and Vaca Voleando).

etiquetas: food , malasaña , margaritas , mexican , nightlife , restaurants