This Arzabal restaurant location is on the main floor of the Museum Reina Sofia, and opened in 2009. It is a concept bar with handcrafted cuisine served in a dynamic environment. In warm weather, you can dine in one of Madrid’s most beautiful patios, or inside their romantic greenhouse. Or, you can dine inside, at the bar (with a separate menu) or in their small dining room, where the primary feature are walls of wine, and black and white chequered marble floors.

The food is not gastronomic or innovative, but more traditional, using quality ingredients.

We started with a drink at the bar and some of the best Iberico ham I have ever had, served with a side of toasted bread, slathered with fresh tomatoes. We washed this down with a Spanish white. Then we moved into the dining room because of inclement weather, otherwise I recommend dining outside or in the greenhouse.

They place a HUGE tub of butter from Normandy on your table with some wonderful sourdough bread. You can order half or full portions here, which is a fabulous idea. There was a page of Arzabal classic tapas to choose from. We started with some Iberian croquettes made with bechamel of sheeps milk. They are light, creamy and delicate. Next, a pan of free range eggs, covered liberally in black truffles, and served over hand cut French fries. They knocked it out of the park with that dish. A plate of fresh prawns were a little too of the sea. From the fish section of the menu we ordered the tender grilled squid. They also offered tartars, and meats.

To end, we had an out of this world dessert, and I can’t remember the Spanish name, but I can describe it. It looked like French toast that had been brûléed on top, and served with the creamiest vanilla ice cream. Our server Nico recommended it, and all I can say is thank you, Nico!

They have a large selection of international wines and champagnes, and many that you can try by the glass.

The restaurant is sophisticated and romantic, serving quality food that is modestly priced. The whole experience is all very easy to digest.

Recommended.

Happy dining,
Shanea

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