Restaurante Casa Salvador — Restaurant in Madrid

I came here because of a local recommendation, arriving between half past one and two to a nice welcome and was ushered upstairs. There was only one family present and I was given a choice of table. There was quiet, attentive, service from a very pleasant man from Uruguay with the skill of being able to tune in differently to each customer. I watched a cook come to chat briefly with a family and offer a cushion for a small child.

This restaurant was founded 1941 I think by a fan of bullfighting. Bullfighting pictures adorn the walls. Almost inevitably there is a picture of Hemmingway on the wall and a photo. The atmosphere is quiet. There is no piped music just the sound of Spanish families chatting. They seemed to be locals because the lady who appeared to be in charge that day seemed to know them all well, perhaps even as friends though I did not feature on her radar except to bring the bill.

The olives were "muy ricas". The panache de verduras was delicious with a slightly smoky, grilled flavour.

The merluza (hake) rebozada is the house speciality. The fish came in a light batter rather than the breadcrumbs the name suggests and was good. It arrived with very Madrid style chips which was the first time I realised the Brits can have the edge over some other countries in one or two things gastronomic.

I liked it here so I ordered Natillas, a custard flavoured deliciously with cinnamon.

I planned to eat only once that day so ordered the full portion of hake €25, vegetables €9, natillas €5 plus cover/bread charge and water came to €43 excluding tip. I was told later you can eat well more cheaply which I can believe but if you go for a particular dish you are likely to pay for it. Overall I liked the experience which was due to the excellent service, quiet atmosphere with Spanish families and decent food.

The restaurant started filling up...

Located in the Chueca district of Madrid is Casa Salvador. This bad boy been whipping it up since 1941 and has a very distinct bullfighting/Matador theme. As with most places in Madrid they ask you if you have a reservation (we didn’t) but luckily they were able to accommodate us upstairs.

We get sat and there’s mad paintings of matadors and photos of famous people at such fights. By famous it’s from a time long past lol there’s Hemingway, Castro, Che Guevara, Sophia Loren et al.

Consomé 8/10 - what a lovely way to start the meal. Sits so well on the stomach and is just PACKED with flavor. Whatever broth this is, need that!

Rabo de Toro 8.3/10 - oxtails are reasonably priced but also not? lol €19 for an oxtail seems a little steep BUT for the taste you get it’s phenomenal. These are cooked to perfection and that gravy sauce is to die for.

Albóndigas 8/10 - I was trying to figure out what meat these were as it wasn’t beef. I think it may be pork. Again the sauce here is the star. Perfect as a side dish.

This was an Anthony Bourdain spot and this is why Bae and I came here. I’m glad we got to share a meal where he ate

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There are a number of places in Madrid that have reputations from by gone days and an interior to prove it. A dying relic of the past.

The vast majority of these places are horrible and overpriced. Often remind me of Gusteau's in Ratatouille.

THIS IS NOT ONE OF THOSE PLACES!

The food is phenomenal and captures the home cooked, comforting essence of classic Spanish cuisine. The stews and other chefs recommendations are delicious as well as the starters. And the portions are generous.

It's also one of the cheaper places to eat in Madrid for that standard of food.

The interior is old fashioned but clean and inviting. Unlike many of the older restaurants I did not see massive cob webs hanging off the ceiling. Staff are also very polite but don't always speak English so have a translate app handy.

However a word of warning there are gruesome photos of bull fighting on the walls of the restaurant which can be a bit off putting to the vegetarian or pescatarian.

But if you can stomach that it's a must for traditional...