Taberna El Sur — Restaurant in Madrid

By far our favorite tapas restaurant in Madrid! On this third and last day of our trip, wife found this place and we came here after a nice long day at the Rtiro Park. The location is off the beaten path in a side street so you might miss it unless you are looking for it. Inside the dining room is small, but we were seated quickly since we got there early by Spanish standards (7pm). We ordered grilled squid with salad, curry chicken, pork tenderloin steak, and Spanish omelette with potatoes. And of course sangria for the wife. The food came quickly, first the omelette and the curry chicken, then the squid, and lastly the tenderloins. First bite of the Spanish omelette let us know we were in for a treat. It was warm and full of flavor with onion and garlic, and probably the best bite of food I've had in Madrid. The curry chicken was a bit light on flavor, but the chicken was cooked well, and the rice was seasoned well and sticky, which was nice. The squid was wife's favorite; eat it with a bit of salad and the accompanying sauce and you'll really enjoy it. The tenderloin had a nice grape and wine reduction sauce, but the pork was overcooked just a bit. The same sangria was the best of the 3 restaurants we tried, iced cold, not too strong and not too weak, and full of fruity flavor. And for all that delicious food and drinks we only paid 30 Euros. Overall our most enjoyable tapas dining experience in Spain....

Vermouth! Vermut! If you like it and are a fan then I would suggest you come here. They serve Iris on tap (I have been looking for this brand since reading about it in the Vermouth museum in Reus a couple years ago). It is a very old brand and it is delicious - a great balance between sweet and bitter with some nice spices - overall a fabulous well-balanced red vermouth.

Ok but this place is not all about vermouth. My wife ordered the sangria and it was great. Again, good balance of sweetness, wine, and fruit - very smooth and easy to drink. We didn’t try the white sangria, which we saw the bartender making on our way in, but that will be part of our next mission.

Next I want to talk about the tapas. We only ordered a few things, but they were all excellent. I am not sure if this will be our favorite tapas place during our two week trip to Madrid or La Concha - we still have to go back here (I can’t waiiit!) Everything we ordered was recommended by the waiter.

That leads me to the next great thing about this place: the service! If you travel in Spain at all, you know good service and politeness is hard to find. Well it is all here and it is all great. Every single person we interacted with was friendly and attentive, even though they were busy. I am excited to try more...

When we arrived at the restaurant, the first thing we noticed was the line stretching outside the door. While some might see this as an inconvenience, we took it as a promising sign—after all, a crowded establishment often signals exceptional food. Encouraged by the glowing online reviews, we decided to give it a try.

From the moment we stepped inside, the ambiance was inviting, with warm lighting and a lively yet comfortable atmosphere. Despite the wait, the staff was efficient and friendly, ensuring that customers felt welcomed. Once seated, we eagerly scanned the menu, which featured an impressive selection of dishes.

Every dish we ordered exceeded our expectations. The flavors were rich, expertly balanced, and clearly crafted with quality ingredients. Whether it was the perfectly seasoned entrée or the decadent dessert, each bite reaffirmed that this restaurant deserved its stellar reputation. The presentation was equally impressive, making each plate as visually appealing as it was delicious.

Overall, this dining experience was well worth the wait. With outstanding food, a welcoming ambiance, and excellent service, it’s no surprise that so many people flock here. If you're searching for a place that delivers both taste and quality, this restaurant is definitely...