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Forbes
6 days ago
- Forbes
Eating Around Madrid Flourishing Food Scene
The vast Mercado de San Miguel is one of several markets for eating at counters in Madrid. There are about 14,000 restaurants in Madrid, and while you can find any kind of ethnic eatery, from sushi bar to a biergarten, the vast majority are Spanish and very traditional. As I've written in other articles, the city also has a cutting edge fine dining segment in restaurants––many with odd names, like DiverXo, DStage and Smoked Room––but I find it hard not indulge my appetite for the true classics Madrid offers in profusion, from Iberian hams and roast baby lamb to paella and suckling pig. And despite being landlocked in the middle of Spain, there are many good seafood places that draw from the huge Mercamadrid market—second only to Tokyo's in size. There is another market, Mercado de San Miguel (among others) that is an exhaustive education in small plates of food, including myriad tapas, with eighteen different sections and counters spotlighting charcuterie, baked goods, chicken, seafood and paella. It would take a week or more to eat your way through everything, which is always thronged, now with more tourists than ever.A small din ing room is on the other side of a bodega tapas bar at La Catapa. A new discovery for me (though it's no news to the city's gourmands) out in the Retiro neighborhood is LA CATAPA (Calle de Menorca 14), on one side a very popular bodega tapas bar and to the left a small, eight-table restaurant with tile floors, burgundy banquettes and white stucco walls. Chef-owner Miguel Angel Jimenez is well worth consulting for the night's specials and a wine from the impressively deep good list. Begin perhaps with the cured tuna belly and don't miss the 'famosa' egg tortilla with potatoes. There's oxtail with its marrow, and a plate of rice and mushrooms. At least eight seafood dishes are on the menu, including mussels in a red curry broth, and navajas (razor clams) grilled a la plancha. The beef is very good here, available as steak tartare 'La Catapa.' Raw tuna is a fine appetizers at La Catapa. MARISQUERIA RAFA (Calle de Narváez 68) was opened in 1958 by brothers Rafael and Rodrigo Andrés, first as a small bar, and today, it is a large establishment managed by their sons Rafael and Miguel. You should begin with some white anchovies in olive oil or fried crunchy Andalusian calamari with tomato. Then have the wild rodaballo(turbot) seared on the plancha grill or the bogavante lobster. Finish with bizcocho borracho, a dessert of 'drunken biscuit,' soaked in rum. Also nice to know is that Rafa is open Sunday nights. Marisqueria Rafa is known for its excellent seafood and is one of few restaurants open o n Sunday ... More for bars are rife throughout Madrid and to choose one over the other merely means you are walking through one neighborhood or another. CERVECERIA SANTA ANA, set on the Plaza de Santa Ana, was once a convent to Carmelite nuns, and has been a cerverceria since 1985. Its tapas selection is broad and varies, but I also like that there is a good menu of heartier plates of food, like the tripe stew. For more squeamish tastes there's a platter of sweet green peppers cooked in olive oil and baked ham cut thick and covered with boiled potatoes. For dessert the pastelito of torrone meringue and hazelnuts is light a delicious. The place stays open till 1:30 AM. (By the way, Santa Ana is two doors down from the tourist-flocked Cerveceria Alemana made famous by Ernest Hemingway and his matador friends.) At Cerverceria Santa Ana there is very good tapas in addition to heartier Spanish fare. One of the great pleasures of outdoor dining in Madrid––provided it's under an umbrella in the scorching summer heat––is to sit at one of the restaurants than ring the gorgeous Plaza Major. They are all large, have much the same menu and I wouldn't be surprised if the same owner ran several of them. You do have to ignore the hawkers outside, nut once you sit down, whether it's for a glass of sangria or a full meal, you'll be satisfied throughout the afternoon or evening––especially if there's a moon rising. I went alone and enjoyed watching the throngs in the Plaza from CERVECERIA TINEO, beginning with a cold beer and a plate of grilled langoustines and following with a paella a la Valenciana. The bill came to 45 euros. Paella is available for a single diner at Cerverceria Tineo on the Plaza Major. I mentioned that you can get any kind of food in Madrid, and, having gone six days without any pasta, found a delightful Italian place named TOSCANA, just off the Gran Via in the theater district. It was a handsome, two-level spot with very friendly staff where my friend and I enjoyed cannelloni with two sauces and a very welcome, multi-layered lasagna. They also offer more than two dozen pizzas and a good Italian wine list.
Time Magazine
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Magazine
The Top 10 Finest Restaurants in the World According to AI
This article is published by a partner of TIME. This curated selection of the top 10 finest restaurants in the world highlights establishments renowned for their exceptional culinary artistry, ambiance, and service. Each restaurant on this list has redefined the standards of fine dining and continues to inspire food lovers worldwide. These restaurants have earned acclaim not only for their innovative menus and stunning presentations but also for their ability to tell stories through food. Whether it's the avant-garde Mediterranean flavors at Disfrutar or the precision of Japanese-Peruvian fusion at Maido, each offers a distinctive experience that transcends the plate. They are celebrated destinations for anyone who values culinary creativity and craftsmanship. With research assistance from ChatGPT, we shine a spotlight on restaurants that represent the very best in the culinary world. From Michelin-starred landmarks to rising stars, these dining establishments showcase the extraordinary possibilities of cuisine by blending tradition and modernity in unique ways. 1. Disfrutar Nestled in the vibrant heart of Barcelona, Disfrutar offers an avant-garde approach to Mediterranean cuisine. Founded by three former El Bulli chefs, the restaurant is celebrated for pushing the boundaries of culinary art with inventive techniques and flavors. The dining experience is a theatrical journey that surprises and delights at every turn. 2. Asador Etxebarri Located in the tranquil Basque countryside, Asador Etxebarri is a testament to the beauty of simplicity. Victor Arguinzoniz, the chef-owner, has mastered the art of wood-fired grilling, using unique woods to enhance the natural flavors of his ingredients. This restaurant is a pilgrimage for food lovers seeking pure, unadulterated taste. 3. Table by Bruno Verjus In the heart of Paris, Table by Bruno Verjus offers an intimate dining experience that emphasizes simplicity and quality. Chef Bruno Verjus is a champion of organic and seasonal produce, crafting dishes that are as elegant as they are flavorful. The restaurant's philosophy centers on respecting the ingredients and letting their natural beauty shine. Cuisine type: Seasonal French cuisine Location: Paris, France Date opened: 2013 Owner: Bruno Verjus Price range for a meal for two (with wine): Approximately $600 Awards: Two Michelin stars. Why it was selected: Known for its commitment to organic, seasonal ingredients and minimalist culinary philosophy. Signature dishes: Roasted langoustine; Poached foie gras with seasonal fruit. 4. DiverXo Madrid's DiverXo is a sensory feast, offering a theatrical dining experience like no other. Chef Dabiz Muñoz's daring creations fuse Spanish and Asian flavors, presenting them with extraordinary flair. With its playful yet precise approach, DiverXo has become a must-visit for adventurous diners. 5. Maido Situated in the bustling city of Lima, Peru, Maido is a celebration of Nikkei cuisine, a harmonious blend of Japanese and Peruvian culinary traditions. Chef Mitsuharu 'Micha' Tsumura uses local ingredients and Japanese techniques to create dishes that are both innovative and rooted in heritage. 6. Atomix Atomix brings modern Korean fine dining to New York City, offering a chef-led experience at an intimate 14-seat counter. Junghyun and Ellia Park create a meticulously curated tasting menu that fuses traditional Korean flavors with contemporary techniques. Cuisine type: Modern Korean fine dining Location: New York City, USA Date opened: 2018 Owners: Junghyun and Ellia Park Price range for a meal for two (with wine): Approximately $800 Awards: Two Michelin stars; Best Restaurant in North America 2024 by The World's 50 Best Restaurants. Why it was selected: Renowned for its intimate dining experience and innovative Korean cuisine. Signature dishes: Charred octopus with doenjang cream; Korean beef tartare with seaweed. 7. Quintonil Quintonil in Mexico City showcases the richness of contemporary Mexican cuisine. With a focus on sustainability and local ingredients, Jorge Vallejo crafts dishes that are both deeply rooted in tradition and refreshingly modern. 8. Lido 84 Overlooking the tranquil shores of Lake Garda, Lido 84 is a testament to refined Italian dining with a modern twist. Chef Riccardo Camanini crafts imaginative dishes inspired by traditional Lombard cuisine, presented with both flair and precision. The elegant lakefront setting enhances the sensory experience, offering serenity and culinary brilliance in equal measure. Cuisine type: Contemporary Italian Location: Gardone Riviera, Italy Date opened: 2014 Owners: Riccardo and Giancarlo Camanini Price range for a meal for two (with wine): Approximately $600 Awards: One Michelin star; ranked in The World's 50 Best Restaurants Why it was selected: Known for reinventing classic Italian dishes in a setting that reflects natural beauty and calm sophistication. Signature dishes: Spaghetti with fermented garlic and almond milk; Cacio e pepe en vessie. 9. The Chairman A pioneer in contemporary Cantonese cuisine, The Chairman in Hong Kong has earned accolades for its ingredient-driven philosophy and traditional-meets-modern culinary approach. With a strong focus on sustainably sourced local produce and ancient Chinese techniques, this restaurant is a gem for those seeking authenticity elevated to fine dining status. Cuisine type: Modern Cantonese Location: Hong Kong Date opened: 2009 Owner: Danny Yip Price range for a meal for two (with wine): Approximately $500 Awards: Named Best Restaurant in Asia 2021 by Asia's 50 Best Restaurants Why it was selected: Celebrated for reimagining traditional Cantonese dishes with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Signature dishes: Steamed flowery crab with aged Shaoxing wine and flat rice noodles; Smoked baby pigeon with Longjing tea and sugarcane. 10. Gaggan Anand An explosive journey through progressive Indian cuisine, Gaggan Anand in Bangkok delivers an unorthodox yet compelling dining experience. Known for his emoji-based menu and boundary-pushing presentations, Chef Gaggan Anand's theatrical and humorous approach to food blends Indian heritage with global whimsical techniques. Cuisine type: Progressive Indian Location: Bangkok, Thailand Date opened: 2019 (reopened after closing original Gaggan in 2019) Owner: Gaggan Anand Price range for a meal for two (with wine): Approximately $700 Awards: Asia's 50 Best Restaurants top rankings; two Michelin stars Why it was selected: Renowned for redefining Indian cuisine through innovation, bold storytelling, and a playful yet serious culinary ethos. Signature dishes: Yogurt explosion; 'Lick it up' curry served without utensils. Conclusion on Top 10 Finest Restaurants These restaurants exemplify the pinnacle of fine dining, each offering a unique experience that blends innovation, tradition, and artistry. From the wood-fired techniques of Asador Etxebarri to the theatrical presentations of DiverXo, these establishments redefine what it means to dine in luxury. Note that earning a Michelin star is one of the highest honors in the culinary world, signifying excellence in cuisine, technique, and presentation. For the restaurants featured on this list that have received Michelin stars, it represents recognition from the prestigious Michelin Guide, known for its rigorous standards and anonymous inspections. A Michelin star indicates that a restaurant is worth a special journey, showcasing exceptional quality and an unforgettable dining experience. For chefs and owners, it is not only a career milestone but also a validation of their passion and artistry. Restaurants with multiple stars, such as DiverXo and Disfrutar, are celebrated for pushing the boundaries of culinary innovation and achieving near-perfect execution. Related Articles: About the Authors: Richard D. Harroch is a Senior Advisor to CEOs, management teams, and Boards of Directors. He is an expert on M&A, venture capital, startups, and business contracts. He was the Managing Director and Global Head of M&A at VantagePoint Capital Partners, a venture capital fund in the San Francisco area. His focus is on internet, digital media, AI and technology companies. He was the founder of several Internet companies. His articles have appeared online in Forbes, Fortune, MSN, Yahoo, Fox Business and Richard is the author of several books on startups and entrepreneurship as well as the co-author of Poker for Dummies and a Wall Street Journal-bestselling book on small business. He is the co-author of a 1,500-page book published by Bloomberg on mergers and acquisitions of privately held companies. He was also a corporate and M&A partner at the international law firm of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe. He has been involved in over 200 M&A transactions and 250 startup financings. He can be reached through LinkedIn. Dominique Harroch is the Chief of Staff at She has acted as a Chief of Staff or Operations Leader for multiple companies where she leveraged her extensive experience in operations management, strategic planning, and team leadership to drive organizational success. With a background that spans over two decades in operations leadership, event planning at her own start-up and marketing at various financial and retail companies. Dominique is known for her ability to optimize processes, manage complex projects and lead high-performing teams. She holds a BA in English and Psychology from U.C. Berkeley and an MBA from the University of San Francisco. She can be reached via LinkedIn.
