Where can I get a good paella in Madrid? This is one of the most common questions I receive. Many would be quick to say, “well for one thing, don’t go to Plaza Mayor,” while others say, “don’t bother, the best paella is in Valencia.” Truth be told, I have never researched the paella scene of Madrid, so really, I am a useless contributor to the paella discussion.
That was until now, because now I bring the crème de la crème of the Madrid rice scene. Well, not me but the agency Nacho Sandoval – Estrategias and Marketing. These guys are the brains behind the famous “Pulpo Passion Madrid” and the “La Mejor Fabada de Madrid,” where the best restaurants compete to offer their best version of said dish. This time it’s the second edition of “La Ruta de la Paella y El Arroz.” In total, 27 restaurants in Madrid will participate, offering menus that range between 25€ and 40€. You will be able to try the most traditional of paella and rice dishes to the most innovative dishes that have gone through the most recent processes of Spanish cuisine modernisation.
The main reason behind this project is to give a push and to promote the food sector dedicated to rice in Madrid. This is only right since paella is one of the most quintessentially Spanish dishes that everyone is always on the hunt for on any visit to Spain. Many are the paellas sold to expats and tourists and many are the “what was the fuss” left behind after a failed attempt. So this time, with “La Ruta de la Paella y El Arroz,” we can finally do it right. Paella in Madrid is hit and miss, find a good one and you’re set!
The event starts on the 10th of June and will go on until the 26th of June in all participating restaurants. The beauty of it all is that the restaurants are dotted all over the city. So for sure, there will be one a short hop and a skip away from you. The 27 participating restaurants are as follows:
- Arrocería Daniela. Calle de Atocha, 12
- Arrocería Rotonda de Pacífico. Avenida Ciudad De Barcelona 81
- Arrocería Entre Naranjos. Calle de Numancia, 2
- Arrocería Arroz y Café. Cavanilles 5
- Restaurante Que si quieres Arroz Catalina. Palacio de la Mision, Calle Principal de Provincias, 9
- Restaurante Couzapin. Calle de Menorca, 33
- Sidrería Carlos Tartiere. Calle de Menorca, 35
- Restaurante La Hoja. Calle del Doctor Castelo, 48
- Restaurante Rías Bajas. Calle Alustante, 11
- Taberna La Peseta. Plaza Puerta Cerrada, 3
- Manolo 1934 Restaurante.Calle Princesa, 83
- Restaurante Ferreiro Zorita. Calle Comandante Zorita, 32
- Marisquería Salamar. Calle de Cartagena, 103
- Cervecería Cruz Blanca Vallecas. Calle de Carlos Martín Álvarez, 58
- Restaurante El Menú de Alona. Calle Santa Clara, 10
- Restaurante Los Galayos. Calle Botoneras, 5
- Bar La Gallega. Calle Santa Engracia, 159
- Restaurante Casa Gallega. Calle Bordadores. 11
- Restaurante Ferreiro Paseo de Florida. Paseo de la Florida, 15
- Asador El Molinón. Paseo de la Florida, 17
- Sidrería Casa Lulo.Avenida Reina Victoria 50
- Restaurante El Pato Mudo. Calle de Costanilla de Los Ángeles, 8
- Restaurante Küiru. Santa Engracia, 141
- Restaurante La Buganvilla. Calle de Almagro, 12
- Restaurante La Mar. Plaza de Oriente, 6
- Restaurante Adri.Calle del Párroco Don Lorenzo, 12. Valdemoro
- Restaurante Casa de Valencia. Paseo del Pintor Rosales, 58
Before you go, you can see the menus on offer at each restaurant to help you make a wise decision. Happy rice-eating all!!