GENERAL GUIDE TO MADRID

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This general information package has been designed to help you organize your trip, prepare for your visit

to IE Business School – and get the best out of the city during your free moments

CONTENTS

IE Business School Location 3

Map 3

Madrid Fast Facts 4, 5

Emergency Telephone Numbers 6

Pharmacies 7

About Madrid 8

Sightseeing 8 - 12

Shopping 13, 14

Dry-cleaning and Laundry 16

Dining Out 18 – 36

Vegetarian Cuisine 18 – 20

Kosher Cuisine 21

Spanish Cuisine 22 – 26

Basque Cuisine 27

Mediterranean Cuisine 28 – 32

Italian Cuisine 33 – 35

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Russian 36

IE BUSINESS SCHOOL LOCATION

The IE urban campus has a surface area of some 20,000m2 distributed among 17 buildings located in the financial district of Madrid, known as the Barrio de Salamanca.

IE Business School

Maria de Molina 11

28006 Madrid

Tel: +34 91 568 96 10

Fax: +34 91 568 97 10

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MADRID FAST FACTS

If this is your first visit to Madrid, here are a few things you will find useful.

Language

The official language in Spain is Spanish, also called Castellano (Castillian).

Currency

C/ Maria de Molina 11

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As of January 2002, the Euro is the official currency of the European Union and is therefore the currency used in Spain. There are notes of 5, 10, 20, 50,100, 200 and 500 Euros, coins worth 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents and 1 and 2 Euros.

Check the exchange rate at http://www.ecb.int/stats/exchange/eurofxref/html/index.en.html

Time Zone

GMT/UTC +1 (Central European Time)

Smoking

Smoking is forbidden in Spain’s public and private places, including public transportation, companies, universities etc. Larger restaurants are either non-smoking or have a non-smoking section. Smoking is prohibited at IE including belonging parks and gardens.

Weather

The winter in Madrid is fairly cold (with temperatures of 48ºF, 9ºC, in December and January) though dry as well. It snows occasionally, but it is uncommon to have much accumulation. The temperatures at night frequently drop to 32ºF (0ºC).

Springtime is undoubtedly the nicest season of the year in Madrid. The days are long and the temperatures pleasant, though it can cool down at night. Rain is not uncommon in spring.

The summer in Madrid is quite hot, especially in July and August. During those months the temperature can reach 100ºF (40ºC). During the hot summer nights, the temperature does not cool down, making air conditioning almost essential. Rain is infrequent during summer, though there are occasional storms.

Autumn in Madrid, just like spring, is particularly pleasant. The days are neither cold nor hot, and the nights are equally pleasing. At the end of autumn rain is more frequent.

Voltage

Local electricity is 220V 50 HzHz and plugs are European plug model with two circular metal pins.

Calling Spain

The international dialling code for Spain is 00 34.

For example, to call IE you will need to dial +34-91-568 96 00.

Medical Assistance

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IE students are responsible for their own medical insurance. If you require medical assistance for a minor complaint, you can seek advice at the pharmacy (see Page 6); for more urgent matters the nearest hospital to IE is Hospital de la Princesa on Calle Diego de León, 62 (metro Diego de León).

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Emergency Telephone Numbers

For any serious emergency or accidents, call 112.

Other Emergency Telephone Number

European Community Emergency Services 112

Madrid Information Services 010

Civil Protection 91-537 31 00

National Police Force 091

Municipal Police Force 092

Guardia Civil (Civil Guard) 062

Fire-fighters 080

Social Security 061

Toxicological Department (in case of poisoning) 91-562 04 20

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Pharmacies

The nearest pharmacies to Instituto de Empresa, with normal opening hours of 09.30-13.45 and 17.00-20.00 Monday to Friday and 09.30-13.45 on Saturdays can be found at:

Calle Serrano, 112

Maria de Molina, 3, 22 and 58

Calle Lopez de Hoyos, 7

Calle Lagasca 130

Calle Velazquez, 70 (open 24 hours)

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ABOUT MADRID Madrid, at 650 m above sea level, is the highest capital in Europe. The Paseo de la Castellana (which converts at the southern end into Paseo de los Recoletos and then Paseo del Prado) is the backbone of the city, running north-south and connecting Madrid’s two main train stations Charmartin and Atocha. The historic parts of Madrid are located between the Paseo del Prado and the Palacio Real (Royal Palace) in the west. The neighbourhoods south-east of the Puerta del Sol, considered as the heart of Madrid, are packed with restaurants, bars and cafés, giving Madrid irresistible vitality and creating an urban centre that remains lively into the early hours of the morning.

Plaza de España

Madrid is the Spanish political and economic capital. The head offices of practically all large Spanish companies are located here along with the main subsidiaries of multinationals. Madrid has a population of approximately 3,155,000 people. The Regional Community of Madrid occupies some 8,000 km², while the city has a surface area of 607 km².

SIGHT-SEEING

PLACES OF Plaza Mayor

INTEREST Metro: Sol. Lines 1, 2 and 3

Madrid's imperial heart beats loudest at Plaza Mayor, the town square designed in 1619 by Juan Gómez de Mora. Popular as a site for autos-da-fe (the ritual condemnation of heretics often followed by burning at the stake), it is now given over to those who fancy an alfresco drink or snack.

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Plaza de los Toros, c/ Alcalá, 237

Metro: Line 2 and 5

www.las-ventas.com

This enormous Moorish amphitheatre seating 25,000 dates from the 1930’s. Its primary function is as the seat of ever-popular bull-fighting ‘corridos’, which take place from March until October, although concerts and circuses are also staged here.

Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Avenida Concha Espina 1

Metro: Santiago Bernabéu. Line 10.

www.santiagobernabeu.com

The Stadium takes its name from its patron, the elected President of 1943. The home of Real Madrid now accommodates 80,000 avid spectators and has hosted the 1969 and 1980 European Cup finals and the 1982 World Cup.

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Parque de Retiro

Metro: Retiro. Line 2

The largest green space in the city centre was founded as a rural retreat (‘retiro’) before being gradually enveloped by urbanisation. The park is Madrid’s favourite area for walks in the Rose Garden, cycling, rollerblading, sipping coffee in the sun, even catching exhibitions and puppet shows. The Gate of Alcalá, at the north-west corner, was built as an imposing east-boundary of the city (on the road to Aragon) and was

moved here in the19th century.

Plaza de Cibeles

Metro: Banco de España

Elevated from a mere road junction to a focal point of the city, the plaza where Paseo de la Castellana joins Paseo de Recoletos and Calle de Alcalá becomes crowded with Real Madrid fans to celebrate major matches. Some of the most imposing architecture in Madrid is found here in Banco de España and Palacio de Comunicaciones (former Post Office Headquarters).

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GALLERIES

& MUSEUMS

Museo del Prado, Paseo del Prado

Metro Banco de España/ Atocha

09.00-20.00, Tuesday to Sunday

The nation’s largest and finest collection of international and Spanish traditional art, including an excellent section of works by Francisco Goya, housed in a worthily grand gallery that was patronised by various Spanish Monarchs. We strongly recommend buying admission tickets on-line to avoid waiting in line: http://museoprado.mcu.es.

The Prado Museum

Museo Thyssen Bornemisza, Paseo del Prado, 8

Metro Banco de España

10.00-19.00, Tuesday to Sunday

18th to 20th century masterpieces, the majority of which are paintings, based on a private collection. The span of works links the heavily-traditional Prado and ultra-modern Reina Sofia, venturing from Northern Europe to America via the French Renaissance and Italian Baroque periods.

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Museo Reina Sofía, Santa Isabel, 52

Metro Atocha

10-21.00 Monday to Saturday (closed on Tuesday), 10-14.30 Sunday

Whist the permanent collection of contemporary art (painting by Picasso, Miró and Dalí as well as works in every other medium exploited in the modern era) is very well-presented, the building itself with an

impressive Jean Nouvel addition is worth the visit.

Palacio Real, Calle Bailén

Metro Opera

09.30-17.00 Monday-Saturday, 09.00-14.00 Sundays.

The site has seen remarkable transformation since its days as a defence-base for Toledo, the formerly-empowered nearby city, to grandiose palace of Kings of Spain since the time of Carlos I. About fifty of the 2,800 magnificent rooms are open for viewing.

National Archaeology Museum, Serrano 13

Metro Serrano

09.00-20.30, Tuesday to Saturday, 09.30-14.00 Sunday

Created to unite the artefacts accumulated by Spanish monarchs, the Museum continues to gather items from within the Spanish peninsula together with Greek and Egyptian

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findings, from prehistory onwards. The intention is to demonstrate the theory of Evolution through a carefully-arranged, chronological and geographically-coherent collection.

SHOPPING The majority of shops are open from Monday to Friday from 9.30 to 13.30 or 14.00, and again in the evening from 16.30 or 17.00 to 20.30. Large chain stores or shopping malls open Monday to Friday from 9.30 or 10.00 until 21.00 or 22.00. Some large stores and shopping malls also open on the first Sunday

of each month. Some restaurants, supermarkets, bookstores etc. are open every day until 03.00h in the morning. Public entities have a working timetable of Monday to Friday 09.00 to 14.00. Bank Services: Branches are opened from Monday to Friday from 08.30 to 14-15h. Some banks also open on Saturdays from 8 to 14h.

The Salamanca district is renowned for high-quality shopping on calles Serrano, Velazquez, and everything in between (Ayala and Hermosilla in particular). Calle de Goya is a stretch of more accessible fashion shops, including Spanish favourites Zara and

Mango. Below are some recommendations that showcase the best of Spanish retail:

WINE Lavinia, Calle José Ortega y Gasset 16

Metro Nuñez de Balboa

The enticing and extensive selection of predominantly-Spanish wine spreads out below a balcony café where ordering coffee would be blasphemous.

SPANISH Mallorca, Calle Velazquez 59

PRODUCTS Artisanal cakes, fine wines, superb cured hams are all to be found in Madrid’s favourite chain of delicatessens.

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GENERAL El Corte Ingles, Calle de Serrano 47

Metro Nuñez de Balboa/ Buses 9 and 51

For shoes, sports, toys, towels, souvenirs, etc. plus a large international supermarket is found at El Corte Ingles.

NOTE: Almost all stores can process the “Tax Free”. Make sure to bring your passport. With the “Tax Free” forms you would be able to get back at the airport the sales tax from all purchases made in Spain.

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Dry Cleaners and Laundry

Address: c/ Diego de Leon 40

28006 Madrid

Opening hours: 8:30 to 20:30 (Mon-Sat)

Serviced they offer:

- dry-cleaning

- wet-cleaning

- laundry

- ironing

- folding

- waterproofing

- urgent services (1 hour)

What they clean…

- Shirts

Personal items:

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- Suits

- Wedding Gowns

- First Communion Dresses

- Baptism Gowns

- Cocktail Dresses, etc.

- Duvets

Household items:

- Blankets

- Sheets

- Table Cloths, etc.

- Leather and fur (suede, peccary, nubuck, etc.)

- Carpets, jarapa rugs, bedside rug, etc.

- Curtains, see-through shades, sofas, etc.

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Restaurants in Madrid

VEGETARIAN

1. Al Natural Restaurant

C/ Zorrilla 11 28014 Madrid Tel. 913694709 Metro: Sevilla 1pm-4pm & 9 pm-midnights Monday-Saturday, 1pm-4pm Sunday http://www.alnatural.biz/index_ingles.htm

Al Natural is a traditional restaurant offering Vegetarian cuisine. The average price of a 3-course meal at the Al Natural restaurant is 25 Euros.

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Al Natural restaurant started in 1994 in the heart of Madrid offering healthy fat-free meals. With over 60 plates to choose from, in a warm atmosphere that welcomes you to relax and enjoy your stay. Although it's not the most sophisticated of Madrid's few vegetarian restaurants, it certainly is one of the best. The quality and freshness of the ingredients used in the kitchen are outstanding. The subtle lighting and the carefully positioned plants create a warm and cozy atmosphere in the dining room. House specials are Mushroom Stroganoff and Eggplant Gratin. The restaurant has seating capacity for 70 guests distributed in three dining rooms, which are all non-smoking rooms. They have a daily fixed menu for lunch from Monday to Friday for just 11,20 Euros.

2. La Biotika Restaurant

Amor de Dios 3 Madrid Tel. 914 290780 Metro: Antón Martín Open every day. Nearby parking. Payment methods: cash only http://www.labiotika.es/ http://www.gomadrid.com/rest/biotika.html

La Biotika is a modern macrobiotic vegetarian restaurant offering Vegetarian cuisine.

Vegetarian cuisine doesn't get a lot of attention in most Madrid restaurants, but this discovery is a rare exception.

Opening east of the landmark Plaza Santa Ana, it is intimate and charming. It serves the capital's best macrobiotic vegetarian cuisine, and does so exceedingly well.

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I always begin with one of the homemade soups, which are made fresh daily, and then have one of the large, fresh salads. The bread is also made fresh daily.

One specialty is a "meatball without meat" (made with vegetables but shaped like a meatball). Tofu with zucchini and many other offerings appear daily.

This restaurant comes a breath of fresh air for vegetarians visiting Madrid. Creative tofu and seitan dishes and a variety of salads and soups.

You may also buy macrobiotic products in their small store.

3. La Galette II Restaurant

Bárbara de Braganza, 10 28004 Madrid Tel. 91 319 31 48 Fax. 91 308 54 13 Metro: Colón Price: 20€ onwards Payment method: cash, credit cards. http://www.frommers.com/destinations/madrid/D3475.html

La Galette II is a traditional restaurant offering Vegetarian cuisine.

The average price of a 3-course meal at the La Galette II restaurant is 20 Euros.

Its interior decor and atmosphere is a successful attempt to recreate the High Romantic period with its candlelight and baroque music. It certainly brings in a sophisticated clientele in their 30s and 40s.

This restaurant offers an interesting vegetarian menu with a few meat dishes for the less orthodox.

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The salads and rice dishes are excellent and the famous house specialties are Austrian desserts and apple croquettes.

Fodor's Review:

This quaint place will satisfy both vegetarians and nonvegetarians. In the evening it's candle lighted, and baroque music plays in the background. Specialties include apple croquets (béchamel and apple mixed in a bread crumb crust and then deep fried), spinach with tofu, onion soup, and cream of zucchini.

KOSHER CUISINE

1. Naomi Grill Restaurant

Calle Pensamiento, 25 28020 Madrid Tel. 91 571 6923 Fax. 91 449 0382 Metro: Tetuán http://www.naomigrill.com/

Naomi Grill is a traditional restaurant offering kosher cuisine.

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The average price of a main course dish at the Naomi Grill restaurant is 14 Euros. The average price of a 3-course meal at the Naomi Grill restaurant is 36 Euros. NAOMI GRILL is a Kosher Restaurant supervised by the Rabanut Harashid from the Jewish Community Center of Madrid, Rab. Moshe Bendahan. They can deliver meals for Shabbat to your hotel. This is great kosher food.

SPANISH CUISINE

1. Casa Mingo Restaurant

Paseo de la Florida 2 near Glorieta de San Vicente Madrid Tel. 915 477918 Metro: Príncipe Pío Payment methods: cash (credit cards not accepted).

http://www.frommers.com/destinations/madrid/D63242.html

Casa Mingo is a traditional restaurant offering Spanish cuisine.

One of Madrid's many Asturian taverns where it is essential to sample some of their natural sidra (cider).

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Reservations by phone are not accepted so it's advisable to pass by an hour or so in advance of your meal to see how busy it is. If necessary, speak to the waiters - on busy days you should be able to put

your name down on the waiting list to sit at the long wooden benches.

Typical Asturian dishes are fabes con almejas (white beans and clams in a tasty sauce) and chorizo a la sidra (spicy pork sausages cooked in cider).

2. Castellana 8 Restaurant

Paseo de la Castellana 8 28046 Madrid Tel. 91 578 3487 Fax. 91 577 8240 Metro: Colón

http://www.gomadrid.com/rest/Castellana-8.html

Castellana 8 is a modern restaurant offering Spanish cuisine.

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The average price of a 3-course meal at the Castellana 8 restaurant is 32 Euros.

This restaurant, with its avant-garde design, is located in the centre of Madrid. It has a cosmopolitan ambience and is suitable for any moment of the day; to enjoy a good meal, or visit their cocktail bar with a group of friends, since at night, the restaurant becomes a cocktail bar with magic shows and DJ's.

This is a modern restaurant, without forsaking traditional Spanish dishes. The menu is renewed frequently to take advantage of fresh seasonal products. On Sundays they offer a fantastic New York-style brunch.

3. Jose Luis Restaurant

Rafael Salgado 11 28036 Madrid Tel. 914844300 Metro: Santiago Bernabéu Mon-Sun 12.30pm-1am http://www.joseluis.es/ http://www.gomadrid.com/rest/Jose-Luis.html

This restaurant is part of a famous Spanish restaurant chain - Jose Luis. It was founded in 1960 and is one of the more traditional restaurants in Madrid, where you can enjoy traditional Basque cuisine, prepared in a creative way. Jose Luis is a real classic Madrid restaurant situated close to Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu stadium.

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The food is a mix of Basque and international cuisine along with various tapas and the famous Jose Luis “pinchos” of which there are many varieties. The restaurant is part of the Jose Luis Group which is one of the most well known and well respected restaurant groups in Spain who are synonymous with quality and great service. Founded by Jose Luis Ruiz the group has various eateries and bars across the country along with its very own bodega in Rueda, Valladolid. The wine list at Jose Luis includes many varieties from this bodega. The actual restaurant is an elegant setting in plums, whites and beiges and has a large covered terrace. The menu includes some delicious choices such as cesar salad with langoustines, beef wellington, oxtail stew, lobster salad with mango vinaigrette followed by desserts like cappuccino ice cream served on a brownie with caramelized fruit. The prices reflect the quality of the food and service, therefore if it’s a quick, cheap meal before or after the match you’re looking for this isn’t the place. However if you wish to dine in style and enjoy some amazing cuisine, Jose Luis will not disappoint.

4. La bola

Calle Bola, 5 Tel. 915417164

First opened as a botellería (wine shop) in 1802, La Bola developed slowly into a tapas bar and eventually into a full-fledged restaurant. The traditional setting is the draw: the bar is original and the cozy dining nooks, decorated with polished wood, Spanish tile, and lace curtains, are charming. The restaurant still belongs to the founding family, with the seventh generation currently in training.

The house specialty is cocido a la madrileña (a hearty meal of broth, garbanzo beans, vegetables, potatoes, and pork).

This is the taberna in which to savor the 19th century. Just north of the Teatro Real, it's one of the few restaurants (if not the only one) left in Madrid with a blood-red facade; at

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one time, nearly all fashionable restaurants were so coated. Time stands still inside the restaurant, with its traditional atmosphere, gently polite waiters, Venetian crystal, and aging velvet. Ava Gardner and her entourage of bullfighters dined here. Grilled sole, filet of veal, and roast veal are regularly featured. Basque-style hake and grilled salmon are well recommended.

5. La Arroceria 101 Arroces

Avda Alberto Alcocer 42 28016 Madrid Tel. 914 572 757 Metro: Colombia

La Arrocería 101 Arroces is a traditional restaurant offering Mediterranean cuisine.

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The average price of a 3-course meal at the La Arrocería 101 Arroces restaurant is 30 euros.

This restaurant specializes in paellas and other rice dishes, paying special attention to the quality of ingredients used.

The range of dishes on offer is such that, as the restaurant's name indicates, they boast 101 different varieties

The rice is home-grown by a cooperative in Tarragona and is available in the Bomba, Basmati and Carnolli varieties, this last one ideal for risottos.

The restaurant is closed on Monday and on Sunday it opens only at lunchtime. There is a public carpark nearby in Plaza Republica Dominicana.

BASQUE CUISINE

1. Dantxari Restaurant

Ventura Rodriguez 8 28008 Madrid Tel. 915423524 Metro: Ventura Rodríguez Opened daily 1:30pm-4pm, 8:30pm-Midnight Payment methods: Visa, Master Card, American Express, Diner's Club

http://www.dantxari.com/

http://www.gomadrid.com/rest/Dantxari.html

Dantxari is a traditional restaurant offering Basque cuisine. If you would like try typical Basque cuisine such as grilled meats and fish and flavorsome stews, Dantxari is the perfect restaurant for you.

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The dishes are prepared in a traditional way with a modern touch. On the top floor is a collection of antique clocks which is well worth seeing. Dantxari Restaurant offers an excellent service and mouth watering delicacies. Whole bread ice cream made of brown bread and brown sugar with coffee cream is one of the traditional dishes served here.

MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE

1. La Buganvilla Restaurant

C/. Almagro, 12 28010 Madrid Tel. 913 197 550 Fax. 913 197 502 Metro: Alonso Martínez

http://www.restaurant-guide.com/la-buganvilla-hotel-botanico.htm

La Buganvilla is a traditional restaurant offering Mediterranean cuisine.

The average price of a main course dish at the La Buganvilla restaurant is 19 Euros. The average price of a 3-course meal at the La Buganvilla restaurant is 40 Euros. The La Buganvilla restaurant is located in one of the most stylish streets in the city. It specializes in Mediterranean food in general and in rice dishes in particular, with a wide selection of dishes created from top quality ingredients.

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You will be able to experience authentic paella at this elegant establishment where only quality ingredients are used in the elaboration of freshly-cooked paella dishes. The restaurant consists of a main dining area and several smaller rooms often used for groups or for a more secluded environment. The maritime theme is maintained with a subtle nautical decor, and the level of quality and excellence is evident as soon as you walk in the door, all of which creates a very pleasant ambience to enjoy some excellent Mediterranean cuisine.

2. Cafetech Restaurant

C/Hortaleza, 3 28004 Madrid Tel. 91 542 5115 Metro: Gran Via Mon - Fri: 10:30 – 22:30h, Sat: 11:30 – 22:30h, Closed Sunday & Public Holidays

http://www.gomadrid.com/rest/Cafetech.html

Cafetech is a bistro restaurant offering Mediterranean cuisine. Located close to the Chueca district, this modern restaurant is one of the best in the area in terms of price-quality ratio. Their "menu del día" lunch is available for just €10, superb value for the local office workers or visitors to the nearby shops in Fuencarral Street or Madrid's city centre. There is a private lounge with capacity for up to 50 guests, available for group meals or company events. Specialities:

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Delicious breakfasts and elaborated snacks, where the guest will be able to combine preferences to taste. There are home-made pastries, cakes (their specialty is a carrot and cheese cake with cranberries), the chef's delicious French toast, "pastas" or the traditional Tortilla Española (Spanish omelet) and other savory varieties. One of the best options is to try their menu of typical Madrileño food, which varies every day. Additional information:

• Public parking nearby • Average price: 10-15€ • All major credit cards accepted • Points for Bonochef guests • Panoramic TV

3. Nodo Restaurant Velázquez, 150 28002 Madrid Tel. 91 564 4044 Metro: República Argentina Monday-Sunday 1pm-Midnight http://www.restaurantenodo.es/ http://www.frommers.com/destinations/madrid/D54970.html

Nodo is a gourmet / formal restaurant offering Mediterranean cuisine. The average price of a main course dish at the Nodo restaurant is 20 Euros. The average price of a 3-course meal at the Nodo restaurant is 50 Euros. Nodo is currently one of Madrid’s hottest restaurants, offering a fusion of Spanish and Oriental cuisine and attracts a large amount of celebrity clientele. The restaurant is ultra cool with sleek minimalistic

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interiors in neutral shades and has a stunning Japanese style garden with a beautiful pond in the centre reflecting peace and tranquility. Nodo’s owner and Chef Alberto Chicote has created an innovative menu, successfully fusing East & West with his culinary creations such as Asian tuna with Malaga white wine sauce or baby squid cooked in its own ink. Simple but exotically named desserts like white chocolate bombe and napoleón de fresas finish off the meal. An unusual and unique fusion of Mediterranean and Japanese cuisines, this kitchen serves up dishes such as Tuna Tataki with White Garlic and Almond Sauce, and Revuelto de Setas (Scrambled Eggs with Wild Mushrooms). Dishes such as Salad with Octopus or Creamy Ravioli de Carbonara are very popular among customers and the special Nodo box 4 course menu is suitable for those in a hurry. The restaurant has an ample wine list which includes Spanish favorites such as Ribera del Dueros or Riojas,and Japanese sake is also available. You can choose to eat on the lively and noisy ground floor, or on the brighter and more peaceful first floor. The restaurant has a special ambience created by famous architect Dani Freixes. The service at Nodo is extremely attentive and the prices are not as high as you would expect, judging by its ultrachic appearance and the type of customers it attracts. This really is a gastronomical journey that will not disappoint. It is advisable to book a table in advance however as this is one hot Madrid eatery at the moment. The big window in front of the kitchen enables you to view the cooking process.

4. La Polenta Restaurant Plaza de la Marina Española, 4 28013 Madrid Tel. 915423895 Metro: Plaza de España http://www.restaurantepolenta.com/entrada.html http://www.gomadrid.com/rest/Restaurante-Polenta.html

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Restaurante Polenta is a modern restaurant offering Mediterranean cuisine. The average price of a main course dish at the Restaurante Polenta restaurant is 18 Euros. The average price of a 3-course meal at the Restaurante Polenta restaurant is 40 Euros. Polenta is in a privileged setting in the oldest part of Madrid - Madrid de los Austrias - opposite the Senate and close to the Royal Palace, the Sabatini gardens and the Teatro Real. After enticing you with an imaginative hors d'oeuvre made from its namesake polenta, its friendly waiters will undoubtedly recommend one of the house specialties, although the long list of tempting options makes choosing difficult. The menu features dishes that mix the oriental and the Mediterranean; the traditional and the innovative, punctuated with some excellent soups. One ordering option is the curious but clever 'encadenados' for 2, 3 or 4 people, which allows you to choose several items from the menu at a fixed price. The restaurant is originally decorated and is both relaxed and modern with excellent music. It's a great choice for either quick or lingering business lunches.

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ITALIAN CUISINE

1. Teatriz Restaurant

Calle Hermosilla 15 28001 Madrid Tel. 915775379 Metro: Serrano Price per person: 30 to 40€ (VAT not included)

http://www.gomadrid.com/rest/Teatriz.html

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Teatriz is a gourmet / formal restaurant offering Italian cuisine. Teatriz is a particularly unique and stylish Madrid restaurant, located in the elegant district of Salamanca and occupying what was previously the Teatro Beatriz theatre. The restaurant bar is situated where once stood the stage, the dining tables sit in the space the theatre seats once occupied and the high ceilings offer ample evidence of the restaurants origins. The decoration of the restaurant was designed by Philippe Starck, with avant-garde decor whilst maintaining the feel for the building's classic architecture and including soft lighting and a spectacular fountain combining marble, gold and silver with blue light. Even the bathrooms are worth visiting! The food reflects the spirit of this French architect and designer, with a unique and modern blend of creative Italian-style cooking. It is also worth checking out the selection of excellent tapas and canapés - small delicate bites, inspired by the northern region of the Basque country. They also offer an 'after theatre' menu at very interesting prices.

2. Via Appia

C/ Union 10 28013 Madrid Metro: Opera Opening hours: Mon-Sun 1pm-3.30pm/9pm-11.30pm

http://www.gomadrid.com/rest/Via-Appia.html

Via Appia really stands out among Madrid’s many Italian restaurants for the quality of its cuisine and the standard of service.

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Via Appia is an excellent Italian restaurant situated in the very centre of Madrid and brings the best in Roman gastronomy to Spain’s capital city.

This attractive Italian eatery is fairly new to Madrid and is proving itself very popular indeed. A chic, modern venue, the décor is understated modernity with light wooden walls and black and white table linens, creating a harmonious and laid back ambience.

The food is fantastic at Via Appia, a real testament to its growing popularity in the city of Madrid, with specialties such as fresh pasta served with artichokes and clams or the saltimbocca a la romana.

For those who love real Italian cooking, reserve a table at Via Appia, you won’t be disappointed.

3. Trattoria Pulcinella

Regueros, 7 Madrid, Spain 28004 +34 91 3197363 Subway station: Alonso Martinez Open from 14:00 to 16:00 and from 21:00 to 00:00 (Fri and Sat till 01:00)

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Pulcinella is an authentic Italian restaurant.

Its stylish modern interior and its superb pizzas attract a lively young clientele at night. During the day it's pretty quiet. The menu features a wide variety of carpaccios, an excellent tiramisu for dessert and a good selection of Italian wines.

It's on a fairly quiet street where cars are not allowed to park, but the surrounding area is a vibrant nightlife zone full of bars and clubs.

RUSSIAN CUISINE

1. El Cosaco

Plaza de la Paja, 2 28005 Madrid Tel: 91 365 35 48

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Closed on Monday; mid-day. Credit cards accepted.

http://www.restauranteelcosaco.com/

http://www.gomadrid.com/rest/cosaco.html

El Cosaco is a bistro restaurant offering Russian cuisine. One of the best Russian restaurants in Madrid, this cozy little restaurant provides a perfect setting for a romantic, candlelit dinner.

The stroganoff specialty is to be recommended, as well as Chekov duck and blini stuffed with caviar. Wash it all down with one of their good selection of vodkas.

Bon appetite!