The Spanish omelette, or simply tortilla (not to be confused with the Mexican corn or flour tortilla) is a traditional dish consisting of a thick egg mixture made with potatoes and fried in olive oil…with or without onions. It can be well done or even liquidy à la Ferran Adria. Eat it as is or filled with anything, the Spanish tortilla has a thousand faces. Here are the top 5 places in Madrid you can try this specialty and judge for yourself:
1. Juana la Loca Plaza de Puerta de Moros 4. Metro: La Latina.
Voted the best three consecutive years (2010-2012) by 11870, this hipster gourmet tapas bar is best known for its distinctive and famous pincho de tortilla with onion confit. It is always crowded so early arrival is recommended. Cards not accepted.
Open: Tuesday-Thursday 12pm-1am/ Friday-Sunday 12:00pm-2am. Closed: Mondays.
2. Las Batuecas
Avenida de la Reina Victoria 17. Metro: Guzmán el Bueno/Cuantro Caminos
The Batuecas is one of the great establishments of the capital in home cooked meals, well prepared and with exquisite ingredients. It has an excellent quality-price ratio and the dishes are very abundant. Their most typical dish is a small tortilla bathed in a large serving of soft and well cooked tripe smothered on top.
Open: Monday-Saturday 1pm-11pm
3. Flash Flash Calle de Núñez de Balboa. Metro: Núñez de Balboa.
This fashionable restaurant has an intensive menu of all sorts of tortillas, from vegetable, fish, seafood, meat, varying potato styles…a good place to bring a group and each choose a different style for all to try!
Open: Monday-Sunday 1:30pm-1:30am
4. Sylkar Calle Espronceda, 17. Metro: Ríos Rosas
Sylkar does not need any introductions. Mythical tapas bar in the Chamberí neighborhood, with one of the best tortillas in the capital.
Open: Tuesday-Saturday 8:00am 6:00pm/8:00pm-1:00am. Closed: Sundays & Mondays.
5. La Rosa Bar Ronda de Atocha 30. Metro: Embajadores.
Oti and Luis are a Galician couple, married the same amount of years the bar’s been opened, 35 years, which opened 3 days after their wedding! A classic favorite that still maintains its original charm.
Open Monday-Friday 8am-11pm. Closed: Saturday & Sunday nights.
I love grabbing a pincho de tortilla at Sylkar, especially since it’s right in my neighborhood. So yummy, but so dangerous to have nearby!
I also really like the tortilla de patatas at Casi Dani in Barrio Salamanca. I think it’s pretty similar to Sylkar’s!