Cafe y Tapas

There is a chain of restaurants/cafes in Madrid called Cafe y Té, which seems to be just a prevalent here as Starbucks or Costa Coffee are in Marlow. I can think of about four within walking distance from my flat off the top of my head, and I’m sure that’s an understatement!

I first discovered the chain having been flat hunting all morning. Naturally, we had worked up an appetite walking around in the hot sunshine and we decided to stop somewhere to refuel. We were first attracted to Cafe y Té because I think, if I recall correctly, it had an English or American breakfast option, which was some form of a home comfort when we had only just arrived and been flung into our adventure a full speed!

I chose an option with Spanish Omelette, my favourite, and garlic mushrooms plus some bread with tomato and oil on. Whilst I remember it was relatively tasty I was not overly impressed, it wasn’t anything to write home about so I didn’t bother to return to the chain again anytime soon.

However, on our weekly window shopping trip to Gran Via, we noticed on one of the streets leading from Sol to Gran Via (sadly more locally known as the prostitute street! ) a much more uptown version of the same brand, but instead of being called Cafe y Té, it was called Cafe y Tapas.

The shop front looks sleek and chic with vintage looking furniture in a covered outdoor area. In colder months they provide blankets for people wishing to sit outside, which I thought was a really cute touch! Having walked past this place so many times we finally decided to bite the bullet and go in for a coffee one day.

Well, coffee soon turned into tapas and we ended up not wanting to leave! While the menu is slightly pricey compared to some other tapas bars in Madrid, the food was very good and definitely worth it!

Aleesha and I shared a portion of albondigas (meatballs) with mini patatas fritas (chips/fries) and some calamares (calamari) and Aleesha also went for a little extra of bread with crab and some kind of sauce.

The presentation of the food was immaculate; you could tell they put a lot of thought into it. The meatballs came in a mini casserole dish which was adorable and the calamari were skewered across a bowl meaning they were just dipped into a delicious sauce lying below.

We didn’t have to wait very long at all to be served and for the food to come and the waiting staff were all extremely welcoming and friendly, conversating with us about England and encouraging our use of the Spanish language.

The interior of the restaurant reminds me of a trendy bars you might come across in London. The furniture, while a mismatch of different sized chairs and tables, fit perfectly within the atmosphere they had created. It was a very relaxed, chilled vibe and I can see now why it is always so busy in there! Whilst unfortunately places in the red light district, the restaurant is closer to the end of the road where the Police Station lies meaning you don’t have to watch the show while you’re eating!

While the food was delicious, this is not great if you’re on a student budget, even a glass of coke is 3. 45! Much better to save for when the parents visit I think! Nonetheless a really good place to keep in mind for a cozy drink in the winter or tapas on a relaxing sunny day!