Tapas Restaurants in Madrid: Taberna el Tempranillo

Earth tones, a rustic finish, and a small bar space all give the impression of an old-style tavern, but the posh crowds and pricey wine list make Taberna el Tempranillo feel more like a chic tapas bar.  Don’t be fooled, though: while the vino is about 15 euro a bottle, the food ins’t too expensive and it tastes even better than it sounds on the menu.

Try portions like the boiled ham, with its buttery flavor and a trio of sauces to choose from on the side.  Or take any of their toasted baguettes served a la tapa, like the one with blue cheese and endives, which comes with a touch of cecina, deliciously tender, dried meat that’s typical of León, a province in northwest Spain.  The tapa with melted cheese and zucchini is another scrumptious treat offered up here.

If a plate of tapas isn’t in the mix, then order one of the house recommendations.  The sautéed codfish with asparagus, for example, is uniquely tasteful, and prepared so fresh that steam pours out when the fillet is easily sliced open with a fork.  A bottle of red or white wine accompanies the food perfectly, and the selection is pretty experimental (this is the first time a Syrah has been seen toward the top of a Spanish wine list).  The waiters are a tad testy, but they’re on the ball when it comes to fast service.

Taberna el Tempranillo
Calle Cava Baja, 38
Telephone: 913 641 532
Metro: La Latina

By Michelle Campagna

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