El Infante

Looking down on other people is one of life’s greatest pleasures, and a restaurant that not only permits but even encourages this delicious pursuit, has earned itself a handful of coin in my book.

I’m a sucker for a bit of original décor, and when a restaurant offers me a swirling straw mirror then I will recommend it to all and sundry and pay no heed to the raised eyebrows and worried glances shared among my listeners, acquaintances or otherwise.

There is also a white piano which, should one be so talented, would enable one to play a few tunes from ‘Casablanca’ as customers turn away.

The lamps are also original, some of them apparently being discards from theatres or fighter bombers, all of them interesting. And the mix of furniture is daring to say the least.

There are some tastefully attractive black and white photos adorning the walls and unobtrusive music.

El Infante is situated in a quiet, pedestrian street in the historic centre, next to the Tapineria Pop up market, and has a terrace for when the weather is better.

As for the food, we ordered the set menu, which cost about 14 euros and has croquettes of ‘cocido’ a stew that is typical of Madrid and at Christmas time especially and a nice, varied salad, followed by sirloin steak and baked cod.

All very edible. The wine list was a bit expensive, the cheapest bottle being a 16€ Juan de Juanes, which, being cheap, is what I ordered, although I prefer to pay 3.15€ for it at Carrefour.

All in all, more pros than cons and another one to add to your list of places I wouldn’t mind eating in.

El Infante is located at Carrer de la Tapineria, 11.