Santerra

It is hard to find a better restaurant than this for La Mancha cuisine in the Spanish capital, where the self-styled “cocina de monte bajo” (which literally means “scrubland cuisine”) is shown due respect and transformed into a gourmet experience. Located in the heart of the city’s Salamanca district, it offers different dining options, ranging from tapas and “raciones” (the Iberian ham croquettes are an absolute must) at the bar to more gastronomic fare in the dining room in the semi-basement. Chef Miguel Carretero showcases his full personality here, bringing the flavours of La Mancha to the Spanish capital through seasonal dishes in which game is ever present (roast loin of venison, duck royale, stuffed quail “a lo Tío Lucas”, pigeon soup etc) and which is particularly well expressed in his escabeches. The “media ración”-style à la carte is the perfect option to create your own personalised meal, and is complemented by the impressive Monte Bajo tasting menu.