This is an address that must be noted in the agenda so as not to forget it, especially for lovers of good tapas, Calle Lagasca, 19, Madrid. There is the Barra Alta restaurant, the twin brother of the one in Barcelona. Both restaurants are led by chef Daniel Roca who has updated grandmother’s classic dishes to turn them into delicious dishes especially designed to share.
The Madrid restaurant is located in the heart of the Salamanca neighborhood, one of the most exclusive in the capital, but that does not make it unattainable. On the contrary, its gastronomic proposal, whose main pillar is good raw materials, has affordable prices so that anyone can enjoy eating, at least that is Daniel’s philosophy so far.
As soon as you cross the door, your attention is drawn to the large marble bar that presides over the room. Several high stools serve to accommodate diners who want to have a bite to eat. Behind it is the open kitchen, nothing is hidden there. The quality products – which are purchased from local suppliers – are molded into a not very long menu, of hot and cold starters, such as the salad with crystal shrimp or the croquettes of roasted meat and foie Rougié, their mini brioche of squid with escalibado garlic mayonnaise, a nod to the Madrid calamari sandwich, and its patatas bravas, accompanied by the three sauces: escalibado garlic, chipotle and gochujang; some dishes, such as the acorn feather that is served very tender or the meatball casserole with cuttlefish; and many other desserts, chocolate with oil and salt; cheesecake made in the oven with four different types; or the Catalan cream, very soft and accompanied by cream and carquiñolis.
They are simple preparations that Daniel has reinterpreted without frills but with a special touch that does not mask the flavor and turns them into small gastronomic works. In addition to the menu, two tasting menus are offered, Madrid and Lagasca, the first consists of four starters to share, a main course and a dessert, while the second is shared from start to finish. It is a beautiful place with a casual design that is divided into two spaces, one in front of the open kitchen and another that overlooks an interior patio with large windows; wooden ceilings and tables, retro-style chairs, gray and blue colors in the room with soft lights that provide calm and elegance.
