Even though it’s landlocked, Madrid has the world’s second largest fish market in the world (Tokyo is #1) with daily catches arriving every morning from the coast by the tonne. Some even say that the best seafood in Spain is served in the capital rather than by the sea.
But indulge in merluza, rape or bonito at an outdoor table in this tree-shaded square and put such preposterous notions to shame.
While it used to be nearly impossible to locate a decent eatery open in high summer, this year most restaurants have cut short their holiday breaks. And this recent opening hardly closes at all.
At a first glance, it looks like yet another formula-driven place - a formula that includes an interior by Lazaro Rosa-Violán, sushi and, sure enough, cocktails - but, as the name allures to, the fish is what really does set it apart.
The restaurant at Grec is now back and this year opens not only on nights of performances, but lets you enjoy the flame-grilled delights every night until August 2.
Carles Abellán and Jordi Hereu, the mayor, re-opened the legendary place in front of an invited audience, of which many appeared to be regulars from the early stages of the bar that opened for the first time back in 1933.
The place has been restored to its original glory by Moritz and now opens with super chef Carles Abellán overseeing the kitchen with classic Catalan bistro dishes. The original art deco feel has been revived, maintaining many of the original design elements.
