For our recent trip to Spain I was set on one thing. I could not leave the country without having as much paella as I could. That’s why for our first restaurant of the trip I chose one located in Madrid and owned by a family from Valencia since 1935 with a menu filled with tons of the most traditional dishes of the country. This was definitely a delicious treat for my whole family.
Photo credit: Marina K. Villatoro /Gringa TravelingMomWhenever I travel with my family I do all I can to stay at a vacation rental. Because of that most of our meals are home style, that’s why eating out remains a treat even while traveling. For that reason I always try to make it extra special. I also look for places that offer traditional styled food.
During our visit to Spain my husband and I knew something for sure, we were set on eating paella whenever we went out to a restaurant, even when we weren’t in Valencia. But it was also important to find a place that offered this dish with the proper roots.
That’s how I found La Barraca Restaurant in Madrid. I heard that the restaurant was owned by a Valencia family that arrived to Madrid specifically with the idea of sharing true paella with the madrileños. It has been around since 1935 I knew I was on the right track.
We arrived to La Barraca for lunch. This is the most important meal of the day for Spaniards. They love lunch. It is usually served around 1:30 – 2:30 which is kind of a late meal for us.
La Barraca is more of an upper scale restaurant, but it is still casual enough so families with young kids can visit without feeling like they are out of place.
This was also the first restaurant we visited during our trip to Spain. Even though my husband and I wanted to try paella, I also wanted to try some of the other traditional dishes.
Traditional Spanish Food We Tried at La Barraca
Sangria – This is a must! You might be able to find it in bars around the world but the authentic one has something special.
Tapas
Having a combination of Jamones Ibericos (hand carved ham), olives and handmade bread fresh from the oven with you wine or sangria is one of the most traditional dishes of the country. Everything is delicious but try to behave once they put all of this deliciousness in front of you. It is only the beginning.
Main Dishes
Paella – Of course! This is the restaurant’s signature dish. We were able to learn a bit about the whole process that goes behind it. This made it even more special. Also, the smallest one they make is for two people.
Spanish Omelet – Tortilla de Patata – We ordered this one because of a recommendation from my parents. I am so glad we listened to them! This is another must eat once we get to Spain.
Dessert
Bon Bon – This is a delicious coffee. I don’t drink any coffee, but I couldn’t pass up a name like that plus it includes condensed milk which is my absolute weakness.
Three Chocolates – It consists of a delicious piece of pastry with three different chocolates sitting on top of cookie foundation. It was devoured in seconds by my boys.
Fun Facts About La Barraca Restaurant
- The Solis family has owned it for three generations.
- It offers traditional food from Valencia.
- The kind of rice they use is “Bomba” rice with OD.
- It still has the same Valencian decoration that it had back in 1935.
Information for Visiting La Barraca Restaurant
Address: Calle Reina, 29 Madrid
Phone: 91 532 71 54 / 664 215 103
Hours: Every day
Lunch – From 13:30 to 16:15 h.
Dinner – From 20:00 to 23:45 h.
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