Casa Salvador

A bullfighting-themed classic restaurant near Gran Vía, largely unchanged since the mid-20th century, serving old-school Castilian cooking (rape a la marinera, oxtail) by veteran waiters to a mix of long-time regulars and curious newcomers.

The decor (mounted bull heads, tauromachy posters, autographed photos of matadors) is as much the experience as the food, so this suits diners genuinely curious about that part of Spanish culture rather than those who'd rather skip it. Reserve ahead for dinner; the small dining room fills with a loyal, long-standing clientele. Service is formal in an old-fashioned, unhurried way.