Restaurants in Madrid

The originator of cocina creativa (creative cooking), Casa Lucas is still going strong after all these years.

In the heart of the affluent Chamberi district, Hortensio's dim-lit interior of wooden floors and exposed brickwork make it ideal for a special occasion. Expect the full waiter treatment, exquisite wines (try the Picarana) and exquisite gastronomy courtesy of chef Mario Vallés. From oysters served in zesty sauce and caviar on a poached egg and bed of boletus mushrooms - brought to your table with bell-glass on top to keep the aroma in - Hortensio is high-end. Be sure to try the tender squab, as well as the foie gras served with a caramelised a tropical fruit called lulo.

Paco Roncero is the creative brain behind this two Michelin-starred eatery. Booking early is essential with one of Spain's best chefs at the helm. Experimentation in the style of Catalan Ferran Adriá is the order of the day. Expect foams and unusual combinations of flavour – an experience unlike most 'normal' restaurants.

One of the most original new restaurants in Madrid is /M, serving "international cuisine with a Peruvian DNA" according to co-owner Santiago Vidal. With one long, jagged table running down the middle, plus food preparation counters stationed intermittently along it, this is an unusual-looking place. But it's the food that really startles. From the Thai-style ceviche with fish, peanuts, cucumber and avocado in coconut milk, to the Gyoza dumplings filled with carnitas (pork), the menu is a delightful melange. Be sure to try the Pisco sours – you'll need something to cut through after such a feast.

Claiming to be the oldest restaurant in the world, Botín first opened its doors below the Plaza Mayor in 1725, and has been keeping diners happy ever since. The wonderful old dining rooms retain the original painted tiles, oak beams and wood-burning oven. Traditional Castilian dishes are the speciality here - the roast suckling pig and the tender Aranda lamb are delicious. Reservations are strongly advised, as it is very popular.

With an interior designed to evoke a classic butcher shop, Sala de Despiece might not look like an option, yet people book weeks ahead to try its inventive menu. Dishes not to miss include the tender artichokes served with morsels of eel and a stracciatella-cheese dip, and the melt-in-the-mouth octopus in a rich sauce of onion and peppers.

One of the city's classic gems, it is not unusual to find a famous person eating at Casa Lucio despite the relative lack of glamorous décor. Situated in La Latina, one of the oldest areas of Madrid, the restaurant has established itself as the place to eat huevos estrellados con patatas (essentially a fried egg atop chips and often ham) since opening in the 1950s. Other dishes include local staple cocido madrileño (chick pea stew), callos (stewed cow stomach in spicy sauce), oxtails, freshly made croquettes and baby eel.

Enjoy Spanish and general Mediterranean dishes cooked with flair at this stylish but great value-for-money restaurant, particularly the rice-based dishes. Tuck into paella served with lobster, seafood or meat amid subtle nautical-themed surroundings. It might look formal, but it's hard to find paellas this good for the price.

One of the best things about this vegetarian restaurant is that carnivores are catered for too, as there are a few meat dishes on the menu. From the extensive list of imaginatively prepared vegetable, rice and pasta dishes, try the delicious tartar de chicle (cauliflower cheese with a dusting of fresh herbs), followed by apple croquettes. Diners sit elbow-to-elbow in the two small rooms, decked out in a country-kitchen style.