Many Madrilenians escape from the terraces that are erected in emblematic places of the capital, so that businesses near tourist spots are usually more expensive than average. Perhaps they do not know that they can have snacks for less than 10 € listening to the bells of the cathedral. Yes, there is a cafe a few meters from the Almudena in which, if we know what to ask, we can enjoy an afternoon of tapas overlooking a beautiful historic enclave without spending too much.
We are talking about the Café de la Galería, named after the prestigious building in which it is located: the Galería de las Colecciones Reales. From its covered terrace we can see the Almudena on one side, and on the other, the imposing Royal Palace. A few meters away we also find the Mirador de la Cornisa, overlooking the Casa de Campo.
The menu: traditional dishes, snacks and brunch
This place offers a menu with traditional Spanish cuisine options prepared with seasonal products. The section of portions to share stands out, in which the potato omelette (€13) and the calamares a la romana with aioli sauce (€13.50) stand out for their affordable price, taking into account the location of the café.
Of course, snacks and mid-morning brunches (from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm) with a nod to American cuisine could not be missing. The latter include coffee, juice, pastries, cereal yogurt and a main course to choose from four alternatives. The price of this menu does honor the area: €22.50 per person. As for drinks, almost all are between €3 and €5 (either a bottle of sparkling water or a tinto de verano).
Those who prefer to sit in the restaurant rather than enjoy an aperitif in the open air can ask for a table in the minimalist-style restaurant hidden behind the cathedral. This spacious and modern area can be used for corporate events.
This café, which is open from Monday to Sunday, is the perfect place to surprise a friend after visiting the rooms of the museum with which it shares the building, which preserves authentic treasures of Spanish royalty. Among them are carriages, armor, tapestries and paintings by painters such as Velázquez and Caravaggio.