{"id":959,"date":"2018-08-10T16:57:43","date_gmt":"2018-08-10T14:57:43","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/madridfoodtour.com\/?p=959"},"modified":"2023-01-23T17:01:25","modified_gmt":"2023-01-23T17:01:25","slug":"top-places-for-paella-in-madrid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/dev.devourtours.com\/blog\/top-places-for-paella-in-madrid\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Paella in Madrid: 6 Top Spots for this Valencian Dish"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n
For many people, paella is the<\/em> quintessential Spanish food, and one they wouldn’t dream of leaving without trying. Make your trip unforgettable by heading to one of these spots for the best paella in Madrid.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n You’ve arrived in Madrid and you’re hungry. Surrounded by signs advertising a variety of different paellas, you settle on what you assume is the national dish of Spain.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Bad move! What you’ll likely be served is a precooked, microwaved meal<\/a>\u00a0that has nothing to do with the delicious original version from Valencia<\/a>, or any of the many other fabulous Spanish rice dishes<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n So what do you do if you want to try the best paella in Madrid? Trust us\u00a0to help you find one! Here are our recommendations for paella restaurants in Madrid, as well as a bit of background about the dish itself.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n It is widely accepted that paella originated in\u00a0Valencia, a region on Spain’s eastern coast. Bordering Valencia we also find Murcia, another area famous for its rice dishes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n The reason rice dishes evolved in this part of Spain is largely due to the Moors, a Muslim people of north African decent. They controlled various parts of Spain from the years 711 to 1492, and had an enormous influence on Spanish cuisine.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n The Moors planted rice in the area that we know today as Valencia and Murcia. The crop flourished in the region, which led to rice dishes becoming an important part of the local cuisine. The types of rice we find in the area (specifically the bomba <\/em>and calasparra<\/em> varieties) are very unique because of their ability to absorb a lot of liquid while still holding their shape, which makes them perfect for paella.<\/p>\r\n Traveling to Valencia? Don’t miss our top picks for paella restaurants in Valencia<\/a>!\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n The first paellas were not glamorous and quite unlike the seafood-laden versions you may be familiar with. They were more or less a barbecue-type food typical in the countryside.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n People used local rice, beans, and snails to make the first paellas. As their paellas evolved, they added in\u00a0rabbit and chicken hearts and livers. Nowadays you can find just about anything in a paella, but if you want to try the really authentic version, go for the snails!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n So, this brief history leaves one thing clear: paella is not a typical dish in Madrid.<\/a>\u00a0However, if you’re in the city craving your dose of this symbolic Spanish dish, don’t worry\u2014the following places serve some of the best paella in Madrid!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n This restaurant, true to its name, serves up an\u00a0authentic Valencian paella in Madrid. Founded in 1975 and inaugurated by the King and Queen of Spain, Casa de Valencia<\/a>\u00a0hasn’t changed much in nearly 50 years. Don’t go expecting a trendy place\u2014you come here for the food!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n We recommend the arroz del senyoret<\/em>, or “gentleman’s rice.” Hailing from Valencia, this is a delicious twist on paella where you don’t have to do any work\u2014all of the seafood comes pre-peeled! Their paella\u00a0valenciana<\/em>, perfectly cooked and seasoned, is just as delicious.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Sometimes when talking about Spain’s famous rice dishes people forget about Murcia. Bad idea!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Murcia is home to some of Spain’s best rice dishes, such as the famous arroz al caldero.\u00a0<\/em>It’s\u00a0<\/em>technically not a paella since it’s made in a pot. But it’s just as delicious as its better-known cousin, and\u00a0Restaurante El Caldero<\/a>\u00a0is the best place to try it.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Insider’s Tip:<\/strong>\u00a0Don’t miss El Caldero’s homemade\u00a0aliolis, the perfect condiment for any of their rice dishes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n If you don’t mind going a bit north of Madrid’s center, there’s a treat in store for you at Restaurante Samm<\/a>, another contender for the best paella in Madrid. Here they make the rice just right, and you get to enjoy it on their lovely interior terrace.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n To complete your memorable meal, don’t miss the appetizers at this place, either. The calamari with alioli is to die for!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Malasa\u00f1a<\/a> is Madrid’s brunch capital, but those looking for something more traditional in this neck of the woods, Bar La Gloria<\/a> makes a point of not serving it! Forget the eggs Benedict\u2014here you can find an authentic paella valenciana<\/em> every Sunday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Given this spot’s popularity, reservations are necessary to make sure you don’t miss out on the Sunday paella! Groups can also inquire about paella on Saturdays.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
What Is Paella?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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Where to Find the Best Paella in Madrid<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Casa de Valencia<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
El Caldero<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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Restaurante Samm<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Bar La Gloria<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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Casa Benigna<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n