Location.
Calle Sor Ángela de la Cruz, 17 MADRID - https://lacantinadelaestacion.es/
Ambience and Decoration
La Cantina is located in a fairly central area of Madrid, in the Tetuán neighbourhood. It is easily accessible, both by public transport and by car, although as is common in the city, finding parking can be a bit tricky.
The atmosphere at La Cantina is relaxed and welcoming, with a simple but pleasant décor that mixes rustic with modern touches. It's a place that invites you to enjoy an unhurried meal, with a focus on conviviality. The tables are well laid out, although at busy times, the space can feel a little cramped. Nevertheless, the overall ambience is warm and the noise level allows for comfortable conversation.
Value for money
The total bill was €83.90 for three people, which we thought was reasonable given the number of dishes we ordered and the quality of the food. Considering the quantity and quality of the food, it was good value for money. It's a place where you can enjoy a full meal without feeling like you're overpaying.
Service
The service at La Cantina was prompt and attentive. The staff were friendly from the moment we arrived, offering recommendations and making sure we had everything we needed. Waiting times between courses were adequate, and overall, the service was polite and professional.
Gastronomy
Recommended Dishes
- La Cantina's menu offers a variety of traditional dishes, with a focus on Spanish cuisine and quality produce. The food we sampled lived up to our expectations, with some dishes standing out more than others. This is what we had:
- Bocartes fritos with hamThis dish was one of the favourites. The bocartes were well fried, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The ham added a salty touch and extra flavour that complemented the fish perfectly.
- Grilled baby squidThe squid were fresh and well cooked, with a very pleasant taste of the sea. The portion was generous, and the care in the preparation was noticeable.
- Steamed musselsA simple but well executed dish. The mussels were a good size and cooked to perfection, maintaining their natural flavour without excessive seasoning.
- Oviedo style tripeThe tripe was the most hearty dish we ordered. They were well cooked, with a rich, thick sauce, although some of us found them a little heavy. However, it is a good dish for those who enjoy traditional and powerful flavours.
Conclusion
Our visit to La Cantina was satisfactory. It is a restaurant that offers good food in a pleasant atmosphere, with service that pays attention to detail. Although it is not a haute cuisine place, it delivers perfectly what it promises: well-made traditional dishes in a comfortable atmosphere. It is a recommendable place for those looking for an informal but quality meal in Madrid.
We give a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
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