El Cocinillas is a charming and inviting neighborhood restaurant that is tucked away on a winding cobblestone street in Madrid’s hip and trendy Malasaña neighborhood. As you walk by the large picture windows you will be drawn in by the casual and chic decor, with white painted brick walls, wood furnishings and crisp white linen tablecloths.
Chef Julián Lara traded in his career in interior design, which no doubt contributed to the restaurant’s welcoming and cozy interior, to dedicate himself to his true passion for food. The menu he created at El Cocinillas draws from a number of Mediterranean influences beyond his native Spain, including Italian, French and Moorish cuisine. Some of the dishes offered include eggplant with mozzarella gratin and tomato sauce that is light and delicious, delicately cooked cuttlefish over an avocado timbal, homemade meatballs with a Sicilian caponata sauce, chicken tagine served over couscous with confit lemon and olives, cannelloni filled with braised oxtail and pecorino cheese, mussels in curry sauce, and cod served over a confit of red peppers and tomatoes. And be sure to leave room for dessert, as you wouldn’t want to pass on the creamy rice pudding, tasty tiramisu, or decadent dark chocolate cake, all of which are prepared with the same refined touch as the savory dishes.
Diners will find it hard to choose between the many delicious dishes offered at El Cocinillas. While many of them seem simple and traditional, the secret is that the kitchen is turning out dishes that are delicately prepared using the freshest ingredients, and at a price point that represents true value for money. Appetizers range from €9.50 – €13, entrees range from €13.50 – €21, and desserts are €5, which means that for around €30 you can enjoy a true dining experience at this little gem of a restaurant located in the heart of one of Madrid’s hippest neighborhoods.
- San Joaquín, 3
- Madrid, Spain
- Phone: +34 (91) 523 29 60
- Website: El Cocinillas
Photo credit: El Cocinillas
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Good news for travelers visiting Spain who follow a gluten free diet…you can have your cake and eat it too! There is a growing awareness and accommodations that can be made for people who suffer from celiac disease or gluten allergies, so you won’t have to miss out on all of the amazing foods offered.