El Cafe de la Opera

What happens when you put together an impeccably prepared meal along with a hugely entertaining theatrical opera? It's not an unlikely concept because at El Cafe de la Opera, they have been making a success out of it from the past decade and more. Located opposite the Teatro Real, the magnificent setting is not out of place and guests can enjoy the flavoursome food at this iconic restaurant as they settle down to a night of fun and musical enjoyment.

The atmosphere strikes a delicate balance between trendy chic and old world elegance but nevertheless, gets it right with the linen covered tables, wooden floors, exquisite place settings and a gleaming grand piano. The waiting staff are excellent not just in their service, but also in providing burst of song to diners when the spirit takes them.

Dining at the El Cafe de la Opera is an exciting experience because it is a treat not just for the taste buds but a dramatic overload for all the senses. The ambience is perfectly in tune with what customers love, and at dinner time, there?s a wonderful selection of arias, duets, quartets and romances with well known pieces that resonate in the air, long after the performance has culminated.

The international menu brings a variety of tasty dishes under one roof and there are different fixed menus based upon what will be performed musically that night. From the à la carte menu however, the ceviche of salmon with emulsion of corn and tomato chutney is a great choice for starter, but there are other delicious options too, such as the Iberian ham croquettes, foie gras terrine with fig salad and honey vinaigrette and steak tartare with toasted bread.

Vegetarians will undoubtedly rejoice in the risotto pumpkin with green asparagus or penne pasta with wild mushrooms, Parmesan cheese and truffle oil. If healthy food is a top priority, then the salads will appeal, particularly the seasonal vegetables in their own juice. If you prefer fish, then the corvine crispy spinach with purple potatoes and clam emulsion could become a firm favourite.

But meat prevails as with anywhere else with the rack of lamb with ratatouille, rösti potatoes, juice and liquorice mint or the Magret duck roast with creamy smoked bacon. There's also the fillet of beef with whiskey sauce and roasted peppers for those with hearty appetites whilst the desserts on offer can easily steal the show with their rich flavours and textures. Note for instance the chocolate fondant with passion fruit or the cheese and pear tart with coffee ice cream and calvados. There's an extensive wine list, a selection that does great justice to your meal by complementing it perfectly and there's a range of ports and other spirits too.