La Casa de Manolo Franco

The eponymous owner-chef, who amazed everyone by leaving the world of Formula 1 racing (in which he worked as a journalist) to return to his roots and take over the former family bar, demonstrates ambition, excellent technique and a strong desire to surprise. In this attractive restaurant, with its playful mix of the rustic and modern, Manu Franco focuses on the flavours of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains, locally sourced meat, aromatic plants (such as thyme and lavender) and vegetables, all of which are showcased on a menu (available Wednesday to Friday lunchtimes and for dinner on Fridays and Saturdays) that changes with the seasons (Pequeño Otoño in autumn, Pequeño Invierno in winter etc) and another more extensive (and contemporary focused) tasting menu with a choice of long and short formats: Cerrar los Ojos (Close Your Eyes) and Cerrar los Ojos XL (Close Your Eyes) XL). One dish that we enjoyed in particular was the delicious ‘fighting bull beef with rice and oak smoke”.