Having had a wonderful lunch at Puerto Lagasca in Salamanca, we decided to try their sister restaurant for another day, Taberna Los Gallos.
The place has quite a big terrace on street level which appeals for al fresco dining. Upon seeing this, I’ve parked my bottom down one of the houndstooth-upholstered chairs in glee. The inside of the restaurant is quite cosy and welcoming, but trust me the outdoor area is where you want to be.
I was glad to see they have the confit tomato and bread snacks on the tables again. We definitely crunched on these whilst perusing what’s on offer.
The menu is slightly longer than Puerto Lagasca’s but they’re different. Dishes at Los Gallos seem better for light tapas grazing - exactly what you’d like on a warm Spring/Summer day.
We saw asparagus on the menu and knew we had to have it as it was in season. Unfortunately, the plate was rather underwhelming with five measly stalks and two green chilis at €7.20. This wasn’t a great start and despite the drizzle of balsamic, red pepper puree and pink Himalayan salt, I felt rather unmoved.
The seabass and salmon ceviche (€10.80) was a better shout. It may not have looked as refined as the ones from Coya or Pachamama, but this was unbelievably fresher and more generous in portion. The tiger’s milk was more on the tangy side, which I absolutely enjoyed.
Some razor clams (€10.80) came next and these bad boys were full fat delicious. Cooked on the grill with just a hint of salt and the teeniest drizzle of herbed olive oil, the flavours burst with freshness. This is how I expect razor clams to be served - in its truest form, without any gimmicks.
As if that weren’t enough to wow, the gambas al alillo (€9.90) arrived and that heady waft of garlic butter made us lick our lips even more. The look of it was enough to make anyone salivate with desire.
Unless of course, you’re allergic.
The prawns, sweet and succulent, are a glorious biteful each. The garlic butter sauce is perfectly balanced with just enough to coat the prawns, and just enough to mop with some bread. This truly was a highlight for me.
We then moved on to a plate of sirloin served with fries (€13.20). Simple as it may look, the beef was cooked medium rare. I prefer rare cuts, but it wasn’t to say that Los Gallos’ beef was not delightful. It was tasty enough, although not necessarily mind-blowing.
My dessert of apple tart with ice cream (€7) was nice, although I did prefer the one they had at Puerto Lagasca simply because it was more refined.
The strawberry ragout (€7) was the winning dessert, though. It was refreshing and essentially very balanced in its sweetness, screaming beautiful promise of Spring and Summer.
Verdict for Taberna Los Gallos
Truth is, it was another fantastic lunch from the restaurant group but I still prefer Puerto Lagasca. I’m not sure how dining indoors at Taberna Los Gallos would be like, especially as their al fresco space is so inviting. Service, albeit decent, was not as warm either.
But the food is quite good - and I’d definitely go back for those garlic prawns.
Taberna Los Gallos
Calle Puigcerdà, 4, 28001 Madrid, Spain
Ave spend pp: €40
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OMG that seafood…..soooooo good. Experience the flavours of the world is so delicious. I would need to bring stretchy pants for sure.
Author
Lol at the stretchy pants comment! And yes, absolutely need those for all the food there is! x
Madrid is certainly on my bucket list! That shrimp dish look best of all… it’s cooked perfectly! Thanks for sharing your experience here.
Author
The shrimp was absolutely out of this world! x
I have never been to Madrid but we have relatives out there so hoping to visit soon, the food looks delicious
Author
Oh yes you mentioned! I really hope you do get to go!
The razor clams and the prawns would definitely be my choice, both sound and look mouth watering. If I’m ever in Madrid, I’d love to check out this restaurant!
Author
They were both possibly my fave dishes of the day 🙂
I hope to make it to Madrid someday! The food certainly looks amazing
Author
I hope you do, too! You’d love the food there!
mmm, can i have all of these please?? Like how tasty the meat and shrimp looks. Need to check the flight prices to Madrid ))
Author
The shrimp is amazing!
All these dishes sound so good! You always go to such great restaurants!
Author
Ahahaha! only because i build my itinerary on food! 😀