Food was excellent. Paella was very good as well as the pork cheeks. Also got the Tinto De Verano…read morewhich was very good and refreshing. As I look at other people's food, everything looks so good! Had to wait a little bit for a table but the waiter was super nice. You can also order at the bar if you want. Pretty decent bar decor? A little nicer than the places that I usually frequent! lol

El Sur is an unpretentious cafe in Madrid outside the main tourist areas in Lavapies. I enjoyed the…read morepork roast on a bed of potatoes. I also could not resist the cheesecake, which was freshly made. The pork was good and included a generous helping of meat. The cheesecake was outstanding, an unexpected bonus. The restaurant was lively with locals. Service was slower but more relaxing. This cafe was a find.

We were visiting the valley of the fallen, and needed some lunch. The cafe at the valley is so…read moreoverpriced and filthy, and we found this place about a 3 mile drive away. This place is about 8 mins walk from El Escorial Monastery. It is definitely a hidden gem of the neighborhood. For 10 Euros, you can have a two course meal and desert + wine/beer/water till 4pm. The food is so fresh and homey. There is a little terrace in front, and you can appreciate the charm of a small quaint town. Everyone seem to know each other. Food selection gets smaller as the day go, because they just prepare enough fresh food for the day. So go earlier. The server is so friendly, but he speaks little (to no) English. Menu is on the board, use your google translate and you will be just fine:) Please go and support this neighborhood joint!

Wow. We are so happy we found El Olivo on our way to Escorial. The food was delicious, location is…read moreperfect, but maybe the best part is the amazing service. If you are visiting Escorial or the Valle de los Caídos, stop at Olivo for lunch.