Palacio · €€€
El Café de la Ópera
A hotel café opposite the Real where piano jazz turns an early evening snack into a plan.
Open on the 3D mapOrder
Palomitas de alcachofa con caramelo salado and ensaladilla Ópera con encurtidos.
Not for you if
you want a spontaneous cheap snack on a ticketed music evening.
Local trick
Book the Piano Jazz session for Thursday or Sunday, 19:00–21:00; it has a separate admission with a drink.
Good for
A short walk away
- 01
Taberna del Alabardero
Basque cooking beside the Real, with a double bar for pintxos and rooms for a proper lunch.
1 min walk - 02
Taberna Real
Ópera people-watching with vermut and a proper slice of Joselito.
2 min walk - 03
Taberna La Bola
Red-fronted taberna near Ópera cooking cocido in individual clay pots over oak charcoal since 1870.
2 min walk - 04
Desborre
Lucía Grávalos's small dining room by the Teatro Real puts seasonal vegetables at the centre of the table.
3 min walk