Sala de Despiece

Sala de Despiece situated in Calle Ponzano shrewdly imitates your local butchers.  With an emphasis on quality of produce and efficient service, you can soon understand why they don't take reservations and why there's a queue out of the door.

This small restaurant is not the kind of place to go to if you want a relaxing, sit-down meal. However, if you're looking to experience the hustle and bustle of Madrid over a few cañas and some high quality "raciones" then get there early - you won't regret it.

I visited on a Friday night with some colleagues and we were soon astounded by the variety and quality of the dishes on the menu.  Sala de Despiece sources the finest meats and fish depending on the time of year and then carefully selects delicious combinations of flavours to compliment them.  The "Steak Tartare" was served with flatbread crisps and a delicious soy-like sauce; the "Seabass Ceviche" was perfectly dressed with sharp lime and the crisp of small red onion pieces; the "Ribeye Steak Carpaccio" was finely accompanied by a drizzle of olive oil and cracked sea salt and the accompanying salad of "Burrata with Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes" was out of this world.

The staff were dynamic and the iPad-based ordering system was not just a gimmick; this busy restaurant is superbly run and I really admired the efficiency and the attention to detail of the waiters and chefs.  The decor may be spartan (after all, "Sala de Despiece" means "meat factory" and it is trying to emulate that) but don't be fooled; there are some wonderfully innovative plates of food coming out of the kitchen here.

If you're looking for a refreshing twist on the Madrid cañas and tapas experience then this is certainly worth giving a go.

Price: 30€ per person (based on sharing several "raciones" and three small beers or glasses of wine).

Service: ☆☆☆☆☆
Food: ☆☆☆☆☆
Decor: ☆☆☆☆

Calle Ponzano, 11 (nearest Metro, Alonso Cano)