In advance of an upcoming visit, I just received a few restaurant recommendations from the Spanish family of a friend and colleague I thought I would share here. I can’t personally recommend any of these yet but thought I would do a little research and try a couple while I’m in Madrid. These are from native Madrileños. If anyone has experience with any of these places, please share. Otherwise, perhaps this will be helpful to fellow travelers. Thx.
Madrid: La Vaca Argentina (chain), La Casa de Valencia (paella), Casa Lucio (king dines here often), Casa Botin, Corte Ingles (dept store chain w/cafeteria & more elegant restaurant), Arandaduero (roast lamb and roast baby pig), Alkaide (Basque or Galician), and Las Cuevas de Luis Candelas (big menu plus tapas off Plaza Mayor – fun & good for kids).
Segovia: Casa Candido and Casa Duque (roast lamb and roast suckling pig).
I’m going to try to squeeze in a visit with this family, as I have always found travelling most rewarding when there's an opportunity connect with local folks in a really sincere and intimate way.
Cheers!