Zara

Description:

• Small, cozy, and lively. That's Zara, the joint creation of Pepe Martínez and Inés Llanos, who forsook their native Caribbean island 4 decades ago to set up this landmark of Cuban cuisine in central Madrid. Prices are reasonable, the service is first-rate, and it's well worth waiting in a queue to sit at one of the check-clothed tables if the place is busy (which is most of the time). Recommended are the arroz con frijoles y cerdo (rice with pork and beans) and picadillo de ternera con arroz y plátano frito (spicy veal with rice and fried banana), while top desserts include a delicious pasta de guayaba con queso (guava jelly with cheese). Zara's cocktails are legendary, especially the daiquiris, which many claim are the best in the capital.

• © Frommer's 2013