Estado Puro

Travelers tired of the traditional tapas bars paneled in dark wood and hung with ham hocks will appreciate this airy café’s fresh take on Spanish cuisine. Conveniently located blocks from the city’s museums, Estado Puro is modern and hip, with colorful Pop Art murals. The arched ceiling is dramatically covered with 1,000 of the combs flamenco dancers wear in their hair. Diners can sit inside on cherry-red bar stools at high tables or, in warm weather, on the large outdoor patio with views of the Neptune Fountain and Plaza Cánovas. Estado Puro serves an updated version of traditional hot and cold tapas, from perfectly fried croquettes presented as elegantly as sashimi and foie gras sandwiched between crisp toast to fresh salads, a rarity in Madrid. Perfect for a quick lunch, the eatery also makes an ideal stop for an afternoon glass of wine between the Prado and the Thyssen.