La Casa de Manolo Franco

The eponymous owner-chef, who amazed everyone by leaving the world of Formula 1 racing (in which he worked as a journalist) to return to his roots and take over the former family bar, demonstrates ambition, excellent technique and a strong desire to surprise. In this attractive restaurant, with its playful mix of the rustic and modern, Manu Franco focuses on the flavours of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains, locally sourced meat, aromatic plants (such as thyme and lavender) that he and his team pick every week, and vegetables, all of which are showcased on a tasting menu entitled Open Your Eyes (choose between a short and long version which change with the seasons) which invite guests to spend a day in the mountains. One dish that we enjoyed in particular was the delicious rice with lamb from Valdemorillo, a demi-glaze and lavender.