In bygone centuries I would have been sainted for my altruism, because I’m going to let you into one of Madrid’s best culinary secrets: the menu del día at Ojalá. The restaurant itself (along with its sisters in La Latina and upper Malasaña) is well known for its innovative tapas; but the lunch menu is in a different league.

Starters tend to take the form of a soup or salad. Among the latter, I’ve been most impressed by pistachio with goat’s cheese, and smoked duck with orange. They also vary their leaves (rocket, fennel – even cactus) – a rare thing in this city.

Main dishes are equally exotic. The fish is usually an excellent choice – the other day I was more than satisfied with my mackerel with yellow curry sauce. But I’ve also had fantastic buey (ox) steak – and if you should ever catch the magret de canard, don’t even look at the other option.

Puddings are a bit more of a gamble. Luminous minty pears might be straining the boundaries of creative cooking – and whoever deemed a ‘prepared orange’ to be on a par with cheesecake? If in doubt, go for the profiteroles.

Menu available Mon – Fri, 1:30 – 4pm.
Metro: Tribunal/Noviciado. Tel: 91 523 2747. Calle San Andrés, 1. See map below:

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