From Carlota Weber to Carla Paucar: where do the people who inspire us eat?

CARLA PAUCAR

Ecuadorian by birth, a Madrid resident by choice and a stylist by profession, Carla is one of those people who have a good eye for everything: for dressing well and for knowing where to eat well.

Hiwakaya Sushi Fusion, in the Guindalera Market, is my favorite restaurant. Besides the amazing food, I feel like everything is made with so much love: the tables are set up in the market aisles, and the atmosphere is very welcoming, very neighborhood, very family-friendly. It's also perfect for large celebrations (I've celebrated almost all my birthdays there) because it can accommodate so many people. Lucía, the owner, is an angel. Every time I go, she makes me feel like I'm eating at my aunt's house. She knows all my friends and always asks about them. Highly recommended.

My latest great discovery has been La Gata Manaba, an Ecuadorian restaurant my parents took me to the other day. I loved it because the food is authentic and the portions are huge. One of those dishes can feed two or even three people. That's why my best culinary advice is always: if you have an Ecuadorian restaurant nearby, go in. You won't regret it.

CARLOTA WEBER

Carlota has a knack for finding places you'd want to keep secret. Luckily, and as an exception, she's letting us in on a few today.

If I think of a place in Madrid where I feel at home (I was born in Germany), it's Casa Fidel. It was near my old apartment, and I ended up going there all the time because it has everything I look for in a restaurant: home-style cooking and a welcoming atmosphere. Plus, since there's hardly any cell service, it's the perfect excuse to put your phone aside and focus on enjoying the delicious food and good company. If you go on a Thursday, the cocido (a traditional Spanish stew) is a must, and if not, their daily menu is a must (but always with cocido soup).

Continuing with the theme of places I directly associate with important moments in my life, there's Cervecería La Campana and its calamari sandwich. I've been going there since I was little with my mother. It's practically a tradition. As for recent discoveries, I'd have to mention Obrador San Francisco, in my new neighborhood. Although, for a perfect breakfast, nothing beats Hanso Café and its chai latte, porridge, and avocado toast with dukkah. I'm also really looking forward to trying Biang Biang Bar.

NACHO ARAGÓN

After conquering Madrid with all the versions of Casa Neutrale (bar, wine bar, coffee shop…), the entrepreneur is ready to become Spain's churro king with Manosanta. For me, feeling at home means walking into a restaurant and ordering almost by rote, without needing to look at the menu. And that's exactly what Casa Neutrale Bar achieves with its tortilla pincho, meatballs in tomato sauce with fries, and macaroni au gratin.

I also often recommend El del Medio on Costa Rica Street, the Galician tavern Garelos on Blanca de Navarra Street, or BASCOAT (their hake is out of this world) on Paseo de la Habana. And I shouldn't say this… but Matteo Cucina in the Mercado de la Paz is another must-try. I always order the vitello tonnato, the carbonara, and the tiramisu. The carbonara is incredible.

For breakfast, there's nothing like the terrace at Toma Café in Olavide. I always order a flat white, banana bread, and their yogurt with granola. But there's one essential ingredient for that breakfast to be truly perfect: having Santi, the owner, there so I can philosophize with him about life. And on my to-do list, I'm really looking forward to visiting Caja de Cerillas.

ANA FORT

Ana is a freelance PR & Communications/Copy & Producer specializing in fashion, music, and art, and a huge advocate for her region, Valencia, and her hometown, Carlet. Nothing represents me better than the macaroni and tomato sauce my grandmother Dioni used to make.

Now, adapted to my reality, it would be something like a good gluten-free pasta with Bolognese sauce. If I think of a place where I feel at home, it's Casa Ángel in El Palmar, Valencia. It's my oasis in the world. I love going there and imagining myself looking at the rice fields and thinking I'm three thousand different people at once while I eat one of their arroz del senyoret dishes, some escalivada, and drink a glass of white wine to warm up (or cool down). It has something almost therapeutic about it. In fact, it's such a personal place that I even regret having taken some exes or flings there… I think I'm going to start reserving it for dates with myself.

Another place that's part of my daily routine is La Pérgola. I've also discovered five0 Bar and five0 café, which have a wonderful shop where things will be happening soon, especially aimed at women or those more fashion-conscious.