MADRID, SPAIN. Dining with a view of the Santiago Bernabeu soccer stadium is a dream for many Real Madrid fans. The Puerta 57 restaurant turns this aspiration into a reality.
As the name suggests, the restaurant is located at gate 57 of the stadium. In summer, there’s the option to dine outside (with no view of the stadium) or inside with a view of the stadium. There’s also a bar if you’re just in town for a quick tapa, or if you want a more formal meal, reserve at the Salón Real (the royal salon) on the lower floor.
In terms of dishes, it is recommended that you order a variety of tapas to share (in fact, the restaurant itself even calls it “para picar y compartir,” meaning to share). The gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimps; 12.00 Euros) are delicious as are the chopitos fritos (fried small fish; 10.00 Euros). You can pass on the fritos de pixín/rape (fried monkfish; 12.50 Euros) – they are best to be had at another establishment.
If you’re coming with a bigger group, order an arroz abanda (large paella-style rice cooked in a seafood broth, sometimes embellished with small shrimp) for the whole table. Ask them to set the paella pan on the table, and continue to share here.
As with many of the popular restaurants in Madrid, reserve ahead of time. The restaurant is particularly full when there is a game, of course.
PUERTA 57 RESTAURANT
Santiago Bernabeu Soccer Stadium
Calle del Padre Damián 4
28036 Madrid
Enter via gate 57 of the stadium
Tel. +34 914 57 33 61
Metro: Santiago Bernabeu Valet parking available