La Mi Venta is a small, warm family restaurant tucked away on a quiet side street in Madrid, and it…read moreturned out to be a wonderful surprise. We hadn't planned on eating there but decided to drop in. The interior is cozy and inviting, while outdoor seating is available if you prefer to dine al fresco (though it can get a bit windy outside). In fact, our water glass toppled over with one gust of wind. Reservations are recommended, as the place seems popular.
The menu features a wide variety of traditional Spanish dishes, and everything we tried was delicious. Our T-bone steak arrived perfectly cooked, served with grilled peppers and sliced golden potatoes, it was simple, flavorful, and satisfying.
The squid was also very good, but the standout dish was the asparagus in tempura with almond mayonnaise. Perfectly fried and incredibly light, it was absolutely outstanding. Another highlight was the homemade Iberian ham croquettes served with candied pepper sauce which were creamy and rich on the inside with a delicate crisp on the outside and a wonderful balance of flavor.
To accompany the meal, we enjoyed a few glasses of Rioja Azpilicueta Crianza (Tempranillo, Graciano, and Mazuelo, 12 months aging, 2021). It was a bit on the dry side, but helped take the edge off the chilly wind while we sat outside enjoying a late lunch.
The staff were friendly and accommodating, even indulging my enthusiasm for photographing the slicing of the Iberian ham.
All in all, La Mi Venta delivered a fantastic, authentic Spanish dining experience with great food, good wine, and welcoming service in a charming setting. Definitely worth a visit if you're in Madrid.
