I ate here four times when I was in Madrid. I could stop this Yelp review there.
I never had to wait for a lunchtime table here and once sat next to a dad and his kindergarten-aged daughter (presumably locals) who was excitedly demonstrating dance moves for him in between bits of her meal. I could stop this Yelp review here if I wanted to.
Or... I could write about how this place redefined tapas for me. Forever.
No, I think I have more to say about Vinitus.
While Vinitus is on Gran Via, one of the most touristy places in Madrid, it's a few minutes away by foot from all the hustle and bustle. Which makes sense once you're seated -- it's an appropriate mixture of both tourists and locals. I always stopped by around or a little after noon, perhaps way earlier than most Spaniards would think about getting lunch, but it made sure I would always have a table.
I sampled my fair share of the menu during my time in Madrid. Hands down, you need to get the octopus (Galician style) if it's on the menu. The dish is heavenly -- small pieces of tender octopus with paprika sitting atop a bed of potatoes -- fit for the gods, but served to us mortals here on earth on a wooden platter.
Other highlights: the garlic shrimp (tender once again, proving that this place knows how to do its seafood), grilled razor clams, patatas bravas (a tapas staple: fried potatoes with a spicy sauce), and churros. I could've done without the codfish and onion omelette. Not that it was bad, but that it just paled in comparison.
My one regret: I didn't stop by on a Sunday, which is when they have lobster rice on the menu. I'll have to time my fifth visit to Vinitus better. read more