Lateral's laid-back patio on Calle Fuencarral.

©Cassandra Gambill/Lonely Planet


El Lateral does terrific pinchos (tapas), which serve as the ideal accompaniment to the fine wines on offer. Tapas are creative without being over the top (wild mushroom croquettes or sirloin with foie gras). Service is restaurant standard, rather than your average tapas-bar brusqueness.