In this beautiful restaurant in Arturo Soria, time stands still and invites to calm and enjoyment. It is a large space divided into several areas that adapt perfectly to different plans. Thus, the front part, with high tables and its own menu, is ideal for an informal snack; the beautiful and very large back terrace calls for calm and to enjoy its gastronomic offer, as well as the semi-covered terrace, perfect for autumn evenings and the glassed-in room. On Fridays, after-dinner drinks are prolonged to the rhythm of DJs and cocktails -with a recently released offer- in the chill out area.
It has long been clear to us that terraces are here to stay, in winter and summer, but now the temperatures are pleasant to enjoy the sun at midday and take a little shelter in the evening, so, Jardín de Alma (Arturo Soria, 207. Madrid. Tel. 91 896 59 25. www.eljardindealma.com / reservas@eljardindealma.com) is almost an obligatory visit at this time of the year. It will also be perfect to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the city and still feel a little bit of vacation…
As always, each of the recipes on the menu follows the philosophy of Jesús González Espartero, at the head of this wonderful space “dedicated” -like the rest of the group’s restaurants- to his daughter Alma, which is based on product, quality and tradition, pillars that define the market cuisine with which they have not ceased to conquer since they opened their doors in the summer of 2020. To enjoy it, there are different areas depending on the plan: snacks, cocktails, music, “table and tablecloth”…
Chill out with its snacks
For an informal snack we sat at the tables at the entrance -where reservations are not necessary- and we started our meal with the house must-haves, such as the torrezno or the ensaladilla to continue with more recent dishes such as the original edamame hummus with vegetable chips or the tomato salad with roasted Moscatel peppers -they are also veggie options-. Also perfect are the squid rabas with lime aioli or the fun baby garlic potatoes with pickled mussels and mojo picón. For dessert, we have two unbeatable choices: Alma and passion fruit cheesecake and chocolate heart with ginger ice cream.
And cocktails…
To continue, nothing like one of their cocktails with “mixes” as surprising, fun and of course, delicious as Dos escocias -two whiskeys, one of them smoked, with sparkling apple juice, plum bitter and cinnamon liqueur or Alma azul -with soul of Japan, lemon juice and notes of cucumber and geranium-…. And the Tintillo, yes, a summer red wine, but in its own way, with Tempranillo poured with lemon soda, natural orange juice, a touch of vermouth and finished with Mediterranean foam, popular and refreshing, is ideal for any moment and always appetizing. Another aperitif that never fails is the Alma Negroni, based on Campari tempered with classic Italian vermouth, accompanied by Japanese Roku gin and finished with hints of cocoa and they also have their own vermouth, the Alma vermouth, and like everything that carries the word ‘alma’ it is a sure hit. In the middle of the afternoon, we had the mojito -which they make with a lot of passion-. In addition, on Fridays the after-dinner drinks are extended -or the afternoon is brought forward- and from 5:00 p.m. a DJ adds rhythm to the atmosphere. Shall we have a garden? No doubt it will be a good plan.
El jardín garden
For those looking for a more relaxed meal, we sit on the beautiful covered terrace or we go into this orchard to the very large garden in the back, dominated by a beautiful olive tree, and now really yes, time stops and the delight begins … To these dishes in the chill out area, we add wonders like Burrata salad, blue tomato and pesto pearls -this one is not missing at any table …. for a reason-, grilled Zamburiñas with vinaigrette, braised rock octopus, turbot loin with rice a banda and shrimp aioli, grilled red tuna on salmorejo and pack choi or the spectacular T-Bone of heifer flavored with smoked Soria butter and for the “faithful”, its demanded Tomahawk is still available … to accompany these cuts there are garnishes such as Padrón peppers or roasted potatoes with cheese.. If we prefer something veggie, no problem: Grilled vegetables with romescu to follow with an original and light zucchini cannelloni stuffed with vegan bolognese -whoever tries it, promises to repeat- or a veggie burger -the B option of their old cow burger-, which has vegan meat, mushrooms, eggplant and tomato with vegetable chips as garnish. Where do we start? Difficult, but to finish, we will surely do it with the Alma and passion fruit cheesecake or our Ferrero bonbon… they are crying out! And for after dinner… a cocktail!
Jardín de Alma (www.eljardindealma.com) is a cozy and quiet corner that is committed to quality cuisine with national products incorporated into recipes from around the world and many of our culture and tradition. Open from 13:00 to 01:00 h: lunch hours are from 13:00 to 15:30 h and dinner from 20:00 to 23:00 hours from Wednesday to Sunday, both for the snack menu and the restaurant.
Valet parking is available and it is a privileged space for the celebration of events. Jardín de Alma belongs to the Alma of Spain Group, which also includes the original restaurant that gives its name to the group at José Abascal, 8, now Barra de Alma; and a space for events and daily menu at 99 Arturo Soria, Mirador de Alma.
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