Cafe Madrid
Orlando, FL 32812-2711
Phone: (407) 281-9491
- Price:
- $
- Hours:
- Mon-Fri 11am-9:30pm, Sat 12pm-9:30pm, Sun 12pm-9pm
Editorial Review for Cafe Madrid – by Sylvia Whitman
The Scene
A strip-mall corner with a dozen tables. Ceiling fans, high-backed chairs, off-the-rack art, and plastic banana trees on the liquor counter give the place a dated, tropical feel. The tablecloths could use a wash--and the glasstops a wipe.
The Food
Dominican owner (and former New York chef) Manny Genao has assembled recipes from all over the Hispanic world. Puerto Ricans will find a taste of home in mofongo (green plantain deep-fried with pork skins and garlic) and arroz con guandules (rice with a cousin of lentils). Less exotic offerings range from shrimp in tomato sauce to beef stew to roast chicken.
What to Order
Zarzuela de mariscos (assorted seafood) presents shrimp, lobster, clams and snapper in a saffron-colored broth. Equally flavorful chicken salteado a la madrid--tender cubes of white meat braised with onion, pepper, garlic and white wine--pairs well with Cuban congri (black bean) rice. Try the chilly Nicaraguan tres leches cake (condensed, whole and coconut milk) for dessert.
What to Skip
The appetizers are few and the soups mostly bean. Beware of burned flan.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Fish-Head SoupThis Friday special has a following.
Lunch PremiumOn weekends, lunch costs $1 more.
Call Ahead for Paella ValencianaThis famous Spanish meat-and-seafood rice dish takes 40 minutes to prepare and requires a minimum order for two ($18 per person).
User Reviews for Cafe Madrid
05/24/2008 Posted by sexyvirgo76
Our grown family frequently visits Cafe Madrid. We are a mixed family of American Southerners, Cubans, Italians and Germans. We range in age from the thirtys to the eightys. Finding a place that appeals to all of us and doesn't bust our budgets is often a challenge. The relaxed atmosphere at Cafe Madrid is just the place for all ten of us to ocassionaly gather for a leisurely evening spent enjoying good food and good company. The best part is that this restaurant has been located right in the heart of our neighborhood since I was a child. The service is attentative yet the owners and the staff do not rush you out of their restaurant. The pace of the service is just right when what you really want is to relax and enjoy your food and your company. The food is always delicious.
Pros: delicious food
Cons: cozy atmosphere
07/27/2007 Posted by neptuna3
Cafe Madrid was an accidental and wonderful surprise while searching for a lunch spot in a neighborhood I wasn't familiar with...For $12, a generous Lamb Shank in a very delicious sauce was accompanied with yellow rice (also tasty) black beans, fried plaintains, thick slices of crispy, hot bread and iced tea. I'll definitely be back! The dinner menu is pricier, but the offerings looked adventurous. My only reason for not offering the ultimate rating? I arrived at about 2pm (well after the lunch hour) and the service could have been more attentive on refilling drinks, paying the bill, etc...but everybody was pleasant and this didn't get in the way of an enjoyable lunch.
Pros: Tasty food and generous portions
Users Like You Also Viewed
310 Park South
310 S Park Ave
Winter Park, FL 32789
Garibaldi Mexican Restaurant
929 N Semoran Blvd
Orlando, FL 32807-3528
