Just behind the Spanish parliament, and often frequented by politicians, is a German restaurant called Edelweiss, which has been open since 1939. The inside of the restauarant is very plain, yet the food certainly is not. Specialities include codillo (pig’s knuckle), served with sauerkraut and mashed potatoes. As a starter I would recommend the pickled herrings and to finish home made apple tart. As befits a good Spanish restaurant, they also offer a fine selection of wines. Should you wish to dine on your own, you can book one of their private rooms – as some politicians do. Prices are also very reasonable at this restaurant.
Address: Jovellanos, 7
Metro: Banco de España or Puerta del Sol
See also: Madrid Restaurants
As a long term resident in a German country, I thought it would be interesting to try this restaurant.
I was firstly surprised that none of the waiting staff spoke English, let alone German, but was also disappointed with the quality of the food. Whilst quantity certainly matched German standards, the meals my colleague and I tried, were of poor quality meat.
Neither did I think the prices reasonable.
Having said this, it was certainly a draw for Spanish people, wanting a bit of German (Austrian??) “authenticity”, but I did not hear any German or English accents.
I think this restaurant has probably lost something since it’s heyday, which incidentally began in 1923, not 1939, and I think it would be improved with the addition of German speaking Spanish staff, or vice-versa, a German chef, and some appropriate music.