Despite there being platforms that carry out timid advances towards a bigger collaboration between both countries, the truth is that Portugal and Spain suffer from the postmodern neighbour problem: so close and yet so unknown. To fix this, we propose a tour around some of the best Portuguese spots in Madrid, with cuisine as the main vehicle to discover its culture.

One of the most pleasant, centrally located and traditionally Portuguese restaurants is A Tasca do Bacalhau Português, located in the quiet street Calle Lope de Vega, 14. Despite not being the cheapest of restaurants, it’s a must for cod lovers, the menu’s star dish, prepared in many different ways (if you don’t like cod, you might want to give this restaurant a miss). The famous bacalhau à bras, cod chunks or grilled cod with olive oil are excellent options, at approximately 24 euros per dish. They also serve rice dishes to share starting at 50 euros, such as seafood rice or tamboril rice, made with monkfish and coriander. The restaurant presents traditional classic decoration in the historical setting of the Las Letras district.

Not too far away, on Calle Ventura de la Vega, is Atlantik Corner, a modern and colourful restaurant with a twist of fusion cuisine. Among the most exotic products of Portuguese cuisine is prego Atlantik de Picaña in Bolo de Caco (traditional bread from Madeira) for 13 euros, or the succulent scallops à bras with wild seasonal mushrooms stuffed with truffles (18 euros). An innovative touch for a cuisine ruled by tradition.

If you have a sweet tooth and you miss the famous Belém cakes after your visit to Lisbon or Porto, write this name down: Pastelería Lisboa. Located on Calle Ortega y Gasset, 55, it is considered the best Portuguese confectionary shop in Madrid. Owned by a Portuguese couple, they serve authentic natas and a coffee made with traditional Portuguese care. Low prices.