If you’re not yet familiar with award-winning chef Eneko Atxa, who heads up the legendary Azurmendi (in Larrabetzu, Biscay), you can now discover his cuisine at the luxurious Mercer Madrid hotel (in the exclusive Los Jerónimos neighbourhood), an architectural gem dating back to 1905 that once served as the headquarters of the Sociedad General Azucarera de España (General Spanish Sugar Company). In this cosy restaurant, with an open kitchen integrated into the main dining room in the style of a Basque “txoko” (this one has only four tables, though there is a larger space in an adjoining room and a private dining area), everything revolves around a tasting menu that, under the guidance of chef Nicolau Sitohang (a gifted disciple), has all the hallmarks of the culinary philosophy of the master chef from Biscay. They serve delicious bites and elegant dishes inspired by Basque haute cuisine (with the occasional nod to the capital as well), all showcasing masterful technique and featuring the finest seasonal ingredients. We especially enjoyed the prawns ‘al ajillo’, an emulsion made from their heads and trout roe.