This bar, which opened back in 1961, is most famous for its calamari sandwiches, although its menu also includes other popular Spanish staples, such as patatas bravas, ensaladilla rusa, grouper, and Galician-style octopus.

The fame that El Brillante has acquired over the years is thanks to its great value for money, excellent service, and the quality of its sandwiches and raciones. Here, everything is fairly priced, which means that there is always a constant flow of people coming and going. Another characteristic of this bar is that it is extremely central and has two separate entrances, one facing the Glorieta del Emperador Carlos V roundabout, and another looking out onto Calle Santa Isabel, right next to the Reina Sofía Museum. Plus, El Brillante stays open until half past two in the morning and also offers takeaway.