Spain is celebrated worldwide for its vibrant and incredibly flavourful cuisine, and nowhere embodies that culinary spirit more than Madrid. With endless tapas bars, bustling markets, and restaurants at every turn, you’ll be spoilt for choice here.
As someone who often travels with food as my compass, Madrid quickly became one of my favourite destinations. On my last visit, I’d estimate about 80% of my time was happily spent eating and drinking my way through the city – it really is a gastronomic paradise.
Madrid doesn’t just excel at food, though. Its bar scene is equally impressive, offering everything from expertly-made cocktails to fine sherries, top quality wine, and craft beer.
With so many incredible options, deciding where to go can feel overwhelming. That’s why I’ve put together this guide to the best places to eat and drink in Madrid. You’ll find everything from rustic, no-frills tapas bars to more stylish, high-end restaurants, plus my favourite bars for a post-dinner tipple. Many of my recommendations are in the historic centre, where you’re likely to spend most of your time. While there are fantastic spots further afield, I’ve focused on those that are easy to reach without a long trek across the city.
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Where to Eat and Drink in Madrid
Explore Madrid with this handy Google Map – every food & drink spot from the guide is marked for you:
Casa Dani
If you want to try an authentic Spanish potato omelette, then make your way to Casa Dani. Located in Mercado de la Paz, Casa Dani’s tortilla de patata is wonderfully gooey and sloppy – thanks to the barely-set eggs – and makes for a filling breakfast before some sightseeing. You can order it with or without onions (my go-to is with onions) as either a generous slice (pincho), half portion, or full tortilla.
There are also plenty of other tasty things to order here, including torreznos (fried rashers of bacon). Enjoy your order with a nice strong coffee or freshly squeezed orange juice, or do as the locals do and have a beer (yes, even at breakfast time!).
There is a good amount of seating here, but I recommend sitting at the stylish long counter. Casa Dani is popular with locals and visitors alike, so you should expect a bit of a wait.
- Address: They have a few locations, but their most central is Cl. de Ayala, 28, 28001.
Bar La Campana
It’s likely that you will end up in elegant Plaza Mayor during your trip to Madrid, and a great spot nearby is Bar La Campana. This casual taberna is known for its hearty bocadillios (sandwiches made with baguette-style bread). There are several fillings to choose from, but I suggest going for a bocadillo de calamares – breaded squid rings are deep-fried to perfection and crammed into a crispy roll for a filling, budget-friendly snack.
You can eat in, but I recommend taking your order back to the plaza for a bit of people-watching. Just keep an eye out for any opportunistic birds wanting to swoop in for a bite.
- Address: C. de Botoneras, 6, 28012
La Pulpería De Victoria
Located near bustling Puerta del Sol, you’ll find La Pulpería De Victoria, which specialises in wonderful Galician delicacies – with a particular focus on octopus, which you’ll see being steamed through the window as you walk past the restaurant.
There’s plenty to choose from on the menu, but a must-try here is Pulpo á feira. This mouthwatering dish features tender slices of octopus seasoned with paprika and a generous glug of extra virgin olive oil. There are also other seafood dishes available, as well as meat options.
Accompany your meal with one of the many excellent wines available, and be sure to order a glass of Orujo – a strong, traditional brandy from northern Spain, distilled from the pomace left behind after winemaking.
- Address: C. de la Victoria, 2, 28012.
CARACOLA Antón Martín
No trip to Spain is complete without indulging in a gorgeously creamy Basque burnt cheesecake. Also known as San Sebastián cheesecake, these unbelievably tasty desserts can be found throughout Madrid, but the best one I tried was at Caracola in Mercado Antón Martín.
They offer a range of flavours, including a timeless classic, but their pistachio cheesecake is pure heaven. Honestly, they’re so irresistible that you’ll want to order several varieties at once just to try them all!
While cheesecakes are the star of the show here, Caracola is also a great spot to enjoy a slice of tortilla de patata and other baked goods.
- Address: C. de Sta. Isabel, 5, 28012
Restaurante Casa Amadeo Los Caracoles
I’m a big fan of unpretentious, traditional-style tapas bars, and Restaurante Casa Amadeo Los Caracoles certainly fits that bill. You’ll find classic tapas here but, as the name suggests, their signature dish is caracoles (snails). These are cooked with chunks of chorizo in a rich, hearty stew. It’s authentic, home-cooking style grub that is wonderfully comforting.
Snails might not be for everyone, but I think they’re well worth trying here. Remember to mop up the luscious sauce with some crusty white bread.
- Address: Pl. de Cascorro, 18, 28005.
Casa Toni
Casa Toni is a rustic, casual restaurant offering delicious tapas in a lively setting. There are the usual favourites to choose from, but for something different order the oreja a la plancha. This dish of grilled pig’s ears topped with a spicy sauce is somewhat strange sounding, but it’s definitely worth trying. The ears become nice and crispy, almost like bacon, and go perfectly with the zingy sauce.
If pig’s ears aren’t your cup of tea, I can also recommend the chorizo. The portions here are pretty large, so keep that in mind when you order. A pitcher of Casa Toni’s sangria is a perfect accompaniment to your meal.
- Address: C. de la Cruz, 14, 28012
La Malontina
For a slightly more formal dining experience, head to La Malontina in the Barrio de Las Letras neighbourhood. This elegant, tiny and cosy bistro delivers high-quality Spanish dishes with really creative twists.
Think galician mussels in a curry sauce, pork cheeks with cocoa sauce and spicy strawberries, and scallops with kimchi and white wine reduction. Everything here really is exceptional, but a must-try, in my opinion, is the soft and silky candied leeks with piquillo mayonnaise. Who would have thought the humble leek could be transformed into something so tasty?
What also stood out was the friendly and passionate owners, who took the time to explain each dish to us. The desserts are a highlight too, so be sure to save room. With seating for only about 20 guests, reservations are highly recommended.
- Address: C. de la Verónica, 4, 28014
Pez Tortilla
Open until the early hours of the morning, Pez Tortilla is the perfect spot for when you’re craving a late-night snack. As the name suggests, they serve a range of excellent Spanish tortillas with flavour combinations like potato and black pudding, and brie, truffle and ham. I am a particular fan of their Spanish croquettes, which come in classic flavours like ham and cheese, as well as creative offerings like braised beef cheeks cooked with Pedro Ximénez sherry.
In the evening it gets busy with locals who come here for the delicious food, good music, craft beers, and fun atmosphere.
- Addresses: There are several branches of Pez Tortilla, including C. del Pez, 36, C. del Pez, 7, and C. de la Cava Baja, 42
Taberna el Sur de Huertas
You’ll be treated to top-notch traditional Spanish fare at Taberna el Sur de Huertas, an informal restaurant in the cool Barrio de las Letras neighbourhood. The menu offers well-known classics like patatas bravas, padron peppers, paella, and more, but a must-try dish is the gambones al ajillo. This mouthwatering concoction of juicy prawns in sizzling garlic oil with chillies is one of my favourite tapas dishes, and the one served here is fantastic.
- Address: C. de las Huertas, 24, 28014
Salmon Guru
Often ranked among the world’s best bars, Salmon Guru is known for its expertly crafted and creative fusion cocktails. You can order elevated versions of classics, but I recommend trusting the mixologists and trying something a bit unusual and adventurous. The menu is a bit chaotic, so if you can’t decide, just ask the incredibly helpful staff to assist.
One drink I can definitely recommend here is the Tequila al Pastor, which is made with tequila infused with taco al pastor spices, roasted pineapple syrup and lime. It’s a spicy and boozy treat that will whisk you away to Mexico.
The quirky and bold interior adds to the experience, with comic book art, neon lights, and other whimsical and eclectic decorations on display. With a great atmosphere and cool music, Salmon Guru is a wonderful place to experience the best of Madrid’s nightlife.
- Address: Calle de Echegaray, 21, 28014
La Venencia
Trying Jerez (sherry) is an absolute must while in Spain. There are plenty of bars to sip this fortified white wine in Madrid, but a great spot in the centre is La Venencia. Opened in 1922, this no-frills, rustic taberna serves several types of sherry that are poured directly from oak barrels, including fino, oloroso, and manzanilla. The drinks here are nice and affordable too, so why not try a few to discover your favourite?
The complimentary olives are a wonderful accompaniment, but you can also order some tapas from the menu, with the mojama (cured tuna) a popular choice here.
- Address: Calle de Echegaray, 7, 28014.
Taberna LA CONCHA
Another must-try tipple in Madrid is vermut (vermouth). This sweet and herbaceous fortified wine is wildly popular in the capital, with many bars producing and selling their own. A great place to sample some is Taberna La Concha, a lively, little tapas bar a few minutes’ walk from Plaza Mayor.
Their homemade vermouth is absolutely delicious, and is enhanced further with a cheeky spritz of gin, a cocktail stick with an olive and orange peel, and a dash of Campari bitters. As is customary in Spain, you’ll get complimentary tapas with each drink here, with the portions getting bigger and tastier with every round.
- Address: C. de la Cava Baja, 7, 28005.
Viva Madrid
Owned by the same team behind Salmon Guru, Viva Madrid is an elegant bistro-slash-bar that serves up top quality drinks in a gorgeous environment. In addition to its iconic, 19th century facade of azulejos (painted ceramic tiles), you’ll be treated to the charm of a traditional tapas bar infused with a modern energy.
The cocktails here are unsurprisingly excellent, with choices ranging from classics to more unusual combinations like their “Our Groni”, which features tequila, chipotle pepper, campari, and vermouth, all macerated with peach and currants.
Viva Madrid also serves food, so you can enjoy your drinks with small plates like patatas bravas, and croquettes, or a main meal.
- Address: C. de Manuel Fernández y González, nº 7, 28014.
Bodega Salvaje
If you’re after top quality craft beers then head slightly south of the centre to this small and cosy bodega in the Legazpi neighbourhood. Bodega Salvaje offers a great selection of specialty beers, ranging from IPAs to porters.
If you’re hungry, pair your brews with some delicious tapas inspired by the La Mancha region. It’s a real neighbourhood local, with a warm, cosy atmosphere and friendly, welcoming vibes.
- Address: C. de Jaime el Conquistador, 25, 28045
Cerveceria 100 Montaditos
Going to fancy bars with top-notch beverages is always nice, but sometimes when you’re on holiday you just want a fun, affordable and easy spot for a drink. This is where Cerveceria 100 Montaditos comes in. There are several branches of this beer hall chain around the city, such as near Puerta del Sol, making it a convenient stop when you want to rest your feet and enjoy an ice-cold Spanish cerveza while watching the world go by.
Don’t expect earth shattering cuisine here, just pop by to enjoy a few good brews, some snacks, and the bustling atmosphere.
- Addresses: Branches include C. de Carretas, 14, C. de la Montera, 34, Calle Mayor, 22, and Pl. de las Cortes, 3.
Top Food Tours in Madrid
If you’d like some help navigating Madrid’s incredible food scene, I highly recommend joining a food tour. It’s one of the best ways to discover Madrid’s authentic tabernas and tapas bars you might otherwise miss. Here are some fantastic, well-rated options for different budgets:
- Tapas & Wine Tasting Tour with Local Guide – This immersive tour takes you through the heart of old Madrid, stopping at four historic bars where you’ll sample at least 12 delicious tapas paired with local wines. You’ll be accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide who can tell you all about Madrid’s fantastic tapas culture.
- Non-touristy tapas tour – Great Fun & Local Flavours – If you want to escape the obvious tourist spots, this tour sounds like a fantastic choice. You’ll visit authentic neighbourhood bars, tasting everything from Iberian cured meats to fresh seafood and classic Spanish tortilla in a more intimate, off-the-beaten-path setting.
- Old Madrid Walking Food and Wine Tour – Ideal if you like combining history with food. As you wander through Madrid’s atmospheric old quarter, you’ll stop for traditional tapas and wine in long-established eateries while learning about the city’s fascinating stories.
- Food Tour with Tapas and Spanish Wine – A wonderful option for food lovers who want to explore La Latina’s legendary tapas scene. Your expert guide will take you to five locally loved venues, with generous tastings and excellent Spanish wines, all wrapped up in a relaxed and social atmosphere
- Luxury Food Tour with Free Flowing Fine Wine – If you’re celebrating something special in Madrid or want to splurge on something luxurious, this is the tour to book. You can expect premium tapas, exceptional wines, elegant venues, and a more indulgent take on Madrid’s famous food culture.
- Guided Tapas and Wine Tour with Rooftop Views – This tour stands out for its grand finale – after an evening of tapas hopping through Madrid’s historic streets, you’ll end with a drink on a rooftop terrace overlooking the city lights.
If I’ve missed your favorite restaurant or bar, share it in the comments – I’d love to add it to my list for next time. And if you’re planning your first trip, don’t miss my guide, Madrid in 4 Days: The Perfect Itinerary For First-Timers, to help you make the most of your time there.
Ciao for now
Izzie, the Curious Sparrow