Where to eat in Madrid

67 independent restaurants, bakeries and food spots in Madrid. Chains are left out.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first. Showing the top 40 of 67.

EatSol-Letras-Lavapiés
Alhambra
This is a good place to drop by on a hot afternoon to enjoy a cold beer and some Andalusian tapas. Sample the sausages and cheeses.
Sun-Thu 12:00-01:00, Fri Sat 12:00-02:00
EatMalasaña-Chueca
Antigua Huevería
The very best huevos rotos ('broken eggs') and croquetas. Cheap, beautiful and delicious! The chicken-adorned tiled front dates from the 19th century.
Tue-Thu 20:00-23:00, Fri 20:00-24:00, Sat 13:00-24:00, Sun 13:00-16:00Mains €8-14
EatSouthern Suburbs
Bacchus
Right in the middle of Lonja, an area filled with places to dine and drink. It is still close enough to city centre but offers a more relaxed ambience, making it one especially suitable for families, though all types of customers can be encountered. Bacchus offers a mixture of innovative and traditional-style tapas. Very good though expensive wine list. It can get very busy on weekends. Nice outside seating area makes up for the fact that inside it is rather small and, in traditional tapas-bar style, somewhat littered.
Daily 09:00-02:00
EatSalamanca
Bar Jaén III
An excellent tapas bar and restaurant. A nice place to enjoy Spanish food and lifestyle without spending too much. Located in a business park in the far-east of the city, it's far from being a tourist trap and you can enjoy good food and true raciónes (portions). The pleasant owners are very willing to share stories about Madrid and Spain more generally. In summer time it has a superb terrace, within a stone's throw of the Olympic Stadium.
Mon-Thu 12:30-02:00, Fri Sat 11:30-03:00, Sun 11:30-02:00
EatNorthern Suburbs
Bar Jaén III
An excellent tapas bar and restaurant. A nice place to enjoy Spanish food and lifestyle without spending too much. Being located just outside central Madrid, it's far from being a tourist trap and you can enjoy good food and true raciónes (portions). The pleasant owners are very willing to share stories about Madrid and Spain more generally. In summer time it has a superb terrace, within a stone's throw of the Olympic Stadium.
Mon-Thu 12:30-02:00, Fri Sat 11:30-03:00, Sun 11:30-02:00
EatNorthern Suburbs
Bar Tambayan
Located in the northern reaches of Tetuán, this is arguably the best Filipino restaurant in Madrid, located in the heart of the city's Filipino neighborhood.
T-Sun 12:00-0:00
EatNorthern Suburbs
Cafetería Nebraska
Known throughout Madrid for their hot dogs, this Tetuán diner is the last of an old chain of restaurants dating back to 1955.
Mon-Fri 08:00-23:30, Sat Sun 08:30-23:30
EatLa Latina-Austrias
Casa Lucio
Pricey but worth it. The Spanish Royal family sometimes entertain guests here and you may run into a few sports figures and movie stars. You should definitely book ahead on the weekends, and reservations are recommended even for the weekdays. Known for their cocido, their roasts and their huevos rotos.
Daily 13:00-16:00 20:30-24:00
EatSol-Letras-Lavapiés
Casa Toni
Very solid local option for small dishes/tapas. Recommended are chorizo, pig ears, tortilla with chorizo (omelette with chorizo), morcilla, sepia a la plancha. Casual non pretentious place.
EatSol-Letras-Lavapiés
Cervecería 100 Montaditos
Branch of the popular nationwide chain that offers 100 different montaditos (small sandwiches). Great place to go for a cheap drink and bite to eat. Further branches are at Calle de la Montera, 34 (near metro Gran Vía) and Plaza de las Cortes, 3.
Daily 10:00-02:00
EatLa Latina-Austrias
Chocolatería San Ginés
Specializing in chocolate con churros, this Madrid fixture is the perfect place to top off a night on the town. Also offers the usual assortment of coffees and teas.
Daily 24 hrs
EatNorthern Suburbs
Churrería La Andaluza
Opened in the 1930s just beside the Mercado de Maravillas, this Tetuán institution is regarded as one of the best churrerías in Madrid, with freshly-made churros, porras and buñuelos (round, donut-shaped fritters) available year-round.
Mon-Sat 06:30-13:00
EatSol-Letras-Lavapiés
El Inti de Oro
For something different, try this great Peruvian restaurant a short walk from Sol. Be sure to order some of their ceviche and try the Pisco Sour cocktail.
Daily 13:30-16:00 20:30-00:00
EatSalamanca
Estay Restaurante
A great place for tapas, they offer a large menu, reasonable prices and excellent quality food. The solomillo al foie is excellent and the desserts come highly-recommended as well. Very crowded on Friday and Saturday nights.
Mon-Fri 08:00-24:00, Sat 09:00-01:00
EatArganzuela
Freiduría de Gallinejas Embajadores
Another classic tapas bar in Madrid, not for conservative stomachs. Their most popular tapas are two of the most typical and traditional dishes in Madrid: gallinejas and entresijos. A treat for adventurous palates and lamb-lovers.
Mon-Sat 11:00-23:00, Sun 12:00-22:00Raciónes €3-9
EatChamberí-Castellana
Home Burger Bar
The place for serious hamburgers. Americans will feel at home!
Mon 13:00-17:00, Tue-Sun 13:00-17:00 20:00-24:00
EatNorthern Suburbs
Home Burger Bar
Other burger bars of this brand can be found in Malasaña-Chueca.
Mon 13:00-17:00; Tue-Sun 13:00-17:00, 20:00-24:00
EatMalasaña-Chueca
Home Burger Bar
THE place for serious hamburgers. Americans will feel at home!
Mon-Thu 13:30-16:00 20:30-24:00, Fri Sat and holidays 13:30-17:00 20:30-24:00, Sun 13:30-17:00 20:30-23:00
EatLa Latina-Austrias
La Bola Taberna
A family-run restaurant operating since 1870 and serving traditional Madrileño cuisine. Reservations can be made online.
Mon-Sat 13:30-15:30 20:30-23:00, Sun 13:30-15:30
EatSol-Letras-Lavapiés
La Casa del Abuelo
A Madrid landmark in operation for over 100 years, this bar attracts a standing room only crowd on the weekends. They mainly serve shrimp-based tapas dishes so if you're not into shellfish it may be advisable to steer clear. Order a plate of their garlic shrimp and accompany with their house wine.
Sun-Thu 12:00-00:00, Fri Sat 12:00-01:00
EatMalasaña-Chueca
La Cocina del Desierto
Al-Jaima
This dark, cave-like Moroccan restaurant has some of the best North African food in the city. The seating is at low Moroccan-style tables and the calm, mellow atmosphere makes you feel like you're far from the bustling center of Chueca.
Daily 13:30-16:00 21:00-24:00
EatMalasaña-Chueca
La Panza es Primero
Cocina Mex-Mex
This is a small, usually crowded, friendly Mexican restaurant with good food and drinks at reasonable prices. Sample some of their tacos and super-cheesy chilaquiles.
Daily 13:00-01:00
EatSalamanca
La Trainera
A Madrid institution for decades, Trainera is an excellent but somewhat pricey restaurant serving strictly seafood dishes. They have a great wine selection and the waiters can recommend different vintages that will complement the food. Try the carabineros (giant scarlet shrimp) or the rodaballo (turbot).
Mon-Sat 13:00-16:00 20:00-24:00; closed the month of Aug
EatMalasaña-Chueca
Lamucca de Pez
Nice designer restaurant popular within the 20s-30s crowd. Good music, cool people, even better food and cocktails. The kitchen opens in the afternoon.
Sun-Wed 13:00-01:30, Thu 13:00-02:00, Fri Sat 13:00-02:30
EatRetiro-Paseo del Arte
Las Adelitas Restaurante Mexicano
Mid-range Mexican restaurant with an extensive range of authentic options, though do be aware the food portions are a lot larger than you would typically expect. The primary chef is from Oaxaca.
Sun–Thu 13:00–00:00; Fri Sat 13:00–02:00
EatMalasaña-Chueca
MAD MAD Vegan
All plant based, mainly burger menu but with a few other items. If you like beer, their own craft bottled beers are good. English menu available.
1pm-midnight€15
EatSol-Letras-Lavapiés
Matador
Fantastic little stop for tapas. A very cozy place with good tapas and they always treat you very well. With a funny decoration.
EatSol-Letras-Lavapiés
Mercado de San Fernando
Lively market that has not been completely swamped by tourism. Wide range of food & drink available. (including Vegan)
Closed · opens 9 am tomorrow
EatMalasaña-Chueca
Mercado de San Ildefonso
Streetfood market on Fuencarral street, right in the middle of the Malasaña-Chueca area. 15 different stalls offer arepas (cornmeal griddlecake), brochetas (skewer), tacos, tapas, ham, meats, wine, beer etc. Between late-May and early-June an international street food festival is celebrated.
Sun-Wed noon–midnight, Fri Sat noon–1AM
EatSol-Letras-Lavapiés
Museo del Jamón
One of several branches of this chain. Offers deli takeout service as well as tapas and raciónes at reasonable prices. They offer €1 ham sandwiches and a 'picnic' lunch consisting of a said ham sandwich, fresh fruit and a drink for €2 (Feb 2017). Another branch is at Calle de Atocha, 54 (metro Antón Martín).
Mon-Thu 09:00-00:30, Fri Sat 09:00-01:00, Sun 10:00-00:30
EatNorthern Suburbs
Pastelería Mifer
This unassuming bakery in Ciudad Lineal sells a wide variety of cakes and pastries, but they are best known for their award-winning torrijas (Spanish-style French toast) sold only during the run-up to Lent.
Tue-Fri 9:00-14:30 and 17:00-21:00, Sat Sun 9:00-20:30
EatSol-Letras-Lavapiés
Puerto Rico
Small little cantine with excellent and satisfying authentic Spanish food. You have to queue, but it's quite fluid and it's worth it.
EatNorthern Suburbs
Restaurante Bar Rodrigo
Located behind the Mercado de Maravillas, this hidden gem in Tetuán serves affordable yet high-quality paellas that can compete with some of the best Madrid has to offer. Mostly patronized by locals, reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.
Tue-Fri 09:30-17:30 and 19:30-23:00, Sat Sun 12:00-17:30€10-20
EatLa Latina-Austrias
Restaurante Botín
Sobrino de Botín
Opened in 1725, Botín is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest operating restaurant in the world. Once a favourite of Ernest Hemingway, the menu still delights with specialities including cochinillo (roast suckling pig) and cordero (roast lamb).
Daily 13:00-16:00 20:00-24:00
EatNorthern Suburbs
Restaurante Casa Benigna
Owned by a Spanish-Norwegian family, this unassuming spot in Chamartín is known for serving traditional Spanish cuisine with a Nordic twist. Their paellas, served on custom-made copper pans, are reportedly among the best (if not the best) in Madrid, with prominent politicians, celebrities and businesspeople among their customers. Reservations recommended well in advance. Walk-ins are routinely turned away at the door and sent to Restaurante Samm on the other end of Chamartín.
Daily 13:30-17:00, Mon-Sat 20:30-00:00€20-30
EatMalasaña-Chueca
Restaurante La Barraca
Recommended for paella if a more authentic experience is sought.
Daily 13:30-16:15 20:00-23:45€40+, €50 (meal for 2 with drinks)
EatNorthern Suburbs
Restaurante Malaysia
Authentic Malaysian food served right in the heart of San Blas, with an extensive menu drawing from the diverse culinary traditions of Malaysia and its neighbors.
€5-15
EatChamberí-Castellana
Restaurante Samm
Best paella in Madrid, but only if you bring more than two people by order of the proprietor. Frequented mainly by locals, prepare to be stared at by the wait staff if you are from out of town.
Sun-Fri 11:00-19:00
EatNorthern Suburbs
Restaurante Samm
A Chamartín institution lauded as having some of the best paellas (if not the best) in Madrid, but only if you bring more than two people by order of the proprietor. Walk-ins turned away from Casa Benigna on the other end of Chamartín are usually sent here. Frequented mainly by locals, prepare to be stared at by the wait staff if you are from out of town.
Sun-Fri 11:00-19:00€15-25
EatMalasaña-Chueca
Restaurante Siam
Beautifully-decorated with a tranquil atmosphere, the food is reasonable and offers a pleasant departure from Spanish fare, if so desired.
Daily 12:00-16:00 20:00-24:00Most mains between €8 and €12

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Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Madrid (CC BY-SA 4.0).