See Also
Best Places to Eat in Madrid – My Recommendations
1. DiverXO – $$$$
Located in an unexceptional residential area, DiverXO is the only eating establishment in Madrid possessing three Michelin stars, and undoubtedly providing the most memorable meal likely to be had in the capitol. When he earned the third star at just 33 years of age, Chef David Muñoz and his way of cooking were as untraditional as they were delectable. There are two tasting menus to select from (165/225 €) and dishes arrive on slabs or specially designed recessed trays. Even the cutlery is unique: diners receive dedicated utensils for each course rather than standard knives and forks. The menus are constantly changing, relying on the chef’s impulse, but expected uncommon ingredient pairings (sea urchin with buffalo milk and pickled chili, octopus with kimchee and lapsang souchon tea) demonstrated amazing effectiveness. Advance reservations completely essential.
• Calle de Padre Damian, 23
2. Chocolateria San Ginés – $
Just north of Madrid`s central Plaza Mayor lies a locally beloved cafe that has been serving churros con chocolate to locals for over a century. Among the few cafes in Madrid serving solely drinking chocolate – so thick you can nearly stand your spoon in it – and churros (tubular deep-fried dough), this venerable establishment is the best known and most beloved. On Saturdays and Sundays, queues twist around the block, so arrive early or later. As the place remains open nearly around the clock, it also gets busy in the wee hours when club-goers stop here on the way to or from partying. Great for snacks at any time.
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3. Ricardo Sanz Wellington – $$$$
Directly north of Parque el Retiro, in the upscale Salamanca neighborhood, Ricardo Sanz Wellington has earned a Michelin star for the finest sushi in Madrid. The dining room features clean lines, dark wood, and contemporary art pieces, with ample seating for solo diners at the bar. In addition to an extensive selection of incredibly fresh sashimi and classic sushi, there are some wonderfully inventive fusion offerings that combine Japanese and Spanish cooking traditions. These include fatty tuna belly with beef bone marrow, and seabass carpaccio with mojo verde from the Canary Islands. There’s an extensive sake list, an interesting wine selection, and the service is prompt and friendly. Reservations recommended.
• Calle Velazquez 6
4. Sobrino de Botín – $$-$$$
The world`s longest continuously open dining establishment, started in 1725 as an inn by French chef Jean Botín and his Asturian wife. Just a short walk south of the Plaza Mayor lies this renowned local venue, famous for three things: its antiquated 18th century decor, its succulent roasted meats, and its literary associations. Inside, dining can be done in the atmospheric vaulted cellar or in the lavish dining areas with heavy wooden beams and creaky floorboards. Their specialty is roasted suckling pig and lamb, cooked to crispy perfection in a 300-year-old oven. Be sure to try the tarta Botín for dessert – a rich, creamy layered cake. The restaurant has been immortalized in two Hemingway novels and Hemingway himself used to dine here, as did Graham Greene. The restaurant attracts crowds of tourists, but many locals also come here for special occasions.
• Calle Cuchilleros, 17
5. La Cabaña Argentina – $$-$$$
Aside from luxurious lodging and beautiful shorelines, this Argentinian steakhouse located on a tiny street three blocks west of the main thoroughfare is considered Madrid`s finest for grill meats. The stylish interior features exposed brick, subtle lighting, historical photos from Buenos Aires and prominent Argentinians, and slabs of steak on display. The concise menu emphasizes meats, such as ribeye, sirloin, filet mignon, flank, and skirt cuts. Some seafood and poultry choices also available, but the highlighted dishes are the expertly prepared steaks cooked to individual tastes. Appetizers meant for sharing typically showcase Argentinian flavors like grilled sweetbreads, chorizo sausage, and blood pudding. An extensive Spanish and Argentinian wine selection accompanies the young, friendly service. Equally popular for couples and family gatherings.
• Calle Ventura de La Vega, 10
6. La Perejila – $$-$$$
La Perejila is a customary bar favored by locals, positioned right in the center of a popular street for small plate hopping in the La Latina neighborhood. The traditionally styled decor at this family-run establishment is classic, and you must arrive early to secure one of the few tables normally filled by regulars, but the food quality is superb. There`s a suitable selection of traditional small plates: cheese board, wind-cured tuna with roasted almonds, octopus cooked in Galician style, plus stews and stew-like dishes. However, this bar is famous for its large open sandwiches, topped with grilled goat cheese and caramelized onion, blue cheese with apple, spicy meat spread, and other savory toppings. Add an excellent selection of wine and vermouth available by the glass and it`s easy to see why this location is so popular.
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7. La Cabra – $$$$
At this currently popular restaurant, specializing in ingredient-driven dishes, chef Javier earned his first Michelin star at the relatively young age of 27. The experimental fusion dishes encompass global cuisines: consider the options of clam tartar paired with lychee, flambéed crayfish accompanied by tapioca, and Galician beef complemented with yuzu. There are three tasting menus offered; and the 3-course weekday lunchtime executive menu offers excellent worth at 50 Euros. The menus alter in accordance with seasonal availability and the smoked chocolate dessert is remarkably good. Popular among young professionals; great for romantic meals.
• Calle Francisco de Rojas 2
8. El Inti de Oro – $$-$$$
One of the best Peruvian eateries in Madrid is hidden down a small side path only a couple blocks from the Museo Thyssen Bornemisza and the Prado. Madrid is a superb place for all kinds of Latin American cuisine, and this friendly restaurant offers authentic Peruvian standards. Their beverages menu incorporates the pisco sour, the classic Peruvian cocktail, Inca Cola soft drink, and chicha morada (a refreshing drink made from purple corn). The spot is well-liked with families, specifically at mealtimes, and Madrileños visit here for the excellent ceviches, as well as standout dishes like ají de gallina (chicken in a spicy yellow sauce), anticuchos de corazón (beef heart skewers) and arróz con mariscos (seafood-fried rice). Low-cost, casual, big portions.”
‧ Street Ventura de La Vega 12
9. La Paella de la Reina – $$-$$$
The restaurant provided among the finest rice dishes in the metropolitan heart of Madrid near public transit. Many establishments in the capital offered mediocre microwaved versions of paella; for authentic preparation, dining at a rice specialized restaurant was necessary. Popular with local families, this traditional eatery cooked over a dozen variations of the staple, ranging from classic Valencian paella with poultry and vegetables to seafood rice with squid ink to brothy rice with aquatic delicacies and rice cooked in fish broth from Alicante/Valencia. Similar to most rice restaurants, all meals served a minimum of two patrons. Staff maintained formal and proper service. Reservations recommended in the evenings.
• Street address 39
10. A’Barra – $$$$
North of Madrid`s exclusive Salamanca neighborhood, this Michelin-starred restaurant provides creative, ingredient-focused dishes in a modern setting. Visitors are able choose between the spacious dining room and the circular bar with an open kitchen in the middle. The a la carte and tasting menus revolve around seasonal ingredients and each dish is thoughtfully clarified to the visitors as it`s served. Some of the more adventurous ingredient combinations include grilled cod with black garlic and tapioca, duck with aromatic herbs, coffee, and beetroot, and fois gras waffle with coconut foam. Everything is beautifully exhibited and an expert sommelier is on hand to propose wine pairings. Splurging on the 8-course tasting menu (70 Euros) is worthwhile for the full A`Barra experience. It`s well worth treating yourself and others on romantic dinners and special occasions. Reservations.
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11. Txirimiri – $$-$$$
Txirimiri is a popular Basque eatery known for its selection of “pintxos,” which are small open-faced sandwiches skillfully prepared and presented along the bar counter. A beloved local choice is the morcilla pintxo containing the regional black pudding topped with quail egg. Signature dishes also incorporate preparations like the Unai hamburger fashioned in a tempura battering and paired with wild mushroom sauce, representing an ingenious twist on the traditional tortilla (potato omelette). Additionally, patrons can enjoy autres specialties such as grilled fois gras complemented with fig marmalade or risotto infused with cuttlefish ink. The establishment offers a suitable assortment of Basque varietals as well as other Spanish wines to suit diverse tastes. During the busy evening hours, crowds tend to spill beyond the entrance as the space fills up swiftly, so arriving earlier allows securing a table toward the rear or preparing to access the offerings at the bar amidst the activity. The business continues to receive praise from satisfied customers after decades of operation with 3 locations currently.
12. El Corte Inglés Callao Gourmet Experience – $$-$$$
Situated right beside the Callao subway stop, this food court on the 9th floor of the El Corte Inglés department store offers a delightful spot for a bite with a view. In addition to several specialty shops selling gourmet food products, there are numerous dining establishments to choose from. Pizza al Cuadrado, found at http://www.pizzalcuadrado.com, serves pizza slices, with unusual flavor combinations that vary daily. Central Mexicana, located at https://www.centralmexicana.es, pairs margaritas with Mexican street fare, while Hamburguesa Nostra at https://www.hamburguesanostra.com, focuses on gourmet hamburgers. Imanol, found at http://www.asadorimanol.es/, offers Navarran pinxos (tiny sandwiches), while Juanillo Club at https://www.facebook.com/Juanillobar/ is a cocktail and oyster lounge. With a lively, energetic atmosphere, the place gets really busy in the evenings, so arrive early to secure a spot by one of the huge windows to watch the sunset over the Gran Vía. Popular among youthful, trendy locals and families.”
• Plaza Callao 2
13. Goiko Grill – $$-$$$
Several locations in Madrid have a mini-chain that offers some of the city`s best gourmet burgers. One of our favorite and most convenient branches is a short walk from the Prado. This menu is identical across all locations, with about a dozen distinctive burgers to choose from; the Chipotle comes with house-made guacamole and spicy chipotle sauce; the Kevin Bacon is a double patty with crunchy bacon and American cheese, while the La Yankee tops with boneless ribs and barbecue sauce. A smaller and simpler Goiko Kids burger is also provided for younger customers. Other quick menu picks include nachos, chicken tenders, and Caesar salad, with craft beers and homemade lemonade on hand to wash it all down. Inexpensive, busy, popular with families and local Madrid residents.
Map • +44 20 3301 1155
14. Casa Mingo – $
A bit distant, but convenient if visiting the Casa de Campo park, Templo de Debod, or seeing Goya`s final resting place, the sole authentic sidrería (cider factory) in Madrid offers a brief yet satisfying menu of Asturian dishes to accompany cider brewed on site. The setting is sparse, within a 19th century warehouse, with diners seated around barrels and racks of bottles of cider made from Villaviciosa apples from the Asturias province. Locals highly recommend Casa Mingo`s roasted chicken. Other specialties on the menu include an outstanding potato omelette and platters of robust blue cabrales cheese, ham, and roasted potatoes. Simple, filling fare in a casual environment, busy on weekends.
• Paseo Florida 34
15. Mercado de San Miguel – $$-$$$
This picturesque and historically significant marketplace, located a short distance from Plaza Mayor, offers a great spot to stop for tapas. It draws large crowds owing to reasons like the central locale, diverse selection of edible items available at serving counters, and an assortment of premium wine and chocolate boutiques. Choose between seafood pintxos (small open-faced sandwiches) at La Casa del Bacalao, burrata cheese and other Italian dairy products at Mozheart, helpings of paella at Paella y Olé, prized hams at Raza Nostra, and macarons along with other little treats at Horno de San Onofre, among other outlets. Energetic, casual and reasonably priced.
• Plaza de San Miguel
