If you’re wondering about the best dishes to try in Madrid, you’re in the right place. From iconic tapas to Madrid classics, Madrid is a food lover’s dream—and the best way to experience Spanish culture is through its cuisine. Since moving here, I’ve had the chance to explore both the classic must-try dishes in Madrid and the hidden gems that most tourists miss.

In this local guide, I’m sharing 8 traditional Madrileño dishes you absolutely need to try, plus the exact spots where locals (like me!) go to enjoy them. Whether you’re visiting for a few days or settling in long term, this list will help you skip the tourist traps and taste the best food in Madrid—one bite at a time.

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#1: Tortilla Española

This is probably one of the most iconic dishes to try in Madrid, and really all of Spain. Tortilla doesn’t mean what you might think — most Americans think of the Mexican corn or flour tortilla, a household staple in North America. But this is different.

Tortilla española is a Spanish egg omelet with potatoes, and sometimes onions. Whether to make it with or without onion is a big debate among Spaniards!

Some people like it more runny in the middle (most common way it’s made), while others like it slightly more cooked through (like me).

The best places to try tortilla española include:

• Pez Tortilla is what locals would say is the #1 option. And while I agree it’s extremely tasty and they have a few different types to choose from, theirs tend to be a little too runny for my liking.
• La Chispera is the #1 in my opinion, because they make the tortilla to order rather than other restaurants where they make a huge tortilla that sits out during the day and you get one slice of it. They also let you decide how you want it cooked, which is a huge plus!
• Local tip: tortilla is best enjoyed with bread and a Mahou – the true madrileño way!

#2: Croquetas

One of my most recommended dishes to try in Madrid, and an absolute classic on any Spanish menu. Rich, creamy filling with a crunchy exterior – it hits all the right notes. Croquetas are essentially a fried mix of a creamy manchego cheese mixture with some kind of filling – the most classic is with jamón ibérico. You can also find croquetas filled with mushrooms, tuna, shrimp, or goat cheese. The possibilities are endless!

Here are the best places to try them:

• El Bombín de Sabina has delicious ham croquetas – perfectly crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. They include 7 croquetas in an order, so bring your friends and come hungry!
• Taberna el Sur has amazing croquetas as well, and you can choose between ham or mushroom filling, or get both!
• Mercado San Antón has a stall on the 2nd floor that has amazing croquetas made fresh to order. It’s a great place to stop and try one while you’re out exploring the city!

#3: Torreznos

While these aren’t for everyone, torreznos were an unexpected favorite when we moved to Madrid. Torreznos are crispy, meaty pork rinds that are definitely a local favorite. This is one of the most unique dishes to try in Madrid (specific to region) that you’ll find at most tabernas.

Find the best torreznos at:

• Bipolar is a slightly more upscale neighborhood restaurant with incredible food. One of their star dishes is their Torreznos 2.0, which feature bigger pieces of pork than you usually get at a typical taberna. They’re high quality and cooked to perfection!
• Calle de la Cava Baja, while it’s not one specific restaurant, is where you can find tons of traditional Spanish restaurants offering amazing food. The menus are pretty similar, but almost all of the restaurants on that street offer delicious torreznos you can try out. Throw a stone and you’ll find amazing food!

#4: Patatas Bravas

I could eat patatas bravas every day. Once you find good ones, your life will be forever changed!

Patatas bravas are fried potato bites with a (sometimes) spicy brava sauce, and (sometimes) aioli on top. Everyone does them a little bit different. This is a great snack to enjoy on a terrace with a drink, and is easily a crowd favorite!

The best patatas bravas I’ve tried were at:

• Mercado Tirso De Molina — a true local spot, slightly outside the main city center in the barrio Latina (not to be confused with La Latina). They have a nice patio in the plaza where you can enjoy your patatas bravas with friends in the sun.
• El Bombín de Sabina… I know I sound like a broken record here, but trust me — they’re that good. They make theirs super spicy, so don’t say I didn’t warn you!

#5: Gambas al Ajillo

Are you getting hungry yet? I am.

This is another one of my favorites that I just can’t live without. The perfectly cooked shrimp in slightly spicy garlic oil is to die for, especially when enjoyed with bread for dipping.

In my experience you can’t go wrong, but some places make it better than others.

• Los Más Canallas in Malasaña is a complete hole in the wall, but they have the best gambas al ajillo I’ve tried so far. Nothing fancy, but it sure is delicious.
• Taberna el Sur, another repeat, has delicious gambas al ajillo that I would highly recommend. They use gambones, which are slightly bigger shrimp, making it that much tastier.

Did you know that in the south of Spain they call gambas al ajillo “gambas al pil pil”? If this is on your list of dishes to try in Madrid and you’re look for it in other parts of the country, keep this name change in mind!

#6: Pan con Tomate

A simple, but very traditional breakfast dish in Spain. This dish consists of a toasted baguette with grated tomato and salt on top – simple, but delicious. Sometimes restaurants also offer it with jamón on top.

It’s simple enough that you can find a good version of this anywhere, but I like to enjoy it at:

• Taberna Eduardo is a very simple, local, and affordable spot to grab breakfast. You can get a pan con tomate and coffee for under 5€!
• Slow Coffee is a slightly fancier option, but they have an amazing pan con tomate with jamón on top. 10/10, especially when paired with an iced latte.

#7: Jamón Ibérico

Whether you try it on its own, in a sandwich, or on your huevos rotos, you can’t leave Spain until you’ve tasted jamón ibérico.

The minute you arrive in Spain, you’ll notice the ham legs at every taberna, either mounted or hanging from the ceiling. Jamón is a national treasure that locals take great pride in!

Try the best jamón at:

• Vinos 11 Casa Dani — this is a fantastic spot if you want to try some Spanish cured meats and cheeses. They’ll slice the jamón in front of you, and I recommend getting their manchego cheese and a glass of wine to accompany it. Their chorizo and cecina are also to die for!
• Almacén de Vinos is on the same street as Vinos 11 Casa Dani, and has a similar offering at a really great quality. It tends to be busy, so be patient!

We also have to give a shoutout to Cervecería Ribadeza, which is not only one of our favorite places to stop, but also our dog Charlie’s favorite place to enjoy jamón ibérico. At least once a week we stop by on the way to the park to get Charlie his jamón!

#8: Churros con Chocolate

Every morning in Madrid you’ll catch the locals enjoying a coffee or chocolate with churros while reading the newspaper before they start their day. This is a true Spanish staple that will make you feel immediately like a madrileño.

The best churros I’ve found are from:

• Churrería San Ginés is the most famous option, and for good reason (in my opinion). I recommend enjoying your churros in-store and taking a look at all the celebrity photos on the wall — it’s impressive.
• Chocolatería 1902 is a great alternative to San Ginés if the lines are too long. I think their chocolate is actually even better than at San Ginés. If you go, let me know what you think!
• Churrería Santa Ana has great churros as well, and is located just outside El Rastro, making it a great Sunday stop on your way to the market.

Final Thoughts

Food is one of the best ways to experience Madrid. Locals love to enjoy meals together, spending hours at the table with loved ones. It’s one of the most beautiful things about Spanish culture.

I’d encourage you to try the same thing when you visit Madrid — ditch the strict itinerary, try something new, and take your time.

If you’d like to learn more about local things to do, including stopping at some of the best and most unique off-the-grid restaurants, check out my local’s guide to Madrid.

Want to try cooking these dishes at home? This Spanish cookbook is a great place to start.

Leave a comment with your favorite Spanish food, or what you’d like to try from this list!