Welcome to the most extensive foodie guide to Madrid! In today’s blog, I’ve listed out all of my local favorites and where to get them, covering a wide range of price ranges, locations, and trendy vs. traditional spots. If you’re looking for where to eat in Madrid, you’ve come to the right place.
Not only will I show you the best restaurants in Madrid, but I’ll help you understand Madrid’s food culture, meal times, and how locals actually eat.
Whether you’re a foodie traveler or just looking for new experiences in Madrid, here is the ultimate Madrid food guide.
Table of Contents
Understanding Madrid’s Food Culture
Before we dive into the fun stuff, you need to understand the Spanish culture around food.
In Spain, everything is typically pushed back. People have a quick coffee and tostada in the mornings (usually around 9-10am but depends on your schedule), then a late lunch (around 2-3pm) and late dinner (around 8:30-10pm). Most restaurants are closed for siesta between lunch and dinner as well.
When dining out with friends or family, it’s common to share tapas or small bites instead of everyone ordering their own dish like we do in the U.S.
While I wasn’t sure about this at first, I’ve come to love the idea of sharing plates and trying new things on the menu. It’s a great way to experience the culture and try something different!
Unlike the U.S., people in Spain don’t rush their meals. Meal time is about sitting around the table with loved ones and enjoying good food and conversation. Waiters won’t be hovering over you or rushing you out. of the restaurant like in the U.S., but instead you’ll have to ask for the check.
Lastly, don’t tip! It’s not part of the culture here, and actually Spaniards worry about tourists coming in and making tipping the expectation. If you have great service and want to show appreciation, 2-3 euros will do.
Quick tip: Most restaurants don’t open for dinner until 8:30pm, so plan your day accordingly!
Classic Spanish Foods to Try
Tortilla Española
This is essentially a Spanish-style egg omelet, usually filled with potatoes and onions. Spaniards will eat this any time of day — with breakfast, as a tapa, on a sandwich, or as dinner.
Try it at La Chispera, which has a goat cheese tortilla that is to die for!
Gambas al Ajillo
One of my personal favorites! This is shrimp roasted in garlicky olive oil and usually has a small touch of spice. Dip fresh bread in the hot oil and enjoy!
Jamón Iberico
There is nothing more Spanish than jamón. This is an absolute staple, and one you must enjoy on your next trip to Spain. This is cured Spanish ham that they usually shave straight from the ham leg. Perfect for a small tapa paired with a glass of wine.
Sounds off-putting by American standards, but it’s delicious if you can get past the visual. Give it a try on your next trip!
Huevos Rotos
This is a popular tapa or shared plate that consists of fried potatoes (fries), a fried egg, and usually jamón on top. I’ve also seen versions with shrimp or other proteins on top. You can’t go wrong with this one!
Paella
We all know her and we love her. Paella is likely the most famous Spanish dish worldwide, and consists of rice, saffron, and either seafood, rabbit, veggies or more.
If you’re visiting Valencia on your trip to Spain (birthplace of paella), you should wait and try paella there. But if you’re only stopping in Madrid, Taberna Peñalver has a great menu of authentic paellas to choose from.
Pro tip: Don’t order paella anywhere where they have photos on the menu outside! It’s a tourist trap, and not authentic.
Croquetas
Delicious fried bites of ham and bechamel, this one is delicious and super indulgent. You can also find croquetas filled with tuna, shrimp, mushroom, or more.
For more mouthwatering foods you can’t miss in Spain, discover the 8 dishes you must try on your next trip!
Best Neighborhoods for Food Lovers
La Latina
Known for its tapas and authentic tabernas, especially on Cava Baja.
Neighborhood favorites:
- Taberna La Patosa
- La Chispera
- Pez Tortilla
Malasaña
Hip cafés, cool tabernas, and trendy brunches.
Neighborhood favorites:
- Pan y Pepinillos (coffee)
- Casa Macareno (classic Spanish food)
- Zenith (brunch)
Salamanca
Chic restaurants, fine dining, and Michelin-level bites.
Neighborhood favorites:
- Quispe (Peruvian)
- Bel Mondo (Italian)
- Her (trendy/fusion)
Lavapiés
Global flavors, including mostly Indian and North African food.
Neighborhood favorites:
- Pum Pum Bakery
- La Canibal
- Mercado San Fernando (try La Tentación taquería!)
Chamberí
Trendy bites, tabernas, and family-run restaurants.
Neighborhood favorites:
- Molino Manuela (coffee)
- Bar Trafalgar
- Bacira (on the Michelin Guide)
Coffee Shops
Madrid has an incredible coffee scene. From classic, simple cafeterias to trendy cafés, there’s a huge variety to choose from. You’re guaranteed to find an adorable coffee shop in every neighborhood, but here are a few of my personal favorites.
This is a neighborhood favorite in La Latina. Just outside of the touristy center, this spot is known for their delicious tostadas, English-friendly menu, and amazing lattes. They have iced lattes, which you won’t find everywhere in Madrid!
This is a super inconspicuous spot that always tops my list. It’s a micro-café that is walk-up only, and offers delicious lattes, smoothies and baked goods. Located in Anton Martin, this is a perfect grab-and-go spot if you’re out adventuring your way through the city!
https://www.panypepinilloscafe.es/Pan y Pepinillos
One of my absolute favorites in Malasaña! They have an adorable cottage-core vibe and amazing homemade baked goods. I love their pistachio latte and their cardamom roll!
They also have the cutest walk up window if you want to grab a quick coffee while you’re out vintage shopping in Malasaña.
Ruda and Trava are two sister coffee shops located in La Latina. While they’re both amazing, I prefer Trava as it’s a bit calmer and turns into an adorable natural wine bar at night. They’re super dog friendly as well, and make homemade healthy dog treats that they give to their favorite furry clients!
This is a Mexican specialty coffee shop and bakery located in Chamberí. While it isn’t a traditional Spanish spot, I think this is well worth a visit on your next trip to Madrid! Try their café de olla, horchata latte, and conchas (mexican sweet bread) when you visit.
I’d recommend grabbing your coffee to go and enjoying it in nearby Plaza Olavide!
For more cute coffee shops to visit in Madrid, check out my 15 favorite cafés in the city!
Breakfast/Brunch
While Spaniards traditionally keep it simple for breakfast, there are still plenty of breakfast spots to change things up!
I’m sure you’ll find this on the top of every Madrileños list, and for good reason. They have the best, fluffiest pancakes and a delicious breakfast burrito that is to die for.
This is a new and trendy spot that has amazing food and great vibes. There are two locations, but I prefer the one in La Latina. They also have great pancakes, croissants, and a delicious breakfast sandwich.
Mazal is a traditional New York style bagel spot in the heart of Madrid. They also have multiple locations, but I prefer the one in Opera. I highly recommend their buffalo chicken bagel or a simple bacon, egg, and cheese bagel sandwich!
This is a super trendy spot that has healthy breakfast options, great for a girls brunch outing. Try their (massive) shakshuka or their açai bowl!
This is an American-style breakfast spot with cute and cozy décor! If you’re missing a piece of home, this is a great spot to hit on your next trip to Madrid.
Classic Spanish Food
Located in La Latina, this is my personal go-to spot for traditional Spanish food. The restaurant is in Spanish musician Joaquín de Sabina’s home, making it an incredibly unique and special ambiance.
Try the croquetas, zamburiñas (scallops), or their spicy patatas bravas!
When you ask any madrileño what their favorite restaurant is, I guarantee Casa Macareno will be on the list. This is a classic taberna that’s known in the city for having the best Spanish classics like croquetas and ensaladilla. It isn’t decorated for tourists like other tabernas, but is rather simple and focused on good food and sobremesa culture.
There is always a line outside, so make sure to book your reservation in advance!
La Almacén de Vinos
This is an off-the-grid, local tapas bar that tends to get crowded on the weekends – to the point where they won’t let anyone else in. While it’s not a full blown restaurant, this is a great spot to share some jamón, cecina, and good wine with friends. This is the perfect meeting point or first stop on a DIY tapas crawl!
Location: C. de Calatrava, 21, Centro, 28005 Madrid
In my opinion, La Chispera has the best tortilla española in the city. Instead of leaving the full tortilla out on the counter like most traditional tabernas, La Chispera makes your tortilla to order, and even asks how runny or cooked you want it. I like that the food is always fresh and made exactly to your preferences, which you won’t find anywhere else!
International Food
Madrid’s international food scene is continuing to grow, and now there are tons of options to choose from when you want a break from traditional Spanish cuisine.
Asian Food
This restaurant is evidence that you can enjoy Michelin star meals on a moderate budget. Krachai has won multiple Michelin stars over the years for their authentic Thai food. Try their crispy spring rolls or amazing pad thai for only 15 euros!
Middle Eastern
This is a trendy new Georgian restaurant in Justicia that offers a sleek atmosphere and incredible food – perfect for a date night out. They have delicious and unique cocktails that all use chacha, persimmon liquor, as the base. When you go, I’d recommend trying the surtido de pkhaleuli (dip trio) and qababi (Georgian beef sausage).
If you’re a foodie in Madrid this is a must-try spot!
This is a more casual restaurant in La Latina that offers incredible Lebanese street food. This is an easy stop if you’re out wandering La Latina but want something other than Spanish food. Don’t leave without trying the hummus or kebab!
Latin American Food
This is a cheap and easy bite, but one that Madrileños know and love. Whether you order on Glovo (Spain’s version of DoorDash) or dine in at one of their locations, you’ll enjoy their massive venezuelan empanadas all the same. Unlike other empanada spots in the city, Empanadish offers traditional venezuelan empanadas where one is guaranteed to fill you up.
Try their special empanada de venezolanísima, which has carne mechada, plantain, cheese, and black beans. And if you’re still hungry, throw in an order of tequeños and you’re set.
Mexican Restaurants
If you’re looking for a nice Mexican meal in Madrid, look no further than Mezcaloteca. Known first and foremost as a trendy cocktail bar specializing in tequila and mezcal, they also have the best guacamole, flautas, and tacos we’ve tried in Madrid. Perfect for meeting up with friends after work or grabbing dinner before a night out – Mezcaloteca never disappoints!
Everyone in Madrid knows and loves Takos al Pastor. Located in the heart of the city, this restaurant is known for the best and most authentic 1 euro tacos. Expect long lines that wrap around the block – but don’t get too discouraged, because it does move fast.
Bars in Madrid
Tapas Bars
This is one of my favorite spots on Calle de Cava Baja, known for it’s incredible tapas bars. While some spots on Cava Baja are better than others, this one stands out to me. They have amazing food, a nice ambiance, and fair prices. Their grilled veggie platter is delicious if you’re craving something healthy after eating your way through the city!
A neighborhood favorite where strangers become friends – Céntrico is always the life of the party. It has a warm and welcoming environment that feels unique to Madrid, and you never leave there without meeting someone new. I highly recommend making this a stop on your next trip to Madrid!
Wine Bars
It’s so small you may walk right past it, but this quaint and funky wine bar is worth a visit. They have a great wine selection and a cool interior, making it perfect for a quick pit stop before venturing into La Latina or Lavapies neighborhoods nearby.
A local favorite and well loved by madrileños, La Alquimia Vinos is a nice balance between trendy and comfy vibes. They offer all natural wines which rotate, so you’re always sure to try something new. In addition to their natural wine selection, they have amazing bites. Try the cecina and the cheese plate when you go!
I love this spot for it’s relaxed, local feel. This is a more “off the radar” traditional wine bar in Embajadores/Huertas neighborhood that offers an incredible wine selection at great prices. Expect a glass of wine for 3 euros or less! Pair it with their selection of meats and cheeses to round out your experience.
Cocktail Spots
One of my favorite casual cocktail bars, specifically in the summer or when we have nice weather in Madrid. This terrace is tucked just below the Puente de Segovia, offering a calm surrounding and beautiful sunset views. There are only a few outdoor tables and they go quickly during sunset – so go early!
Located in an old adult film theater now transformed into an indie movie theater and cocktail bar, Sala Equis is a super unique and cool spot. Grab a tinto de verano and hang out on the theater style seating with friends, or even buy tickets to the movie they’re showing upstairs!
Although this is a super touristy option, it’s also a lot of fun. Here they serve all of their cocktails in crazy glasses with the faces of famous icons. Expect everything from Marilyn Monroe to the Joker, making it a fun stop before a night out. They also have great food, but make sure to reserve in advance to secure your spot!
Rooftop Bars
My personal favorite in the city for it’s 360 degree views and large rooftop. You have to pay 3 euros to enter the bar, but from there you’ll find reasonable drink prices, relaxed seating, and the best views of Palacio Cibeles and Calle de Alcalá. If you want to go up to the rooftop for sunset, make sure to get there early before it fills up.
Right off of Gran Vía, this rooftop has a cool atmosphere and incredible views of the city. For a rooftop bar, their drink prices aren’t too bad. You can get a great espresso martini for 12 euros which is about average for Madrid.
Sweet Treats in Madrid
Bakeries
One of the oldest and most famous bakeries in the city, La Mallorquina is a Madrid staple located right in the Puerta del Sol. Here you’ll find coffee, croissants, cakes, sandwiches, and more!
A trendy and new(er) bakery located right in El Rastro – Novo Mundo is a classic. They have delicious coffee and croissants, perfect for enjoying on a Sunday morning before shopping in El Rastro flea market. They also have seasonal filled croissants which will certainly fix your sweet tooth craving!
This is a super local bakery located in La Latina. They have lots of fresh bread options and a small bakery section that includes cookies, croissants, and my favorite – pan quemao’. It’s located right next to a coffee shop called Pastora, perfect for grabbing a coffee and morning treat before a day exploring Madrid!
Ice Cream & Froyo
This is a Spanish chain, but it’s popular for a reason. It’s the equivalent of Cold Stone in the U.S.A, where you can pick your ice cream flavor and mix-ins. They have rotating flavors, but you can’t go wrong with my go-to order – vanilla ice cream and dulce de leche mixed in!
KALA
Very similar to MYKA, but in my experience, less crowded. This is a frozen greek yogurt spot in barrio de Las Letras that has simple but delicious frozen yogurt and a wide variety of premium toppings. I like to add pistachio sauce and strawberries, but there are tons of combinations to choose from.
Location: C. de las Huertas, 20, Centro, 28012 Madrid
Located in La Latina, Mama Elba is a local ice cream shop that has sooo many delicious options, including unique flavors like Kinder, Ferrero, Turrón, and more. This is a locally owned spot that I love to support when I’m craving a sweet treat.
Churros
If you’ve been to Madrid or done any research on it, you definitely know San Gines! Open since 1894, this is the most famous churro spot in the city. It’s extremely affordable and usually quick to get your fresh churros con chocolate. I’d recommend dining in and looking at all the photos of famous people who have dined there before!
Did I mention that they’re open 24 hours, making it a great late night snack?
Churrería Santa Ana
Located on Calle Santa Ana near El Rastro, Churrería Santa Ana is a very small and simple “hole in the wall” churro spot. Only open until 1pm on the weekends, this is a local-favorite spot to grab a few churros to go before starting your day.
I’d recommend going earlier rather than later to avoid waiting in line!
Location: C. de Sta. Ana, 5, Centro, Centro, 28005 Madrid
Cheap Eats in Madrid
If you’re wondering how to eat like a local for less than 30 euros per day, here are a few tips and recommendations.
- Look for restaurants that offer a menu del día for lunch. These are often fixed price, affordable lunch menus that offer great value. Sahuaro in La Latina/El Rastro offers a great menu del día that includes a first plate, second plate, soft drink/beer/wine, and dessert for 14.50 euros!
- Local markets will often have affordable but high quality food and tapas. Check out Mercado de San Fernando in Lavapies or venture out to Mercado Tirso de Molina in Latina to find amazing local food.
- Grab a takeaway sandwich from a local bakery when you’re out exploring for the day. There are bakeries all over the city where you can get a simple foccacia or bocadillo de jamón for less than 10 euros.
- My personal favorite – grab a 1 euro taco from either TKO Tacos, Tiki Tacos, or Takos al Pastor. While this isn’t traditional Spanish food, this is a great way to eat on a budget in Madrid. TKO and Tiki tacos have locations all throughout the city, so just look on maps to see the closest one near you!
Food Experiences
Are you a foodie or solo traveler wanting to meet other foodies? Here are a few great ways to combine your love of good food with meeting new people and exploring the city.
Walking Food Tours
Madrid has tons of walking tours where local guides will show you the best hidden gems in the city.
Tapas Crawls
Book a more lively tapas crawl at night and go bar hopping with a local guide! This is a great way to meet new people and fellow travelers.
Cooking Classes
My favorite thing to do is take a cooking class! When we first moved to Madrid, we took a class at the Cooking Clubhouse and had the time. of our lives. Not only do you meet great people and learn about the culture, but they keep the wine flowing too!
Market Tours
Take a tour of Mercado de San Miguel or one of the city’s other famous markets! This experience will help you learn more about Spain’s classic dishes and support local vendors.
Traveler Tip: Book food tours early — spots fill up fast, especially weekends.
Final Thoughts
As you can tell, we love our food here! Hopefully this comprehensive guide gives you more than enough recommendations for your next trip to Madrid. Or, if you’re planning a move abroad to Madrid – here are the spots that locals know and love!
Not only can you go enjoy these incredible spots, but you can also go with an understanding of the food culture in Spain and make the most of your Spanish experience.
Have any other foodie favorites in Madrid? Let me know in the comments!
Need more ideas about what to do in Madrid? Check out my local guide to the city!
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