If you’re searching for the best coffee shops in Madrid, you’re in the right place! As someone who has lived in Madrid for about two years, I’ve tried tons of coffee shops.
These 15 cafés are places I actually go to, recommend to visiting friends, and rotate through depending on my mood. Some are hidden gems that most tourists never find, and some are expat favorites that feel like home. Whether it’s your first time in Madrid or your 10th, all of them are genuinely worth your time.
Madrid’s coffee scene has changed dramatically in the last few years. Neighborhood by neighborhood, world-class specialty roasters, cozy coworking cafés, and Instagram-worthy brunch spots have taken over, and it has dramatically increased the quality of the coffee scene in Madrid.
To make this guide as useful as possible, I’ve organized the list into three categories based on what you’re actually looking for:
- Quick takeaway coffee for when you’re on the go
- Laptop-friendly cafés for digital nomads and remote workers
- Sit-down brunch spots for a proper meal and great coffee
Whether you’re visiting Madrid for a weekend or thinking about making it your home base, these are the spots worth knowing.
Best Cafés in Madrid for Takeaway
When you’re short on time but still want some of the best coffee in Madrid, these spots are perfect for takeaway.
Luso Coffee Shop
This tiny coffee shop in Antón Martín is the European version of a drive-through. With its walk-up coffee window, Luso serves lattes, baked goods, smoothies, and fresh fruit. Locals love it for the cute storefront and convenience, making it a perfect spot to grab a coffee to go on your city walk.
Alchemy Specialty Coffee
Alchemy is one of my favorite specialty coffee shops. While they have a broad menu, I love it for the iced lattes and flavor options (vanilla, caramel, cinnamon, etc.) that feel familiar to Americans. With only a few seats inside, I think Alchemy is best enjoyed as a takeaway spot.
Slow Café
Slow is a neighborhood favorite, but it fills up quickly on Sundays due to it’s proximity to El Rastro flea market. The interior is super aesthetic, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a tosta and an iced latte in person. But I usually do grab-and-go on my way to the market!
Pan y Pepinillos Café
This café in Malasaña is famous for its artisan coffee and matcha, served from a walk-up window. I always pair my drink with one of their buttery croissants or a cardamom roll for the ultimate treat! This is a hidden gem that can’t be missed on your next trip to Madrid.
Molino Manuela
One of my personal favorites, Molino Manuela is the best Mexican coffee shop in Madrid. They serve horchata lattes, café de olla, and Mexican pastries like conchas. On weekends, they rotate specialty items like chilaquiles or esquites, so check their Instagram to see what they’re serving. It’s small inside, so I recommend grabbing your coffee to go while exploring Chamberí.
Best Cafés in Madrid for Working or Studying
Need a café with Wi-Fi and space to focus? These are the best laptop-friendly cafés in Madrid for students, digital nomads, and remote workers.
Pum Pum Café
A coworking-style café in Lavapiés with vegan-friendly food, plenty of tables, and stable Wi-Fi. Its cozy and welcoming atmosphere makes it one of the best cafés in Madrid to work for a few hours.
Café Del Art
My go-to coffee shop for working in Madrid. With its plant-filled interior, calming vibe, and free coworking tables (no minimum spend), it’s a favorite among students and expats. Go early to secure a spot since it tends to fill quickly!
El Gordito
More than just a restaurant, El Gordito has a dedicated coworking space and the best breakfast sandwich in the city. Bonus: they also have a coffee takeaway window, making it versatile for work or grab-and-go.
El Perro de Pavlov
Another hidden gem, El Perro de Pavlov is a cute coffee shop tucked away in La Latina. It’s a bit off the beaten path, which means you can usually get a spot. I love taking my laptop here for the morning and chipping away at to-dos while enjoying the cozy interior and a great cup of coffee!
Clima Cafecito
Located in Chamberí, Clima Cafecito combines clean design, natural light, and reliable Wi-Fi to create the perfect coworking environment. With healthy menu options and a welcoming vibe, it’s a neighborhood favorite for remote workers.
Pro Tip: Even though these spots offer great WiFi, it’s always best to have a backup travel router so you don’t interrupt your workflow if the internet goes down. I highly recommend the Solis mobile hotspot —it has saved me on more than one occasion!
Plus, if you’re planning to work remote in Spain or become a digital nomad, read my blog about a day in the life of a remote worker in Spain.
Best Cafés in Madrid to Sit & Have a Bite to Eat
If you’re looking for the best brunch in Madrid or a café where you can relax over a meal, these are the spots to try.
Trava
A rustic spot perfect for meeting friends. Trava’s Madrid brunch menu includes pancakes, yogurt bowls, and breakfast sandwiches which are all to die for. In the evening, they serve natural wine and dinner plates, making it an ideal spot for any time of day.
Nomade Café
I absolutely looooove the vibes at Nomade. They have a super calming and cute interior, and the iconic otter mural on the exterior. This is my favorite spot to bring my dog and sit down for brunch. In the winter, I always get their mocha and it is so rich and delicious! To eat, I recommend their staff bowl for a healthy but filling brunch.
HanSo Café
Hanso is one of Madrid’s most unique cafés. The Japanese-style café is known for it’s fluffy pancakes, matcha, and Japanese-style desserts. If you love Japanese café culture, it’s a must-visit coffee shop in Malasaña!
Umami Specialty Coffee
A hidden gem near El Prado and Reina Sofía museums, Umami offers incredible coffee, smoothies, baked goods, and brunch. Don’t miss their cheesecake – it’s one of the best in Madrid!
Federal Café
An expat favorite and one of the most famous brunch spots in Madrid. Federal Café is known for its avocado toast, eggs Benedict, smoothies, and coffee on a quiet patio in Plaza del Conde de Barajas. This spot is my go-to for a weekend brunch with friends!
Looking to pair your brunch with a shopping spree? Read my full guide on where to shop in Madrid for the best deals and hot finds!
Frequently Asked Questions About Coffee Shops in Madrid
What kind of coffee do locals drink in Madrid?
The classic Spanish order is a café con leche, which is equal parts espresso and steamed milk, usually drunk at breakfast. You’ll also see cortados (espresso with a small splash of milk) and café solo (straight espresso). At specialty coffee shops, flat whites, pour-overs, and filter coffees are common.
What is the best café in Madrid for working remotely?
Café Del Art is my top pick for remote work in Madrid. It has free coworking tables, no minimum spend, reliable WiFi, and a calm atmosphere. El Gordito and En Bruto are excellent runners-up. For a full breakdown, see the laptop-friendly section above.
Are coffee shops in Madrid laptop-friendly?
It depends on the café. Specialty coffee shops and modern brunch spots tend to welcome laptops, especially on weekdays. Traditional Spanish bars and smaller cafés usually don’t, and during peak weekend brunch hours, even the laptop-friendly spots can be too busy to work in. Your best bet is to arrive early on a weekday.
What neighborhoods have the best coffee shops in Madrid?
Malasaña and Chamberí are the undisputed centers of Madrid’s specialty coffee scene. Malasaña has a grungy, creative energy with lots of hidden gems, while Chamberí skews a bit more polished and local. Lavapiés is great for vegan-friendly and internationally-influenced cafés. Salamanca has some beautiful spots, though they tend to be pricier.
How much does coffee cost in Madrid?
Coffee in Madrid is very affordable by European standards. A café con leche at a traditional bar usually runs €1.20–€1.80. At specialty coffee shops, expect to pay €3–€5 for a flat white or a specialty latte. Brunch plates at the sit-down spots typically range from €10–€16.
What’s the difference between a Spanish café and a specialty coffee shop?
A traditional Spanish bar or café serves coffee as a sideline to food and drinks. A specialty coffee shop (like the ones on this list) treats coffee as the main event: they source high-quality single-origin or carefully blended beans, train their baristas, and take the craft seriously. Both have their place: traditional cafés for the authentic Spanish atmosphere, specialty shops for a genuinely great cup.
Is Madrid good for brunch?
Absolutely. Madrid has a fantastic brunch culture, especially on weekends. Spots like Federal Café, HanSo, Trava, and Osom draw big crowds. If you’re going on a Saturday or Sunday, arriving before 11am or after 2pm will help you avoid a wait.
Map of Madrid’s Top 15 Coffee Shops
Final Thoughts: Madrid’s Coffee Culture
Madrid is full of incredible cafés, from specialty coffee shops to hidden neighborhood spots. Whether you’re looking for takeaway coffee, a laptop-friendly workspace, or the best brunch in Madrid, this city has something for everyone!
What I love about café culture is that there are very few chains. Every coffee shop is individually owned, and you’re guaranteed a unique and authentic experience no matter which one you pick.
Next time you’re in Madrid, you’ll discover why Madrid’s coffee scene is quickly becoming one of the best in Europe.
Not sure what else to do on your trip to Madrid? Check out my local’s guide to Madrid for hidden gems and local recommendations!
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