Must-see restaurants in Madrid

  • Palacio de Cibeles

    Madrid

    High in the iconic Palacio de Comunicaciones on Plaza de la Cibeles, this much-loved restaurant by Adolfo Muñoz takes Spanish staples, gives them a twist…

  • La Favorita

    Madrid

    Set in a delightful old mansion, La Favorita is famous for its opera arias throughout the night, sung by professional opera singers masquerading as…

  • Casa Benigna

    Madrid

    Hammer on the brass knocker and enter another world: lab equipment hanging from the roof, library shelves and even laundry items. In case you missed it,…

  • Taberna del Alabardero

    Madrid

    This fine old Madrid taberna (tavern) is famous for its croquettes, montaditos de jamón (small rolls of cured ham) and montaditos de bonito (small rolls…

  • El Cisne Azul

    Chueca

    Famous for its obsession with setas (wild mushrooms), 'The Blue Swan' has a range of dishes but none better than the mezcla de setas, a plate of seasonal…

  • Posada de la Villa

    La Latina & Lavapiés

    This wonderfully restored 17th-century posada (inn) is something of a local landmark. The atmosphere is formal, the decoration sombre and traditional …

  • Restaurante Sandó

    Madrid

    Juan Mari Arzak, one of Spain's most famous chefs, has finally set up shop in Madrid just off Plaza de Santo Domingo. Bringing Basque innovation to bear…

  • Federal Café

    Malasaña & Conde Duque

    One of the best places to see and be seen, Federal has an extensive international menu including breakfast, brunch, sandwiches, drinks and more. It's been…

  • Taberna La Bola

    Madrid

    Going strong since 1870 and run by the sixth generation of the Verdasco family, Taberna La Bola is a much-loved bastion of traditional Madrid cuisine. If…

  • Bienmesabe

    Madrid

    Styling itself as a 21st-century Andalucian tavern, Bienmesabe is very much a part of the Calle de Ponzano night-time scene. The seafood is especially…

  • Celso y Manolo

    Chueca

    One of Chueca's best bars, Celso y Manolo serves up tostadas for those in need of a snack, oxtail for those looking for a touch of the traditional, and a…

  • Vinos González

    Madrid

    This is our sort of deli, one that combines the full-display benefits of a deli with the sit-down comforts of a tapas bar. On offer is a tempting array of…

  • Taberna La Daniela

    Madrid

    Great tapas and a range of other local staples should be reason enough to come here. But for us, it's all about their cocido a la madrileña (€24.60) which…

  • Condumios

    Madrid

    One of our favourite bars anywhere in the area, this terrific place does all manner of Spanish staples – try the croquetas de jamón y gambas al ajillo …

  • Gofio

    Madrid

    The proud owner of a Michelin star, Gofio brings to the capital a whole cookbook full of innovative takes on traditional recipes from the Canary Islands…

  • Gran Clavel

    Madrid

    The mainstay of lunches for many madrileños are called casas de comidas – restaurants serving home cooking. This casa de comidas is an upmarket version of…

  • The entrance to Lambuzo on Calle Ponzano.

    Lambuzo

    Madrid

    Lambuzo unabashedly declares its love for all things Andalucian. Seafood-centred dishes transport diners straight to the beaches of Cádiz; cuttlefish…

  • Pizza al Cuadrado, inside of Gourmet Experience.

    Pizza al Cuadrado

    Madrid

    Looking for Madrid’s take on fast food? Pizza al Cuadrado’s squares of crisp dough – with toppings such as potato, pesto and pine nuts or pumpkin cream,…

  • Interior of El Anciano Rey de los Vinos.

    El Anciano Rey de los Vinos

    Madrid

    With outdoor seating that gives you an unbeatable view of the cathedral, this bar has been serving vermouth and its unique house wine – a sweet number…

  • The house specialty okonomiayki at Sublime Tokyo.

    Sublime Tokyo

    Madrid

    In Japan, Sublime Tokyo is a chain with nearly 300 locations, but this cosy restaurant is its first overseas eatery. Specialising in authentic Tokyo…

  • The entrance to WareHouse.

    WareHouse

    Madrid

    Located in a restored palacete (small palace), elegant WareHouse boasts a farm-to-table restaurant, Rhum Bar and an outdoor patio lush with grape vines…

  • La Mucca's flag flies on Calle del Prado.

    La Mucca de Prado

    Madrid

    This wildly popular outpost of the similarly cool Malasaña La Mucca serves up terrific local dishes such as jamón (ham) platters, but the menu is mostly…

  • Bottles and glasses at El Diario.

    El Diario de Huertas

    Madrid

    This bar and restaurant has been serving old-fashioned home cooking since 1879. The menu includes typical tapas, cheeses, cured ham and sausages, and…

  • Casa Jacint's facade, close to the Senate building.

    Casa Jacinto

    Madrid

    A favourite of local politicians due to its location just outside the Senate building, Casa Jacinto is famous for its meat, fish of the day and wide…

  • Patrons filter out of Maricastaña after breakfast.

    Maricastaña

    Malasaña & Conde Duque

    This fabulous find sits in the increasingly cool corner of Malasaña that is flourishing just off the back of Gran Vía. The decor is quite lovely, all…

  • Interior of San Anton indoor market in Madrid city @Fotokon/Shutterstock

    Mercado de San Antón

    Chueca

    Spain’s fresh food markets make for an interesting alternative to bars and restaurants. Many have been transformed to meet all of your food needs at once…

  • The facade of L'Artisan French/Japanese restaurant.

    L'Artisan

    Madrid

    Two parallel menus, one French and one Japanese, make this restaurant a unique choice. The lunch menu changes daily, or you can enjoy a sampler for two…

  • Goiko Grill's facade

    Goiko Grill

    Madrid

    A strong player on Madrid’s burgeoning burger scene, Goiko Grill has several locations around the city. The modern, minimal design puts the emphasis where…

  • La Pescaderia's entrance and small terrace.

    La Pescadería

    Malasaña & Conde Duque

    Proving that fish-based dishes are perfect for sharing, La Pescadería serves up everything from cod fritters to octopus carpaccio to mussels. Meat dishes,…

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    HanSo Café

    Malasaña & Conde Duque

    This vintage-style cafe takes coffee and cakes seriously. Try something sweet like the banana or cranberry bread, or one of the Asian-influenced cakes…

  • El Huerto de Lucas, as seen from Callle San Lucas.

    El Huerto de Lucas

    Chueca

    Madrid’s only entirely organic food market, El Huerto de Lucas is home to individual vendors as well as a restaurant, cafe and juice bar. Earth-friendly…

  • Multicoloured cupcakes at Celicioso.

    Celicioso

    Chueca

    Gluten-free options are rare in Madrid, but Celicioso makes up for that lack with its selection of coeliac-friendly pastries. You can grab a table and…

  • El Lateral located in Plaza Santa Ana.

    El Lateral

    Madrid

    One of the better bars surrounding Plaza de Santa Ana, El Lateral does terrific pinchos (snacks), the perfect accompaniment to the fine wines on offer…

  • Xanacuk, nestled between stores in the Chueca neighbourhood.

    Xanacuk

    Chueca

    This juice and salad bar is very veggie-friendly and locals and tourists alike enjoy stopping in for a healthy boost. With options for vegetarians and…

  • Lamian's bar.

    Lamian by Soy Kitchen

    Malasaña & Conde Duque

    This Asian tavern specialises in different types of lamian, a Thai ramen soup. You can also try dim sum, mackerel tartare, succulent seabass with a hint…

  • La Mucca's outdoor patio.

    La Mucca de Pez

    Malasaña & Conde Duque

    The only problem with this place is that it's such an agreeable spot to spend an afternoon it can be impossible to snaffle a table. An ample wine list…

  • El Arrogante on a Saturday night.

    El Arrogante

    Madrid

    Considered one of Madrid’s 'neotaverns', this twist on the traditional tavern offers well-loved Spanish dishes, such as octopus or croquettes, amid decor…

  • The entire menu is displayed outside of La Finca de Susana.

    La Finca de Susana

    Madrid

    It’s difficult to find a better combination of price, quality cooking and classy atmosphere anywhere in Huertas. The softly lit dining area has a…

  • Zombie Bar's blue and brick facade.

    Zombie Bar

    Malasaña & Conde Duque

    Madrid's passion for burgers shows no signs of abating. If anything, the quality just keeps getting better. Zombie Bar, on Malasaña's most happening…

  • Friends gather outside of Confitería El Riojano.

    Confitería El Riojano

    Madrid

    Founded in 1855, this place serves the usual suspects, as well as traditional Madrid offerings such as azucarillos (meringue-like sugar bombs) of lemon,…