Must-see restaurants in Madrid

  • Top Choice
    Mercado de San Miguel

    This is one of Madrid’s oldest and most beautiful markets, within early-20th-century glass walls and an inviting space strewn with tables. You can order…

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    DiverXo

    Madrid's only three-Michelin-starred restaurant, DiverXo in northern Madrid is one of Spain's most unusual culinary experiences. Chef David Muñoz is…

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    Restaurante Sobrino de Botín

    It’s not every day that you can eat in the oldest restaurant in the world (as recognised by the Guinness Book of Records – established in 1725). The…

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    Estado Puro

    A slick but casual tapas bar, Estado Puro serves up fantastic tapas, that push the boundaries of traditional recipes. It's known for many things, among…

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    Lhardy

    This Madrid landmark (since 1839) is an elegant treasure trove of takeaway gourmet tapas downstairs and six dining areas upstairs that are the upmarket…

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    Paco Roncero Restaurante

    Perched atop the lavish Casino de Madrid building, this temple of haute cuisine is the proud bearer of two Michelin stars and presided over by celebrity…

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    Gourmet Experience

    Ride the elevator up to the 9th floor of the El Corte Inglés department store for one of downtown Madrid's best eating experiences. The food is excellent,…

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    Platea

    The ornate Carlos III cinema opposite the Plaza de Colón has been artfully transformed into a dynamic culinary scene with more than a hint of burlesque…

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    Casa Lucio

    Casa Lucio is a Madrid classic and has been wowing madrileños since 1974 with its light touch, quality ingredients and home-style local cooking such as…

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    Bazaar

    Bazaar’s popularity among the well-heeled Chueca set shows no sign of abating. Its pristine white interior design, with theatre-style lighting and wall…

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    La Carmencita

    Around since 1854, La Carmencita is the bar where legendary poet Pablo Neruda was once a regular. The folk of La Carmencita have taken 75 of their…

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    La Barraca

    The place to come for a real paella, not the tourist version too often found in Madrid, La Barraca has been serving down-home Valencian cooking in the…

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    Casa Julio

    A citywide poll for the best croquetas (croquettes) in Madrid would see half of those polled voting for Casa Julio and the remainder not doing so only…

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    Casa Alberto

    One of the most atmospheric old tabernas (taverns) of Madrid, Casa Alberto has been around since 1827 and occupies a building where Cervantes is said to…

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    Viridiana

    Chef Abraham García is a much-celebrated Madrid figure and his larger-than-life personality is reflected in Viridiana’s menu. Many influences are brought…

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    Mama Campo

    Mama Campo breaks the mould of sameness that unites the bars surrounding Plaza de Olavide. Positioning itself as an ecofriendly take on the Spanish…

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    Casa Revuelta

    Casa Revuelta puts out some of Madrid’s finest tapas of bacalao (cod) bar none – unlike elsewhere, tajadas de bacalao don't have bones in them and slide…

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    Casa Jorge

    Arguably Madrid's best Catalan restaurant, classy Casa Jorge serves up exquisite specialties from Spain's northwest, including caracoles (snails),…

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    La Buena Vida

    A cross between a Parisian bistro and old-school upmarket Madrid restaurant, this prestigious Chueca place is popular with a well-heeled, knowledgeable…

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    Bodega de la Ardosa

    Tucked away on the cusp of Calle de Ponzano, Madrid's (and Chamberí's) most happening bar and tapas street, this fine relic and local institution serves…