Must-see restaurants in Madrid

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…

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

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…

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…

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

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…

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,…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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

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…

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

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

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…