The best restaurants Madrid

Somewhere between a bar and a restaurant, this is the place to come for a glass of wine, pinchos or raciones on the pleasant terrace that stretches across the plaza Santa Ana! Although (very) touristy, it's an opportunity to try some classics like tostas or croquetas in a pleasant, contemporary setting. The atmosphere is at its best in the evening, when everyone crowds the bar or terrace. On the downside, waiting times can be long and service a little rushed. A quality address nonetheless.

Public offers a cozy setting with wooded tones, ideal at the time to sit down to eat. The atmosphere is calm and chic and the dishes are always very well prepared. Millefeuilles of beef fillets and foie gras, grilled prawns or tuna fillets with romesco sauce, everything is really good and rather original. To appreciate these pleasurable menus, you have to queue a little on weekends because there is no reservation possible here. And, every lunchtime during the week, the menu del dia is an excellent plan with a really unbeatable quality-price ratio.

The Maceira tavern is a Galician restaurant specialized in seafood and which is often full. You will find there the atmosphere of the small restaurants of this region of the north of Spain, with the music in premium (it is often too strong). For starters: empanada gallega. For the main course: an arroz marinero with a little albariño (white wine) and of course the inevitable octopus. The whole, immersed in a maritime atmosphere, decorated with fishing nets and old amphoras. The reception is sometimes average, but the plate is worth the detour.

El viajero means "the traveller". Established on three floors, the bar-restaurant cultivates a bohemian and arty style. Its classic armchairs revised and corrected, its heterogeneous paintings, its pictures of exotic countries and its crazy colors, make it a chic hippie place. On the top floor, you access the terrace, perfect for sunny days. Often crowded, there is another one on the small square overlooking the bottom of the Cava Baja. You can eat à la carte (the entrecote and burgers are excellent) or nibble good tapas.

La Barraca (traditional Valencian house) has been an institution in Madrid since 1935. Inside, you will have the choice between three rooms decorated with porcelain and ceramics and three smaller, more intimate lounges. You can start with a speciality such as desgarrat (grilled pepper and cod salad with olive oil) or bacalao buñuelos (cod fritters), then you can taste paellas in all their forms in the purest Valencian tradition, or discover a very popular dish: the seafood brochette with big shrimp.

An institution for students and broke gourmands. For 9 €, you are entitled to a homemade pizza served with a smile. Enjoy it on the terrace or in the beautiful colourful room, located in the entrance. The basement dining room is less pleasant. Pizza parts to take to € 2,50.

For all meat lovers, the El Palermo Viejo restaurant is essential. Hosted by Argentinian people of Italian origin, this restaurant offers one of Madrid's best meats and at a reasonable price. Before you get to the table, ask for a serves (half) to refresh yourself, accompanied by a chilena chilena (like pie, cheese, ham, or corn). The exposed beams and some jazz notes give the impression of being at home, as isolated from time. The card is rich, but there is no doubt. It will be tender to Argentina or solomillo white wine sauce (al verdeo). Follow the advice of the chef for cooking: " argentine punto ", i. e., slightly red. Vegetarians are not forgotten; pesto ravioli is delicious and hot goat cheese accompanied by tomatoes and candied figs under the tongue. El Palermo Viejo is also a bar and shop for Argentine products.

La is a reference of Basque cuisine; portions cod portions or pork plates are exquisite. If you flee the tapas bars in the neighbourhood while looking for a tavern atmosphere, this is the right place.

More known as El Chino in Plaza de España, this restaurant is not easy to find, but all the Madrid know it. You repérerez it first with the smell. It's a bit bad, but it's a typical Madrid myth. You will eat very well for a few euros. A more typical address than it appears.

The terrace is ideal for lunch at lunchtime. On a quiet little square, in the shadow of a parasol and in front of a beautiful church, the best in Madrid is felt. Level kitchen is quite traditional: raciones of tortilla, squid, cheese, ham…

Opened in 1934, Bar Manolo is the oldest bar in the neighbourhood and it is seen! The old atmosphere is at the meeting; It is a real district bar, which turns into a restaurant at midday, with a non-popular menu at 16 €.

The Arab past of Madrid is mind highlighted here. In oriental decoration you will taste one of the best couscous in the city. Alcohol is not used. Service to take.

A pleasant village bar, which offers combined dishes, and very rich hamburgers.

A pleasant traditional tapas bar where you can picnic on the terrace, leaning against barrels, or inside, in a typically Spanish atmosphere. The decoration, decorated with yellow tiles and old posters, is purely Madrid. Every day, the chef prepares a very honourable paella, as well as the house's specialities, in particular langoustines and plancha prawns. An unmissable meeting of the locals, for lunch and dinner. On weekends, the atmosphere rises a notch and we elbow our way to the bar.

Attention, concept store in sight! In Calle Nieremberg, we happily come across Sopa, which is a vegetarian restaurant, an organic shop and a jewellery store! In a sober and friendly setting, where you are welcomed with a smile, hot soups are served in winter, gazpachoes in summer, sandwiches around the large common tables and delicious pastries are served. Even the selected wine is organic. To see for the mix of genres. A mix of genres that has already met with success in Barcelona and in... Bali!

This is a great place to have a glass of (good) wine and some delicious tapas in the northern part of the Malasaña district. In a small room with modern accents where bricks and wood cohabit marvellously, you can enjoy skewers of salsa scampi, marinated anchovies or mini hamburgers. A very popular address in the evenings on weekends and a very good del dia menu during the week (with a choice of meat or fish every day). On the flip side, the reception can be a little cold.

Located in the heart of Calle Arenal, this address is especially appreciated for its ham. The ham, cut with a knife and vacuum-packed, is ready to be eaten on the spot as a sandwich or to take away. The best product in the shop is the Iberian ham, but you can also buy chorizo, sausages, meat, manchego cheese and other typical Spanish cheeses such as cabrales, Torta del Casar, Idiazába...

Right next to the Cervantes Theatre in Alcalá's main square, this modern address with its refined decoration, undoubtedly one of the best in the city, offers quality dishes prepared exclusively with fresh produce. The menu, with some Asian-inspired fusion touches (the tuna tataki is excellent), is a success and perfectly revisits the great regional classics. The wine list is also of very good quality. A beautiful and very popular address with an excellent price-quality ratio.

As the name suggests, the focus here is on fish and seafood. The inventive cuisine blends the flavors of the sea (but not only) with great success. We particularly liked the langoustines with mango and the steak tartare. And this quality address, much appreciated by the locals, offers a superb contemporary setting and a small terrace to enjoy the fine weather. La Pescaderia's success has since been emulated, notably in the Salamanca district, calle Hermosilla.

This restaurant, which was Hemingway's favourite, has been in the neighbourhood since 1941 and has always had a good reputation. The house specialty? The bull tail. Because this is a bullfighting establishment, as the local customers say. Madrilenians who are, moreover, once is not customary, often much more numerous at lunchtime. In terms of decoration, between the warm furniture, the wood, the bullfighting posters that cover the walls and the checkered tablecloths, it feels like granny's house.

After the undeniable success of its Malasaña address, La Pescaderia opened this new establishment in 2021 to the delight of the neighborhood's residents. On the menu (with excellent value for money), Mediterranean cuisine concocted with good fresh products. The setting? As for its big sister, this address has a very trendy decoration. The originality? The possibility of sipping a cocktail upstairs at the Club Fishermans.

Six young university students, lovers of good wines, decided one day to create a tavern in which wine would play a central role. In 1996, they converted a former butcher shop into a trendy bar. And success is quickly achieved. The menu includes a list of 300 wines and good races such as tuna and salmon carpaccio or marinated anchovies to accompany them. A typical restaurant in the capital of Madrid, with a warm welcome and the promise of a very convivial moment around a good bottle with friends.

Pasteleria Mallorca is a catering chain present in the chic districts of Madrid. It is above all an institution in the Spanish capital. Here, we had the good idea to set up a few tables to serve customers on site at any time of the day. In a rather "good chic, good style" atmosphere, we take a walk to taste typical dishes, a good glass of wine and, above all, we don't forget to look at the dessert section before leaving! A perfect place for a delicious brunch on Sunday mornings.

In front of the Pardo Palace, here is a good table with a somewhat rustic décor and a warm welcome. Since 1980, the Lorden Rubio family has been treating their world to hearty dishes. If the word gamo means "stag", the card offers wild boar with apples and Hungarian game. Of course, we're still on the hunting grounds of the kings of Spain. There are also many good quality menus to make the most of the menu and, on Sundays, the establishment offers an entertainment for children... clown!

This restaurant, with its charming rustic atmosphere and beautiful enclosed terrace, offers the specialities of the sierra, high quality meat, roasted or grilled, excellent suckling pig, Burgos blood sausage and perfectly cooked lamb. In any case, it is one of the best places in the area to eat after a long day of walking. And whether it's under the blazing summer sun or under the snow in winter, the welcome is always absolutely charming. A beautiful gourmet address.

In one of the small streets leading to the Plaza Major, you can eat there for really cheap! For 3 €, you can choose between a squid sandwich or fried chorizo, blood sausage, bacon... La Ideal is the meeting place for young people with no money (who keep their money to make the night last as long as possible) and the workers of the neighbourhood. The place is not very attractive and it is always crowded at mealtimes, but it is a good option to eat on the go while strolling around Plaza Mayor. Typical Madrid.

The Trotamundos and Sep7ima restaurants treat guests inside the Only You Atocha hotel. Headed by chef Javi Mora, this Madrid address offers a fusion of inventive cuisine. During the day, it's on the first floor where you'll find a simple yet effective menu (including burgers, wraps and poke bowls), and in the evening, on the top floor, it's at Sep7ima, with a menu featuring Spanish and Latin flavors. But before you indulge, there's a great cocktail menu not to be missed!

Reference chef Paco Roncero, a disciple of Ferrán Adriá, concocts original gourmet cuisine, with 2 Michelin stars, on the top floor of Madrid's casino. This historic building dating from 1910 is simply magnificent. And it's on the top floor that you can enjoy Roncero's highly creative cuisine. Decorated in pastel tones to give it a contemporary, elegant touch, the dining room is already a delight. And what about the terrace, open in summer to admire Madrid from its rooftops? Breathtaking!

For more than twenty years, Casa Carola has offered its visitors a unique menu with a glass of wine or a light aperitif, the classic cocido madrileño, a dessert and a coffee. On the menu, we find a modern and creative cuisine and some beautiful and well-crafted proposals. In a very pleasant traditional setting, with checkered tablecloths, large wooden chairs, earthenware and old black and white photos, this is an authentic table that deserves a stop, a little away from the main tourist routes of the Spanish capital.

It was the first Peruvian restaurant that moved to Madrid and it has kept its style, quality, prices and regular customers. The reception is friendly and the premises are decorated with Inca symbols. After one or two pisco sour as an aperitif (Andean alcoholic drink), the room will seem brighter than before. The aji de gallina is recommended for those who don't like spicy, for the others, the picante de camarones. Other Central American and Andean specialties such as ceviche and tamales are on the menu.

With its Swiss chalet frontage, this restaurant is impossible to miss. A single dining room with woodwork and warm lights, where the welcome is warm. The two chefs, in their impeccable white outfits, are busy in the kitchen, which can be seen through the large pass-through. A fondue specialist, they offer numerous variations such as Savoyard, Burgundian and Chinese fondues, raclettes, but also filet mignon with rösti, confit or duck breast. And for dessert, there is chocolate fondue. Quite original in Madrid!

On the surface, this little bar may not look like much under its red awning, but judging by the crowds, the chef has talent. The main attraction is el bacalao, the house specialty and undoubtedly the best cod in the capital! In croquettes, marinated, in sauce or fried, the fish is prepared in all its forms here or in the other small premises just a few meters away (Calle de Cuchilleros, 10). Carnivores can fall back on the typically Madrid tripe. A must on Sundays after a trip to the Rastro flea market!

Welcome to the temple of the mussel! This small, well-known address in the Spanish capital offers the mythical seafood in all its forms: steamed, with lemon, with garlic, with cream, with white wine, with vinegar, etc. Three or four tables on the terrace and a few more inside are enough for locals to enjoy since 1948. A good option for lovers and a great place to start the evening in a typical Madrid atmosphere in the heart of this tourist district.

The Txakolina tavern is a beautiful modern establishment in the Cava Baja, whose tapas, all lined up on the bar, will make you look at the door as soon as you walk in. Croquetas, bombas, sandwiches or mini burgers, the classics are nicely revisited and the tapas are more original than elsewhere. In any case, there is something for everyone and the quality is there. An address which, victim of its success, does not empty... It is sometimes necessary to play elbows and to wait a little the weekend to be able to be served.

This well-known sandwich bar in Madrid has been offering low prices and quality ingredients since 1940. Very welcoming, you'll often find long queues outside the door, especially at lunchtime on Sundays. Bocadillos are made right in front of you, and squid bocadillos are the casa's signature specialty. The room is very small and the student clientele take advantage of the beer minis (plastic glasses generally holding around 15 cl) sold at very attractive prices (€1.80).

The cuisine here is Italian, and the pizzas are baked in a wood-fired oven, giving them that distinctive aroma. The menu featuresantipasti, a wide variety of salads, carpaccios, pizzas, pastas, risottos and meats. You'll also be able to enjoy a few specialty treasures, such as the appetizer flores de calabacín (zucchini flowers stuffed with mozzarella and anchovies), followed by fettucine al tartufo (porcini mushrooms and truffles), or tagliatta (braised beef tenderloin heart). A welcome change from the usual tapas bars on the street.

This is a table that offers a simply magical setting! The view over the valley is breathtaking and lunch on the stone terrace of this period house is the promise of a delicious moment. And as if that wasn't enough, Manolo and Mari's smiling welcome and well thought-out menu meet the promises of the place. We feast on some of the region's rather well cared-for specialities and the duck confit cooked with Patone honey is a real treat. An address not to be missed if you are in the area.

San Ildefonso plays the Spanish card to the fullest, just like its illustrious predecessor, the Mercado San Miguel. The twenty or so stands revisit all the Iberian classics. Croquetas with goat cheese or scampi are served alongside the eternal migas, and the cañas flow freely. In short, it's the afterwork trendy for the thirty-something Madrid resident. As for the decoration, the urban and design look, the metal walkways and the warm colors make a harmonious whole and, not to spoil anything, the two small terraces are very pleasant. A real favorite!

A great Madrid classic, founded in 1888, and which still continues to attract crowds. Once known for its tertulias (intellectual discussions), this place has not changed and is still home to the culturally eager Madrileños, who want to have a coffee in a friendly atmosphere. Hemingway, Ava Gardner and the great Spanish author Camillo Jose Cellas sat around the tables of this superb coffee. The walls of the restaurant are decorated with illustrated poems by the greatest Spanish artists.

Madrid is not particularly famous for its paellas, but if you want to eat a good and rather hearty one and there are two of you, don't hesitate to choose this restaurant with its traditional decoration and very good press. And for good reason! Whether seafood, vegetables or meat, paellas respect all the traditions of Valencia and delight the locals who have been coming here for decades. Hidden in a small street behind Gran Vía, this is a good way to start a long Madrid evening.

When you want ham in Spain, it is better to trust the specialists! Here, you can ask to taste a lichette before leaving with chorizo, cheese, lomo, ham... There are several Museo del Jamón in the center of Madrid, the opportunity to eat a bocadillo at any time of the day. So, why not do as the locals do and rush to break the crust at low prices? For over 40 years, this museo has been a timeless success. It is also a good place to buy ham by weight to take with you in your suitcases.

You'll hardly find more royalty in the coffee category! Located just outside the Teatro Real (Opera House) and opposite the Royal Palace, you are truly in the heart of the emblematic monuments of the Spanish monarchy. Moreover, on the Plaza Oriente, statues of Spanish kings make us review the family tree of royalty. At the Cafe de Oriente, you will have lunch on a large terrace or in an interior, early 20th century atmosphere. A little more expensive than elsewhere, though. But the incredible view of the Royal Palace comes at a price

Despite its chic, stuffy look, Gloria de Montera is a favorite with Madrid's trendy youth. As soon as it's time for dinner, people flock here to sample the excellent Mediterranean cuisine. Above all, prices are surprisingly reasonable for a rather elaborate menu (we really enjoyed the 4-cheese risotto with asparagus) and a well-stocked wine cellar. The place is always packed, but reservations are impossible, so bear with us. The lunch menu is an excellent value option.

Estado Puro offers top-notch tapas by Paco Roncero, a favourite disciple of Ferrán Adría, who also has a star in his Madrid restaurant La Terraza del Casino. Here the chef reappropriates the great Spanish classics such as the patatas bravas that he lines up like menhirs or his "21st century" tortilla that he dismembers squarely for a result that is always brilliant and fine. This tapas bar, which looks like a Hispanic dinner, is an excellent stopover after visiting the Prado and the capital's major museums.

One of the references of Moroccan cuisine in Madrid; There are delicious tagines and pastillas.

Counsel: come to many to taste as many dishes as possible!

The list is long: soups, salads, a variety of meat and fish (including house specialty: la truchana, a trout with tomato and ham). By aperitif, the assortment of sofas (lippia of sofas) makes it possible to taste everything.