For almost three years now, I've been exploring Madrid through my tastebuds and getting to know the city one bite at a time. Unsurprisingly, I've found that Madrid is truly a food lover's dream. Between the traditional tapas, fresh fusion dishes and vast array of international cuisine, Spain's capital is abounding with exceptional eateries.
Since the only thing that makes me happier than trying new restaurants is giving fellow foodies recommendations, I've compiled a list of my favorite restaurants in Madrid categorized by neighborhood. Though this guide will surely grow within the next year, here are the restaurants that I believe to be some of the best places to eat in Madrid. ¡Que aproveche!
Who's hungry?
LA LATINA
Juana La Loca
Plaza Puerta de Moros, 4
Plaza Puerta de Moros, 4
A lively tapas bar; home to my favorite slice of tortilla de patatas in the city
Taberna Almería
Calle de las Aguas, 9
Calle de las Aguas, 9
A no-frills tapas bar with good tostas, cured meats and cheeses
Taberna El Buo
Calle del Humilladero, 4
Calle del Humilladero, 4
Tortilla stuffed with goat cheese and caramelized onions. Enough said.
Taberna La Concha
Calle de la Cava Baja 7
Calle de la Cava Baja 7
Phenomenal tapas and tostas with an extensive gluten-free menu
Taberna Los Huevos de Lucio
Calle de la Cava Baja, 30
Calle de la Cava Baja, 30
Famous for the best huevos rotos in Madrid
Txirimiri
Calle del Humilladero, 6
Calle del Humilladero, 6
A bustling Basque pintxos bar, featuring another great tortilla
MALASAÑA
Antigua Huevería
Calle San Vicente Ferrer, 31
Calle San Vicente Ferrer, 31
Classic Spanish dishes served in a darling vintage space
Bar El Pico
Calle Divino Pastor, 12
Calle Divino Pastor, 12
Traditional Spanish food, go for lunch on a weekday for a mouthwatering menu del día
Bodega de la Ardosa
Calle Colón, 13
Calle Colón, 13
Picturesque bar brimming with old world charm, one of the best tortilla de patatas in Madrid
Curry's Masala
Calle de Silva, 16
Calle de Silva, 16
Some of the city's highest quality Indian food, superb weekday menu del día
La Mucca
Plaza Carlos Cambronero, 7
Plaza Carlos Cambronero, 7
Hip, eclectic Spanish-American fusion dishes
La Musa
Calle de Manuela Malasaña, 18
Calle de Manuela Malasaña, 18
Quirky atmosphere with a funky, modern take on tapas
Ojalá
Calle de San Andrés, 1
La Musa's sister restaurant, offering a unique variety of internationally inspired dishes
Pez Tortilla
Calle de Pez, 36
Spectacular slices of gourmet tortillas (try the heavenly brie and truffle)
Verbena
Calle Velarde, 24
Calle Velarde, 24
Tasty tapas with a slightly hipster twist
Patatas bravas from Ojalá
CONDE DUQUE
Carmencita Bar
Calle San Vicente Ferrer, 51
Calle San Vicente Ferrer, 51
The closest thing to classic American brunch (and 1€ mimosas!)
El Maño
Calle de la Palma, 64
Calle de la Palma, 64
A lively neighborhood tapas bar with incredible patatas bravas and delightfully cheap wine
Federal Café
Plaza de las Comendadoras, 9
Plaza de las Comendadoras, 9
My favorite brunch in Madrid; hipster/expat paradise
María Bonita
Calle Duque de Liria, 9
Calle Duque de Liria, 9
Some of the best Mexican food and margaritas in the city
Zombie Bar
Calle Noviciado, 14
Calle Noviciado, 14
Unbeatable burgers, fries and other comforts of home
HUERTAS
Casa González
Calle León, 12
Calle León, 12
Great wine, cured meats and cheeses: the trifecta of Spanish treats!
Casa Toni
Calle de la Cruz, 14
Calle de la Cruz, 14
Family-style tapas covering all of the Spanish classics
Lateral
Plaza de Santa Ana, 12
Plaza de Santa Ana, 12
A gourmet (yet surprisingly affordable) take on modern and traditional tapas
CHUECA
Arepa Olé
Calle Pelayo, 2
Serving up tasty arepas and other South American treats
La Candelita
Calle del Barquillo, 30
Calle Pelayo, 2
Serving up tasty arepas and other South American treats
La Candelita
Calle del Barquillo, 30
Latin American and Creole cuisine, go for their phenomenal brunch
Taberna Gastromaquía
Calle Pelayo, 6
Calle Pelayo, 6
Unique Spanish fusion dishes with a gourmet twist, a memorable gastronomic experience
SOL
Bar Cerveriz
Plaza de San Miguel, 2
Plaza de San Miguel, 2
One of the best slices of tortilla in the city
Mesón del Champiñón
Calle Cava de San Miguel, 17
Home to incredible grilled mushrooms stuffed with chorizo, parsley and garlic
Takos al Pastor
Calle de la Abada, 2
Calle de la Abada, 2
Arguably the best tacos in Madrid, and only for 1€ a piece!
OTHER
Maiia Thai
Calle de la Princesa, 13
Calle de la Princesa, 13
My go-to Thai restaurant, serving up delectable curries and noodle dishes
Phuket Thai
Calle de Atocha, 115
Home to my favorite panang curry in Madrid
Poncelet Cheese Bar
Calle de José Abascal, 61
Calle de José Abascal, 61
A divine selection of cheeses and an even more impressive wine list
Calle Sagasta, 30
The closest thing Madrid will ever get to Chipotle
To be continued...
Have you got any other recommendations?
What are your favorite restaurants in Madrid?
What are your favorite restaurants in Madrid?
