The capital of Spain isn´t just an epicentre of history, art and culture, but also a paradise for lovers of good food – and furthermore, not just a delightful culinary experience but a reflection of the character and emotions of its people.
Eating in Madrid is a social act that goes beyond satisfying the appetite; it´s the glue that unites families, friends, and colleagues. For the most part, and in contrast with some other major tourist-popular cities, dishes are prepared not with tourists in mind, but with discerning local diners, ensuring authenticity and quality.
Let’s dive into the flavours and experiences that make Madrid an unparalleled foodie destination.
Tapas, Neighbourhoods, and Gourmet Food Halls
This city is of course known for its tapas, those tasty small dishes that transform any moment into a special occasion. In every neighbourhood of the city, tapas culture is intense, from a simple tortilla de patatas (potato omelette) to sophisticated creations using seasonal ingredients.
Ponzano, one of the best-known streets in the central neighbourhood of Chamberí, is a favourite destination for tapas lovers, with an impressive variety of bars and eateries, each with its own delicious offerings. La Vaca y La Huerta, for example, is one with a modern flair where seasonal products are front and centre, serving fresh tapas ranging from salads to grilled meats. Another excellent choice is Taberna la Concha, where the traditional croquette and grilled squid are must-orders.
On the other hand, the Ibiza neighbourhood, near Madrid´s premier park El Retiro, has become a gourmet corner where traditional tapas bars coexist with more modern options. At one of the city´s marquis traditional restaurants, Casa Lucio, the famous tortilla de patatas is given an contemporary twist with exquisite caramelised onions, while in La Bacha you can sample high-quality dishes such as garlic prawns and their homemade meatballs in a more contemporary and cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Another central and historic neighbourhood, La Latina, is also a tapas hotspot, especially along Calle de la Cava Baja (aka “tapas street”), where the atmosphere is bustling both in historic taverns and eateries of more recent vintage where vermouth flows freely and you can find iconic tapas such as the croquettes from Casa Lucas or the calamari sandwich (a Madrid classic despite its being far from the sea) from El Viajero. This corner of La Latina fuses tradition and modernity, being the ideal place to enjoy the authentic essence of the capital.
Meanwhile, in the posh Salamanca neighbourhood cuisine is raised to a more sophisticated level. Here restaurants such as La Maruca serve gourmet tapas, whilst markets such as Mercado de la Paz offer fresh quality produce and dozens of eateries, with a touch of luxe.
The Wines of Madrid: The Soul of the Land
Although the regions of La Rioja, Ribera del Duero, and Penedés are the heavy hitters of the Spanish wine world, Madrid is gaining prominence with its own wine offering. The Denominación de Origen Vinos de Madrid covers several sub-regions such as Arganda, Navalcarnero, and San Martín de Valdeiglesias, producing full-bodied reds, fresh whites and elegant rosés. Vineyards such as those in San Martín de Valdeiglesias and Navalcarnero combine tradition and modern techniques, highlighting indigenous varieties such as Malvar and Tinto Fino.
To explore Madrid’s wines is to explore its history and landscapes, from the vineyards of the Gredos Mountain Range to the wineries near the capital. At Bodega Iniesta or Bodegas José Pariente you can discover the authentic flavour of local wines. In addition, at wine shops such as La Vinoteca or Bodegas El Sarmiento in Madrid, wine lovers can enjoy tastings and find a selection of local labels that pair perfectly with the gastronomy of the community. Establishments such as Casa Lucio also include these wines on their menus, making Madrid wine an integral part of the local culinary experience.
The Classic Restaurant Icons: History on a Plate
As the capital of Spain since 1561, Madrid has a restaurant scene with some equally historic establishments, with both ambiance and menus steeped in Castilian tradition. One of the most emblematic is the Restaurante Botín just below Plaza Mayor, founded in 1725 and recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world´s oldest still operating eatery and written about by the likes of Graham Greene, James Michener, Frederick Forsyth, and most famously of all, Ernest Hemingway. Here cochinillo asado (roast suckling pig) is the star, cooked in wood-burning ovens that have been cooking for almost three centuries.
Another classic is Lhardy, founded in 1839 off Puerta del Sol, which introduced French haute cuisine to Spain and maintains its iconic broth served in silver samovars. And let´s not forget Taberna Antonio Sánchez in the Lavapiés neighbourhood, a bastion of authenticity dating back to 1830, where tapas and homemade stews transport you to the Madrid of yesteryear.
Michelin-Starred Restaurant Stars: Innovation and Excellence
Even while steeped in tradition, Madrid is also an epicentre of culinary innovation, with a range of Michelin-starred restaurants that elevate cuisine to an artistic experience. It currently has 22 restaurants recognised by this prestigious guide, each with unique offerings that push the envelope of fine dining.
Among the highlights is DiverXO, by Dabiz Muñoz, a chef with a kind of edgy “punk” sensibility and no fewer than three Michelin stars. Located north of the centre in the Chamartín district, this restaurant is a gastronomic journey that combines explosive flavours and avant-garde techniques, an experience that redefines what haute cuisine can be.
Another of the great references is two-star El Club Allard, run by chefs Alejandro and Álvaro Rodríguez, right off of the Plaza de España. Amid a modern yet cosy atmosphere, its signature epxeriemental cuisine fuses flavors, textures and colors in a unique way, and its creative tasting menu format changes constantly to offer a different experience on each visit.
And over in Chamberí, one-star Coque, run by brothers Rafa and Mario Sandoval, also combines the best of tradition and modernity. Their menu is a tribute to Spanish cuisine, but with a modern and interpretation, and the space is divided into several areas, including a kitchen where diners can watch the preparation process of their dishes up close, adding an interactive dimension to the dining experience.
More Unique Experiences
Beyond merely world-class haute cuisine, some dining spots here offer truly unrepeatable moments. Among the most unique, RavioXO stands out, as the first Michelin-starred restaurant in the world within a shopping centre. Located in the Corte Inglés department store on Paseo de la Castellana, this restaurant by Dabiz Muñoz redefines the concept of haute cuisine, fusing Asian tradition with an innovative approach in an accessible and modern environment. Muñoz’s boundless creativity has made it a one-of-a-kind hotspot, offering a first-class gastronomic experience in a very unexpected place.
Another unique experience comes from Corral de la Morería, the only Michelin-starred restaurant that combines a flamenco tablao show. In La Latina just south of the Oriente Palace and Almudena Cathedral, has managed to fuse the passion of flamenco with haute cuisine, offering diners a complete sensory experience, and an incomparable atmosphere.