If you’re visiting Madrid and wondering where to find the best places to eat in Madrid. From local cafés to tapas bars and top restaurants, we’ve got you covered. We’re sharing our favorite spots for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, you have to add to your list, including what to order, where they’re located, and what prices to expect.
Best Places to Eat in Madrid
Before we dive in, we made a free Madrid travel guide with all our favourite places (restaurants, rooftop bars, top things to see, foods to try, and more). It’s fully hyperlinked so just click on the place and it will take you straight to google maps. You can download it in the description and use it to plan your trip or when you’re out exploring the city.
We also made an interactive map with all our favorite restaurants and brunch spots in Madrid, including some vegan-friendly choices as well as options to suit every budget.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Local Dining Times in Madrid
- Churros con Chocolate & Pan con Tomate
- Madrid Breakfast Spots
- Best Brunch in Madrid
- Hotel Brunch in Madrid
- Best of Madrid Lunch Spots
- La Hora del Vermut
- Menú del Día: best food hack in Madrid
- Best Dinner Spots in Madrid
- Food Markets for the Best Tapas
- Where to stay: Best Hotels in Madrid
Local Dining Times in Madrid
Madrileños eat late. Really late compared to what most of us are used to. Breakfast in Madrid can be any time up until around 10 or 11 a.m., and brunch (though not a traditional Spanish meal) has become popular in recent years thanks to social media. It usually starts around 11 and overlaps with lunch.
Lunch usually starts around 2 p.m., and dinner doesn’t get going until about 9:30 or 10 p.m. That’s when the city really comes alive. If you show up at 7 thinking you’re being early and clever… not quite. The restaurant might be open, but you’ll probably be the only one there (we’ve learned this the awkward way).
Most kitchens don’t reopen for dinner until around 8 p.m., and between lunch and dinner many places keep the bar open but stop serving food. You can still get a drink or a small snack, just not the full menu. Pro tip: if there’s somewhere you really want to eat, make a reservation, tables go fast.
This is one of the 15 things we talk about in this post here so definitely go watch it after this. Even People that have been living in Madrid for years said they learned something new from that video so make sure you don’t miss it!
Best Breakfast Madrid
Churros con Chocolate
First, let’s talk about churros con chocolate. Churros and chocolate are a Madrid classic because they’re simple, crispy, and perfect for dipping in the city’s famously thick, almost pudding-like hot chocolate.
In Madrid, you’ll find two types of churros: the thick ones, called porras, and the thin, classic ones just called churros. The porras are more chewy on the inside with a slightly crisp outside. They’re perfect for dipping into thick hot chocolate. The thinner churros are slightly crispy on the outside with a soft, doughy inside, often served in a bunch and great for dipping into sugar (or chocolate, of course). Both are delicious, so it really just depends on what you’re in the mood for.
A popular spot for churros in Madrid is Chocolatería San Ginés, near Sol, in Pasadizo de San Ginés. A charming little alley with cafés and an old bookshop. They’ve been serving churros con chocolate since 1894. It’s usually busy because it’s so well-known, but they have several adjoining spaces, so you can almost always find a table, even if you have to wait a few minutes.
If you’d rather skip the wait, you can order from their “take away only” counter and walk toward Plaza Mayor or the Royal Palace. There are also a few other great spots for churros nearby, like 1902 or Valor.
We also really like the churros and chocolate at Restaurante Ultramarinos Quintín in the Salamanca neighborhood. The chocolate is thick and rich, and the restaurant’s decor is beautiful. It used to be a market, and they’ve kept many of the original details, which gives it a unique vibe.
Pan con Tomate
Pan con tomate (or tostada con tomate) is a classic Spanish breakfast that literally means “bread with tomato.” You’ll find some version of it in almost any café or bar. It’s simply grated tomato on toasted bread with olive oil and salt, and sometimes with jamón serrano on top. It’s simple, but delicious. If you want to try it, just search “pan con tomate” on Google Maps. You’ll see plenty of spots in Madrid, so pick one that calls you and has good reviews. A popular option is Rodilla, a Spanish coffee shop chain known for its breakfast items, pastries, and creative sandwich combinations.
Madrid Breakfast Spots
Librería La Mistral
La Mistral looks like a modern, stylish bookstore from the outside, but it hides a little secret. Downstairs, there’s a cozy café surrounded by books and film-themed decor. The menu isn’t big, but they have plenty of coffee options and a few pastries. We tried the pistachio latte and it was delicious. The staff were friendly, and the whole place feels a bit like a hidden book club. If you’re near Sol, it’s a great spot to grab a coffee and maybe pick up a book.
Closest Metro Stop: Sol
Mansilla Libros y Café
Masilla Libros y Café is a cozy coffee bar in La Latina that sells secondhand books, though it’s not really a bookstore. The space has lots of comfy corners and vintage decor, and the staff wear vintage aprons. The menu is made from fabric and recycled paper with cute little drawings. They offer pastries, cakes, specialty coffees, teas, open toasts, and yogurt bowls. We tried the rose latte and the crostata and cookie, the latte was delicious, and the pastries were good, though not amazing. Although, we definitely recommend coming here for the vibe, the decor, and the coffee. We didn’t try the open toasts, but people in the reviews seemed to love them.
Closest Metro Stop: La Latina
Café del Art
This place has good coffee, really great breakfast options like the melted burrata on warm toast drizzled with honey. However, they also serve tostada con tomate y jamón, avocado toast, pastries and yogurt bowls. And things like sangría, vermut (which we’ll talk more about later) and cheese boards. This place is laptop friendly and tons of people come here to work so if this is a business trip or whether you need to get some work done during your trip, this is a perfect option. Close by you can walk around and see incredible street art, especially in Embajadores street, that’s where all the good ones are. So if this is something you’re interested in, definitely come to this area.
Closest Metro Stop: Tirso de Molina
Bond Madrid
Bond Madrid is a small but gorgeous café with a sophisticated vintage vibe. They have the most beautiful cups and plates and everything we ordered was delicious. We highly recommend the cappuccino and the violet cake. But, to be honest, everything looks amazing. You can buy really unique gifts here too. The shelves are full of games, books, candles… Just keep in mind this place is quite popular and only has three tables, so go early. Otherwise, they do have a section in the front for take away. It’s a great place to come to if you’re planning on visiting the Prado Museum, as it’s only a 5 min walk away.
Closest Metro Stop: Antón Martín
Balbisiana
Balbisiana is a café known for its pastries and cakes, which you can even order for special occasions to pick up or have delivered. The branding is beautiful, and we love the soft, sophisticated vibe every time we visit. They make great coffee, and we highly recommend the pistachio and white chocolate tart. They also sell pre-made picnic breakfast or brunch boxes, perfect to order in advance on their website and enjoy in Retiro Park. Definitely check them out when in Madrid. They have several locations, but our favourite is the one near Retiro on Calle Velázquez.
Closest Metro Stop: Velázquez, Alonso Martínez, Santiago Bernabéu & Nuevos Ministerios
Alma Nomad Bakery
If you are staying in the Chamberí area, definitely try Alma Nomad Bakery. Everything they sell is freshly baked and made with sourdough and organic products. We tried the tomato, spinach and mozzarella quiche and it was so creamy and rich, we really enjoyed it. They of course also sell good coffee. Just a heads up, this place is mainly for take away and only has a small counter with some bar stools, so it’s a great option if you just want to grab something quick on the go that is also delicious!
Closest Metro Stop: Iglesia
Aux Merveilleux de Fred
Aux Merveilleux de Fred is a French bakery from Lille that’s now all over Europe, including Madrid. They’re famous for their small meringue desserts that come in all sorts of flavours like cherry, salted caramel or white chocolate, and melt-in-your-mouth. They also make incredibly soft brioche buns with chocolate chips that come fresh out of the oven all day. Every shop feels elegant with vintage-style mirrors, marble counters, and a huge crystal chandelier, which is a staple in every shop. It makes it feel more like a Parisian salon than a bakery.
Closest Metro Stop: Alonso Martínez
Best Brunch Madrid
Zenith
Zenith Brunch and Cocktails is originally from Porto, Portugal, and now has two locations in Madrid, just a short walk from each other close to Gran Vía. We love this place. It’s one of our go-to brunch spots in the city. The menu has lots of Portuguese-inspired dishes like francesinha pancakes, prego rolls, and port wine drinks.
Last time we went, we ordered the Zenith Port, which usually comes with white port, orange juice, mango, passion fruit, and lemon juice, but we tried the mocktail version with kombucha instead of port. We’ve had both, and honestly, they’re equally delicious. We also had the banoffee pancakes (the caramel was amazing) and the eggs benedict with bacon. The bacon was crispy, the bread was fresh, but the sauce could’ve been a bit better.
We also recommend the shakshuka, the francesinha, and the Oreo pancakes with Oreo ice cream (pro tip: ask for Nutella instead of banana cream, it’s a game-changer).
The decor is beautiful, the service is always great, and the staff are super friendly. Overall, the food and drinks are top quality, and it’s easily one of our favourite brunch spots in Madrid.
Federal Café
Federal Café has been in Madrid for years now and it’s become a local favourite for brunch lovers. Their menu has everything from pancakes and burgers to eggs benedict and good coffee.
Our favourites are the pancakes, especially the ones with berry compote and the ones topped with fresh mango. And the beef burger with lettuce, smoked cheese, and tomato chutney, served with a peppery sweet potato mash that’s surprisingly good. We also recommend adding their grilled halloumi on the side and putting it in the burger (it makes it even better). The eggs benedict are tasty but the portion’s on the smaller side, so maybe skip it if you’re really hungry and not planning to order more. They also do great iced lattes.
There are a few locations around Madrid, all with a clean, minimal style, but our favourite is the one on Calle Serrano because of the beautiful surrounding area.
The Fix Café
The Fix Café is a coffee shop known for its specialty coffee, pastries, and tasty brunch, with lots of vegan-friendly options. We really enjoyed the English Breakfast, which comes in a classic and a vegetarian version, both with sourdough bread, grilled tomato, baked beans, and mushrooms.
The classic also includes bacon and sausage, while the vegetarian comes with avocado and spinach. You can also order extra sides, and our favourite is the vegetarian with added sausage or bacon (or both).
For something sweet, the peanut butter blondie is a must!
Hotel Brunches in Madrid
If you want to try a hotel brunch in Madrid, there are plenty that welcome everyone, even if you’re not staying there. The fancy options include the Four Seasons at Dani Brasserie and Rosewood Villa Magna, both offering Sunday brunches from 1 to 4 pm, around €120–€150 with full buffets and à la carte options. The Wellington Hotel is another great pick in the Salamanca area called “Brunch del Wellington”, slightly more affordable at about €85 from 12:30 to 4 pm, and Bless Hotel, for 49€, has its stylish “Brunch Society” on weekends from 1 to 4 pm.
Always make sure to make a reservation in advance as these hotels are very popular and can sometimes have waiting lists.
And speaking of hotels, we’ve listed a bunch of the best hotels you can stay at in Madrid for every budget at the end of the blog post.
Best of Madrid Lunch Spots
La Hora del Vermut (or Vermú)
Before we make our way to lunch, let’s talk about La Hora del Vermut: La hora del vermut is a local tradition in Madrid before lunch, usually from around noon to 2 p.m on the weekends.
People meet for a glass of vermouth, usually served with an orange slice , and sometimes an olive. It’s a relaxed, social moment before sitting down for the main meal.
If you haven’t tried vermut, it’s sweet, slightly spiced and delicious, one of our favourite drinks to order in Madrid. Definitely consider taking part in this tradition when visiting Madrid.
Menú del Día
First of all, if you’re travelling on a budget, local spots in Madrid offer what’s called a menú del día. And honestly, it’s one of the best food hacks in Spain. It’s basically a set lunch menu where you get a starter, a main, dessert or coffee, plus bread and a drink… all for about the same price you’d normally pay for just one main and a drink.
If this sounds interesting to you, keep your eyes peeled for places that have a menú del día sign, a lot of them announce it on a board outside the restaurant.
Places to Eat in Madrid for Lunch
Honest Greens
If you feel like something healthy, filling and delicious, Honest Greens serve fresh, healthy food made with natural ingredients. No additives or processed stuff but so delicious and full of flavour. Their menu is seasonal and includes many options, all inspired by Mediterranean, Asian, and Middle Eastern flavors.
You order at the counter, then you’re given a number and they bring the food to you. Our favourite things to order that are always available are the Piri piri chicken, the hot honey halloumi, the herb tofu and their garden bowls in general are really good. Definitely order the “Ben’s sweet potato fries” with beetroot ketchup and alioli. They are honestly so good!
They also have water infused with different fruits and teas, no added sugar with free refills.
There are many locations, and we’ve added them all to the map, but our favourite ones are the one in Velázquez and the two on either end of Gran Vía.
Lateral
Lateral is a popular modern Spanish restaurant in Madrid. It’s the kind of place where you can order a few plates for the table and try a bit of everything. Like, croquetas, patatas bravas, and our favourites, the ensaladilla rusa (a creamy Spanish potato salad with tuna and mayo) and the chicken tenders, which were juicy inside and perfectly crispy on the outside.
They even make their own vermut here, and it’s seriously good.
The desserts are also worth trying. The cheesecake and lemon meringue tart were both delicious, even if the portions are on the smaller side.
We’ll admit the prices are a little high for the portions you get, but the food is good and the atmosphere makes it worth it. There are many locations across Madrid, but our favourite is the one we recently found in Arturo Soria.
Castizo
For classic Spanish food in a beautiful, stylish setting, definitely book a table at Castizo. They’ve got a few locations, like the one by the Four Seasons, but our favorite is the one in Serrano, because, in case you haven’t noticed, we love this area of Madrid (Barrio de Salamanca).
It has two floors, the top floor being a loft style looking over the bar area. We recommend trying the tortilla española, morcilla (blood sausage), pimientos de padrón (little grilled green peppers), and the crispy pig ‘s ear, so good!
LaMucca
LaMucca is a casual, family dining restaurant in Madrid that serves a mix of Spanish and international food. We come here a lot, mainly for their pizzas. The black pizza with activated charcoal is our favourite.
Their patatas bravas are also some of the best we’ve had in Madrid, definitely worth ordering. We usually get the ensalada verdísima to share too. It’s a fresh green salad with avocado, edamame, spinach, cucumber, and other veggies.
There are several LaMucca locations around the city, and while the menus are mostly the same, a few dishes vary. Our favourites are the ones in Serrano, Plaza de España, and Chamberí.
Best of Madrid Dinner Spots
Juana La Loca
Juana la Loca is a chic modern tapas bar, a popular spot to get delicious tortilla española (Spanish omelet) and pintxos, which are basically individual sized portions of different dishes.
We were told the tortilla with caramelised onions was the one of the best in Madrid, so expectations were high, and it didn’t disappoint. It was delicious! Definitely one of the best we’ve had. The oxtail was exceptional as well, soft, tender and rich flavour.
They have many delicious options on their menu and what we love the most is how they took more traditional Spanish dishes and gave them their own spin, with some dishes inspired by food from other countries.
The decor is sophisticated, classic Spanish with a modern twist and the service was excellent.
Café de Oriente
Café de Oriente is a beautiful Spanish restaurant in Plaza de Oriente, right by the Royal Palace. The place is decorated in a cozy art nouveau style and looks especially beautiful at Christmas.
This restaurant is great for any meal of the day actually, since they serve coffee and have a great breakfast menu, so if coming works better for your itinerary, it’s still worth coming.
However, we really like the vibe here for dinner with the palace all lit up outside, and their regular menu has delicious options. We highly recommend the oxtail dish (rabo de toro in Spanish) and the torrijas for dessert.
Torrijas are a traditional Spanish dessert, similar to French toast, made from slices of stale bread soaked in milk, dipped in egg, and then fried. Usually spiced with cinnamon and covered in a honey syrup.
Big Mamma Group Restaurants
When we travel in Europe, we often try one of the Big Mamma restaurants in the city, and Madrid has three: Bel Mondo (Velázquez), Villa Capri (Alonso Martínez), and Circolo Popolare (Nuevos Ministerios).
They all serve classic Italian food with a modern twist at really affordable prices. The decor is eclectic European, whimsical, and cozy, though each location has its own vibe. The menus are similar, with small differences to match each place’s style.
We love many things on the menu, but you can’t go wrong with any pizza or anything with truffle. For couples, the homemade spaghetti served on a pecorino cheese wheel brought to your table is a must-try.
Make sure to book in advance, as all three spots fill up quickly.
Piantao Argentinian Steakhouse Madrid
Piantao is an Argentinian steakhouse in Madrid known for high-quality meat cooked over real fire. The grill is in the dining room, so you can see and smell everything being made. They serve a variety of cuts and their meat is aged for flavor. They also serve empanadas, sausages, and amazing sides like the cheesy stuffed potato with sour cream and chives (it’s incredible).
Drinks come with a small amuse-bouche, usually a shot of delicious vegetable soup that keeps you wanting more, and their bread bowl with smoked butter is also a must. The atmosphere is warm and stylish, the staff are professional, and the wine list has plenty of Argentinian options.
There are two locations, in Legazpi and Chamberí. Prices are on the higher side, but it’s worth it for a nice dinner or special night out. If you like steak and want an authentic Argentinian experience in Madrid, this is the place to go.
La Bistroteca
La bistroteca is a restaurant that serves gourmet style burgers, and we were seriously blown away by how delicious the food was and how kind and professional the staff were. For a starter, the nachos were a highlight, some of the best we’ve ever had in Madrid.
The burgers were delicious, especially the chicken burger, with crispy and juicy fried chicken, parmesan mayo, honey, truffle and coleslaw. We also loved the La Palma burger inspired by ingredients and dishes from the Canary Islands, which actually won an award for the best gourmet burger in Spain in 2021.
We definitely recommend checking it out. Just be sure to book ahead because it fills up fast! There are two locations very close to each other, so make sure not to go to the wrong one!
For a drink before or after dinner, Madrid has many incredible rooftop bars with views of the city. We’ve added a bunch on the pinned map!
Where to find the best tapas in Madrid…
If you want to try great tapas in Madrid, food markets are one of the best ways to do it. There are lots of markets, like Mercado de San Antón or Mercado de San Ildefonso, but our favourite for the look and feel is Mercado de San Miguel.
It’s a beautiful historic market near Plaza Mayor, with glass walls and architecture from 1916. Inside, you’ll find stalls serving tapas, fresh seafood, Spanish wines, and sweet treats. It’s very popular, so it can get busy, but it’s definitely worth visiting for both the food and the atmosphere.
Where to Stay in Madrid
If you’re feeling splurgy…
- The Ritz Mandarin Oriental Located next to the Museo del Prado. The closest metro station is Banco de España.
- The Four Seasons Madrid This hotel isright in the heart of Madrid. The closest metro stations are Sevilla and Sol.
- Gran Hotel Inglés Madrid Located in El Barrio de las Letras, just a 5-10 min walk from Sol metro station.
- Gran Meliá Fénix This hotel is right next to the Plaza de Colón Christmas Market. It is located very close to Retiro Park and Puerta de Alcalá (10 min walk away).
- Riu Plaza España Madrid This hotel is the iconic tall building towering over the Plaza de España. The closest metro stop is Plaza de España.
- Rosewood Villa Magna The closest metro stop is Serrano.
- Wellington Hotel & Spa Madrid The closest metro stop is Retiro.
Some not so splurgy (medium budget options)…
- Only You Boutique Hotel Madrid Located between Plaza de Colón (Colón metro station), Chueca metro station and Fuente de Cibeles (Banco de España metro station).
- H10 Madrid Hotel. Closest metro station is Gran Vía.
- The Dear Hotel located on the corner of Gran Vía and Calle de los Reyes. The closest metro station is Plaza de España, or Santo Domingo which is 4 mins away by foot.
- NH Collection Hotels Madrid The closest metro station is Gran Vía.
- Radisson Blu Hotel, Madrid Prado The closest metro station is Estación del Arte.
- Barceló Torre de Madrid The closest metro station is Plaza de España.
- Hotel Atlántico The closest metro station are Callao or Gran Vía.
- Petit Palace Plaza del Carmen The closest metro station are Gran Vía, Sol or Callao.
- Emperador The closest metro station is Santo Domingo.
- Sercotel Gran Hotel Conde Duque The closest metro station is San Bernardo.
Budget-friendly hotels in Madrid
- Sercotel Alcalá 611 The closest metro station is Canillejas.
- Eurostars i-hotel Madrid The closest metro station is Colonia Jardín.
- Exe Getafe The closest metro station is Getafe Central.
- NH Alcorcón The closest metro station is Parque Oeste.
- Be Casa – San Sebastian de los Reyes The closest metro station is Hospital Infanta Sofía.
- Eurostars Madrid Foro The closest train station is the Tres Cantos Cercanías Renfe line. Keep in mind, this hotel is accessible, but not on the metro line, which can make a day trip quite inconvenient.
Other related posts you might be interested in…
Learn how to move around Madrid to travel confidently during your next trip by following our complete step-by-step guide to using public transport in Madrid.
If you’re planning your first trip to Madrid, in our Madrid 101 post we’re giving you everything you need to know before your trip. From when to visit, where to eat, how to get around, where to stay, budget hacks, tips on local customs, and even a secret day trip at the end you might not have thought of!
Coming during Autumn in Madrid? Check our post: Things to Do in Madrid in November (Great for All of Fall!)
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