I’ve made three posts on Madrid so far since I lived in this lively city for two amazing years. I don’t claim to know this city inside and out since there are new things popping up all the time, but I’ve listed the places I frequented making it “My Madrid”. For info on landmarks or for a brief and efficient visit, check out my first post. For insider tips on the city and best day trips check out the All You Need to Know About Madrid post. This one is for the foodies, a comprehensive list by neighborhood of my fave taverns, bars, holes in the walls, etc.
WHERE TO EAT
Lavapiés is a short walk from Sol and one of the most affordable neighborhoods near the center. It has numerous bars and restaurants to enjoy and is home to Tapapiés, a food (more specifically, tapas) fest celebrated in October. Many of the restaurants in the area offer a special and affordable (€1-2) tapa for the event. Beware of the many Indian restaurants in the area, most of them are tasteless.
Tapapiés is how I found one of my favorite spots in Madrid, Toscanaccio, a small and family-owned Tuscan bakery. I honestly visited this place weekly. It is delicious, affordable, and offers veggie and vegan options. It has both savory and sweet choices. Besides Toscanaccio, I also frequented Mercado de San Fernando in Lavapiés.
This food market offers options from all over the world!
My faves are, no doubt, the Mexican spot as well as the Peruvian since you’ll find delicious ceviche in the latter. The Mexican restaurant has amazing micheladas and several types of tacos, as well as tamales. Near it, there’s a Puerto Rican and Lebanese spot. This Mercado also has all types of Asian, including Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese, etc. Check out their opening hours since its best to visit during the day.
La Latina is near Lavapiés and it’s the most famous barrio for dinner. My favorite restaurant in this neighborhood is La Taberna Sanlúcar, which is a cozy and delicious tavern serving Andalucían food. The menu might take some time to decipher but the waiters are so kind and will gladly offer suggestions, I do recommend you try the “vino de Jerez”. Sanlúcar is next to“Off Latina” which is a legit flamenco venue if you’re planning on catching a show.
If Tortilla (Spanish omelet) is on your list to try, which despite being egg-based is enjoyed for breakfast, lunch or dinner, I suggest Buo. There’s one in La Latina and another in Chueca. It also has its sister restaurant, La Buha. Despite location, I never found any differences between the two. The one in La Latina has a terraza (outdoor tables), so you could enjoy your dinner outdoors when the weather permits, just beware that Spaniards are avid smokers. Buo has a large selection of ingredients for their large Tortilla and it’s only €10. It will feed at least 6 people. Another famous Tortilla spot is Pez Tortilla. There’s one in La Latina and another on Calle del Pez in Malasaña. Pez offers raciones (slices) of a wide selection of tortillas, as well as craft beer.
El Capricho Extremeño is a must on Rastro days (Sundays) and only serves Tostas which is toasted bread with a variety of toppings. They also have a delicious white sangría that pairs great with the Tosta de Pulpo. La Extremeña offers veggie and vegan options. The line is long, but it moves fast since it serves pre-made toasts “To-Go”.
Also in La Latina, Lamiak has the best pintxos, which are bigger tapas from the north of Spain. It gets really busy so it’s best to arrive for US dinner time instead, considering that Spanish dinner time is between 9 and 10pm.
Txirimiri is a chain so there’s a few locations in different neighborhoods. It serves Basque country cuisine and it has the best Solomillo I’ve ever had, which is a very tender beef bathed in a type of light gravy
Juana la Loca is near Sol and is a great place to go with groups. Reservations are available. The decor is very original and cute, but the real deal are the delicious and affordable tapas.
Los Artesanos 1902 Churros & Chocolate (fudge) are a thing in Spain, especially during cold weather. This place has the best chocolate I’ve had in Spain, taking into account that it’s a thick fudge for dipping, although some locals sip on it.
WHERE TO DRINK
Madrid has probably more bars than people, hence the long list below. I listed a few bars I frequented with the reasons why. Keep in mind that there’s a plethora of options depending on the kind of night, or day, you’re looking to have.
La Playa de Lavapiés is a bar frequented by locals that serves Estrella Galicia on tap. Believe me, it is much better than the popular Mahou. La Playa is not far from the Lavapiés metro stop and it’s on a popular street filled with bars and terraces, which are a hot commodity unless it’s raining since everyone wants to smoke and drink at the outdoor tables.
If you’re a craft beer lover, you need to stop by Chinaski. It is on Calle de la Fe and conveniently located across from Toscanaccio. Chinaski has plenty of indoor seating, perfect for a rainy or cold night, but the biggest attraction is the wide variety of European craft beer at affordable prices.
Casa Camacho is a landmark and a must when in Malasaña. A great way of starting the night in Madrid is with a “Yayo”, the staple of Casa Camacho. A Yayo is a small glass of Vermouth, gin and tonic water. Beware of the alcohol content, don’t be fooled by its size.
Sala Equis is an old porn cinema turned bar. It is difficult to describe this place since it is still a cinema but showcases modern films. Downstairs there is stadium seating with some lounge chairs facing a projected film. Upstairs is a bit more intimate and covered in red neon lighting. Cocktails are great and there’s a good selection of Spanish beers.
Pepe Botella is an indoor and typical tavern frequented by locals with plenty of seating. It is ideal for an intimate night with friends or a date.
Vacaciones Cocktail Bar is a cute but small summer-themed bar, great for dates too. Fyi, there’s more seating downstairs.
Ojalá is another interesting place in Malasaña, it is known as the “sand bar” because the floor is covered in sand. I’ve heard the food is good here but I’ve only been for drinks.
La Realidad was my go-to place, especially for dates since its corky decor and dim lighting make it a perfectly cozy place to get to know someone. It is also near, Pirata Malasaña, which is another one of my go-to craft beer bars, along with the recently opened Mikkeller Madrid.
Next to Malasaña, you’ll find the famous Chueca. I could write a whole post about this popular neighborhood, but I’ll stick to mentioning one of my favorite, and the nerdiest bar in Madrid. Twist&Shout is decorated with Sc-Fi and comic book fandom. The drinks are themed as such, and you’ll find anything from Butter Beer to Game of Thrones and Disney themed shooters.
Fuencarral street is known for its many shops during the day, but further up towards Tribunal metro stop, it is known for its lively nightlife. You’ll find a mix of locals and expats in this area, drinking at bars such as Freeway, Triskel Tavern, or dancing the night away at La Vía Láctea, unless you’re looking for a club, then Teatro Barceló is nearby.
BEST COFFEE SPOTS
HanSo Café best avocado toast I’ve ever had! Free Wi-Fi and great place to work in Malasaña. Just remember that it’s pronounced “wee-fee” in Spain.
Cafelito, cozy and cute coffee shop in Lavapiés with an affordable and wide menu, including all types of plant-based milks. Conveniently near Toscanaccio, my fave Tuscan bakery.
La Doña is quite affordable, centric, and spacious. it is located next to the Noviciado metro spot. It has plenty of seating and a clean bathroom. The only downside is that the Wi-Fi is limited to about an hour per visit.
Wherever you go and however long you stay in Madrid, you are guaranteed a good time. This city has something for everyone and I hope my list serves as a guide for an unforgettable time. Follow me on Instagram @joyzcortez for more pics & travel ideas. Enjoy beautiful Madrid and always BE PRESENT!
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