38 Unmissable Restaurants in Madrid

This is the kind of restaurant that makes you wish you could be a regular, dining here every week and staying until the early morning hours. It epitomizes elevated comfort food with dishes like ‘faux’ ravioli filled with king crab, marinated oysters, bone marrow paired with sirloin, and a generous selection of wine. If you see owner Sacha Hormaechea welcoming guests, be sure to shake his hand—he’s quite the personality.

Imagine a blend of Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, Alice in Wonderland, and a touch of dreams and nightmares—this is the creative vision that chef David Muñoz, hailed as Madrid’s top chef, brings to DiverXO, the city’s sole three-Michelin-star restaurant. Located in the Eurobuilding hotel, Muñoz pushes the boundaries of avant-garde cuisine with two tasting menus designed to amaze with dishes that resemble art both visually and in flavor. Reservations are essential to secure a table.

Spain's premium seafood comes with a price tag, but it’s absolutely worth it, especially in one of Madrid’s most stunning dining spaces. Bathed in natural light, this restaurant offers a selection of over a thousand wines to accompany top-tier fish and shellfish, including delicacies like baby eel, hake cheeks, croaker, shrimp, cockles, and octopus. Owned by the Pescaderías Coruñesas, a family-run business with a fishing heritage dating back to — you guessed it — 1911.

It’s inspiring to see entrepreneurs like Sungeun Pei thrive. At Casa Pei, she showcases dishes rooted in her Korean and Chinese heritage. Her parents craft the wontons, which have been a welcome addition to Madrid’s culinary scene, served with a sweet and spicy soy-based sauce. The menu also features exceptional dumplings and a refreshing spring roll salad. Pei sources specialty coffee from Toma Café and cakes from the nearby La Deseada Coffee.

Javier Bonet, the creative force behind this restaurant, celebrates top-quality local ingredients. Meals are served on paper-lined metal trays at a communal counter or high tables. The original spot on Calle de Ponzano remains a vibrant dining destination, with a second location on Virgen de los Peligros near Puerta del Sol. Some classic dishes are a staple, like the Rolex: a combination of egg yolk, pancetta, foie mi cuit, sauternes, and truffle, prepared tableside with a kitchen torch, adding an interactive touch to the dining experience.

Madrid’s markets are evolving, blending traditional stalls with modern gastropubs to attract younger crowds away from supermarkets. In Mercado de Vallehermoso, discover Tripea, a culinary venture by chef Roberto Martínez Foronda. This stall features a small open kitchen and a communal table where Foronda experiments with Spanish, Asian, and Latin flavors. Whether through a la carte options or a meticulously crafted tasting menu, Foronda delights diners with inventive shared plates that burst with excitement and bold flavors.

The line outside this bakery in Chamberí speaks volumes about its popularity. Founders Timi Argyelan and Joaquín Escrivá developed their baking skills in Vienna and Hungary before bringing their expertise to Madrid. Their bakery offers a daily selection of Nordic-style breads, plum galettes, potato and olive focaccias, and raspberry and lemon Danishes. For a quieter experience, visit around 2 or 3 p.m. on weekdays to grab a seat with a street view. Alternatively, stop by at any time for pastries and coffee, sourced from the nearby Toma Café 2, and enjoy them in the nearby Plaza de Olavide.

At Formaje, Clara Diez champions artisan cheeses, making them the stars of her shop in Chamberí. She has introduced many brands to Madrid’s dining scene, securing their place in top restaurants and bars while reviving forgotten aspects of cheese craftsmanship. A visit to Formaje might feature Olavidia goat cheese, acclaimed as the best in the world at the 2021 World Cheese Awards; queixo do pais, a traditional Galician cheese; Hornkase, a raw cow’s milk cheese from Germany; and, of course, manchego from Castilla-La Mancha, Spain’s cherished cheese.

Madrid's traditional tavern scene is rich, but Bar Trafalgar, which burst onto the scene in 2022, has brilliantly revived that classic charm with a modern twist. Nestled in Chamberí, it's the ideal place for a refreshing draft beer or a timeless cocktail. After work, a trendy mix of seasoned creatives and entrepreneurs flock here for standout bravas, including a mille-feuille of crispy potatoes, and toasts topped with smoked butter and anchovies. Try to snag a spot at the bar to soak in the lively atmosphere.

While cheesecake is often linked to the Basque Country, Alex Cordobés shows that Madrid is equally passionate about this dessert. After leaving his physiotherapy career, Cordobés began offering cheesecake to-go, and his business has since blossomed into a charming shop in Salamanca. His cheesecakes are luscious and smooth, set on a crisp butter cookie crust, and expertly caramelized to enhance their flavor. Cordobés presents his creations in a store designed to showcase them as works of art.

Chef David Muñoz, the culinary genius behind the three-Michelin-starred DiverXO, also runs StreetXO inside the El Corte Inglés Serrano department store. Although you might face a wait of an hour or two, it's definitely worth it. The menu takes you on a bold, flavorful journey through Asia and Latin America. With a lively atmosphere, chefs preparing dishes right before your eyes, and standout items like the chili crab and the renowned club sandwich (a steamed pork bun crowned with a fried quail egg), this spot offers some of the most thrilling bites in Madrid.

Though some may see tortilla española as overrated, for locals, it’s a cherished comfort food. While it’s available throughout Madrid, only a select few bars and restaurants serve it with the perfect balance of crispiness and tenderness. Casa Dani, a family-run establishment, is renowned for its fresh, meticulously crafted potato omelets, with over 200 made daily. Known locally as tortilla de patatas, their version boasts a crispy exterior and a delightfully gooey center. To avoid the lunchtime rush, arrive around 11 a.m. for a slice paired with a café con leche. Also, don’t miss out on their callos a la Madrileña (Madrid-style veal tripe).

Since the late 1930s, the Cuenllas family has been a pillar of Madrid’s culinary scene, starting with a grocery store near Templo de Debod. Fernando Cuenllas, representing the third generation, expanded the family legacy in 2021 by opening this wine bar and delicatessen in the Salesas neighborhood. The shop offers around 75 curated wines from across Europe and Spain. You can purchase a bottle to take home or enjoy it on-site alongside anchovies from Santoña, artisanal cured meats, sophisticated canned goods, and an inventive hot dog featuring artichoke and ham instead of sausage.

Álex Marugán originally launched his restaurant within a market in the Goya neighborhood before relocating to a more spacious and personalized venue nearby. While the restaurant retains its cozy and informal vibe, it has evolved to offer a touch more sophistication. The menu celebrates Spanish traditional dishes while incorporating global influences and techniques. Highlights include the callos a la Madrileña (tripe), osso buco taco with pibil, and thick, juicy torreznos (bacon). Be sure to save room for seasonal specialties like marinated rabbit or tear peas with pil pil.

Often hailed as Madrid’s most charming pastry shop, La Duquesita combines historical elegance with exceptional quality. With over a century of tradition, it stands as a benchmark for classic Madrid pastries. After a temporary closure in 2015, pastry chef Oriol Balaguer took over, revitalizing and expanding the beloved shop. Indulge in their renowned chocolate palmera, some of the finest croissants in the city, or the festive Christmas panettone.

Chefs Carmen Aldi, José Certruchas, and Jesús Encinas traded the world of upscale dining for their own venture, La Llorería, where they reinvent the rules of casual dining. This intimate spot in the Malasaña neighborhood features a bar, a few cozy tables, and a large chalkboard displaying daily specials. The restaurant offers exceptional dishes like miso tomato and bacon-cauliflower with squid, all without the high prices and formal attire of fine dining. It's a popular spot, so booking ahead is a must.

Since its debut in late 2021, Comparte Bistró has captured the hearts of locals, media, and food enthusiasts alike. Chef Mario Sánchez brings the tastes of his native Cádiz to the forefront while infusing French culinary influences. Highlights include chicharrón paired with cantal cheese and semi-dried tomatoes, crispy gizzards with creamed corn and pepper sauce, and steak tartare served with a croissant and béarnaise sauce.

During wild mushroom season in the fall, El Cisne Azul is the go-to destination. This restaurant excels in showcasing a variety of Spanish mushrooms, prepared in ways that highlight their natural flavors. Enjoy dishes like cantharellus (chanterelles) with a fried egg, squash blossoms seasoned with wine salt and truffle oil, boletus mushrooms paired with torta del casar cheese, and king trumpet mushrooms with garlic. Though the owners run another restaurant nearby, the original spot remains preferred for its dedicated patrons and classic service.

Think veal tripe, trotters, snout, and fried pig’s face. Imagine an omelet with brains or a salad of brined tongue. Offal has long been a staple in Spanish cuisine, yet many traditional dishes have faded over time. Chef Javi Estévez, renowned from Spain’s Top Chef in 2013, has revived these classic flavors with a modern twist at his one-Michelin-star restaurant. By blending traditional ingredients with contemporary techniques, Estévez makes these bold meats accessible and appealing to a wide audience.

Stepping into this charming Mytoury feels like a journey to the past. Originally opened in 1890 as a wine and liquor shop, it evolved in the ’80s to offer meals on-site. Over the decades, it has become a hub for leftist activists, earning it the moniker El Comunista, and a haven for guitar enthusiasts, thanks to the great uncle of the current owner who once performed here. Today, artists and bohemians gather for traditional dishes not commonly found on modern menus, including migas with grapes and egg, squid ink rice, and rabbit in tomato sauce.

What started as a casual street food spot in Chueca has evolved into a vibrant restaurant offering a dynamic menu that spans across Asia, Latin America, and Europe. Led by Chef Rafael Bergamo and his young team, the restaurant provides an informal yet exceptional dining experience. Try the French oysters with Nikkei dressing, Beijing duck croquettes, crispy wontons with honeyed pastor and pineapple mojito, or the octopus tikka masala with a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavors.

At Angelita, the upper level features a restaurant by David Villalón, renowned for its exceptional natural wines and a seasonal menu that highlights the city's finest tomato salad. However, the real gem is downstairs with David’s brother, Mario Villalón, who operates a cocktail laboratory like no other. Combining sustainability, scientific flair, and minimalist innovation, Mario crafts impeccably balanced cocktails using experimental ingredients and chilling them so they don’t need ice.

Madrid's thriving cocktail scene owes much to Del Diego, a legendary bar boasting an art deco aesthetic and exceptional service, nestled near Gran Vía and the Chueca neighborhood. Although its founder, Fernando del Diego, passed away in 2016, his legacy endures through his sons, who continue to run the bar. They serve a selection of timeless cocktails that consistently impress both locals and visitors, including celebrities and restaurateurs alike.

After securing a Michelin star at Punto MX, chef Roberto Ruiz shut down the restaurant during the pandemic to shift away from tasting menus. His new venture, Barracuda, offers a relaxed yet refined take on haute Mexican cuisine, drawing inspiration from the diverse flavors of Mexico's Pacific coastline. Ruiz combines traditional Mexican recipes with local ingredients to craft dishes like aguachiles, ceviches, and sea bass a la talla, alongside inventive creations such as wagyu memelas and bone marrow with red tuna tostadas. Adding to the experience is a roaming cart of tequila and mezcal.

In Madrid, the aperitivo hour is a cherished tradition where people gather in the afternoon to sip vermouth and enjoy an array of pickled snacks. Hermanos Vinagre modernizes this ritual with a stylish bar designed by Cristina Carullo, moving away from the traditional decor. Here, you can savor cañas and vermouth paired with gildas, chile sauce-coated cockles, smoked mussels, or ox chorizo. The fresh take has been a hit with locals, leading to the opening of additional locations in Chueca and Chamberí.

Situated just a stone's throw from Puerta del Sol and adorned with celebrity photos, Chocolatería San Ginés is a must-visit for those craving indulgent churros con chocolate. The churros and porras (a thicker churro variant) are crafted from a simple blend of flour, water, and salt, and can be dusted with sugar before being dipped in rich chocolate. Open 24/7, this spot becomes a popular hangout for post-club revelers seeking a sweet breakfast around 6 a.m.

Though younger crowds may recognize Lhardy from C. Tangana’s music video for “Comerte Entera,” this historic Mytoury has been serving classic Spanish fare with a French twist since 1839. Nestled adjacent to Puerta del Sol, it remains a cornerstone of the city’s culinary scene. Now under the ownership of Pescaderías Coruñesas, a premier seafood supplier in Spain, the restaurant’s timeless elegance endures. The renowned Madrileñian stew continues to impress, the consomme is still served in a silver samovar, croquettes are filled with puchero (a hearty chickpea, vegetable, and meat stew), and the oxtail comes with Robuchon’s famous mashed potatoes and a souffle that’s a hit on Instagram.

La Venencia is a shrine to Spain's beloved sherry, offering an authentic experience in a bar steeped in history. Once a favorite of Hemingway, it has strict rules: no photos, no tips. Legend has it that the photo ban originated in the Franco era due to espionage concerns, while the tipping prohibition reflects the bar's Republican sympathies. Here, you can only order sherry—no sodas, beers, or wines are served—alongside traditional tapas like salted tuna, Campo Real olives, cheese, and anchovies. The selection of fino, manzanilla, palo cortado, amontillado, and oloroso sherries complements the bar's vintage atmosphere, complete with a roaming black cat and servers who use chalk to keep track of your tab.

Located in the heart of the Literary Quarter, Chuka Ramen Bar reigns as the city’s top ramen destination. American chef John Husby, who honed his skills at Momofuku in New York, crafts a menu bursting with umami and seasonal delights. Begin with baos filled with Korean fried chicken, soft shell crab, or pork belly. Next, explore their rotating selection of ramen, including a unique brothless option. Don’t miss the standout eggplant mapo, the inventive ‘fake’ veal nigiri (served on bread), or the pluma ibérica char siu. Reservations are recommended, as walk-ins often face long waits.

Salmon Guru, helmed by celebrity bartender Diego Cabrera, is a top pick among Madrid's culinary elite and cocktail aficionados. Ideal for a pre- or post-dinner drink, whether you're coming from Chuka Ramen or La Venencia. The vibrant team crafts inventive cocktails like the Mano de Dios—a twist on fernet cola with lacto-fermented strawberry and balsamic vinegar—and the Chipotle Chillón, a mezcal concoction with lemon, chipotle syrup, and a mist of absinthe.

Navigating the bar scene in Madrid’s city center can be tricky, so here's a pro tip: Skip the chain spots serving reheated paella and head to the enduringly popular Casa Revuelta. Tucked away in the maze of streets near Plaza Mayor, this cozy, bustling bar is known for its fried cod (tajada de bacalao) and delicious vermouth on tap. Squeeze in at the bar and savor a local classic.

Finding Canarian cuisine in Madrid can be a challenge, but Gofio in the Literary Quarter makes it effortless. This intimate gem specializes in showcasing the unique flavors of the Canary Islands, far beyond the usual clichés. The tasting menu highlights the islands’ diverse ingredients and seasonal produce with inventive flair, and the same creativity extends to the wine selection and desserts. Gofio offers a remarkable culinary journey that reveals Spain’s rich, varied culinary landscape beyond just paella and sangria.

While the combination of flamenco, dining, and entertainment might seem like a cliché, a visit to the world-renowned Corral de la Morería is anything but. Here, you can experience the true essence of flamenco through a stunning weekly-changing performance, paired with a Michelin-starred tasting menu crafted by chef David García that pays tribute to Basque cuisine — all within an intimate setting of just four tables. For the perfect drink to complement your meal, let the restaurant’s sommelier and sherry connoisseur, David Ayuso, make recommendations.

La Sanabresa is a beloved local spot where you can enjoy traditional Spanish home cooking, much like what your grandmother might have made. With just three servers managing the bustling dining room filled with locals, construction workers, and shopkeepers, the atmosphere is as inviting as the food. The menu boasts over 30 comforting dishes at remarkably affordable prices. Must-tries include the classic ensaladilla rusa (potato salad), rich rabo de toro (stewed oxtails), and juicy pork chops. Note that reservations aren't accepted.

When a charming little restaurant opens a second venue (Toguita) to handle the overflow from devoted patrons, you know it’s doing something right. Toga, located in the La Latina district, has made a name for itself with its inventive fusion cuisine, highlighted by its signature dish of noodles with kimchi mayo and raw red tuna — a creation that continues to win fans. The menu also features a delightful blend of Nikkei, Latin American, and Japanese flavors, including sea bass tiradito with garlic and lime mayo and crunchy chile chicken with aioli.

Santurce is celebrated for its grilled sardines and Padrón peppers from Galicia. This unpretentious neighborhood bar invites you to grab a spot at the counter, order rounds of caña, and savor fresh fish as if you were marooned on a deserted island. With unbeatable prices and a lively atmosphere, you can enjoy a live cooking spectacle as the chefs grill sardines right behind the bar. Sundays are especially bustling due to the nearby Rastro market.

In Madrid, olives, brined fish, and vermouth are classic elements of the aperitif scene, yet finding a place that specializes in them can be a challenge. La Gildería, located in the La Latina neighborhood near Rastro market, is a rare gem that celebrates these staples. Here, you can enjoy gildas — olive skewers named after the famous Rita Hayworth film. The menu also features Murcia-style ensaladilla rusa (potato salad), canned mussels and razor clams, and a unique octopus sandwich with Basque chili mayo. Every dish is perfectly paired with vermouth from regions like Galicia and Cataluña, served either on the rocks or with a hint of gin.

While many restaurants in Madrid offer traditional Spanish stews, none can rival the reputation of Cruz Blanca Vallecas. This independent establishment, separate from the chain of the same name, has earned numerous accolades for its exceptional cocido Madrileño (Madrid-style chickpea and meat stew), callos (veal tripe), and fabada (Asturian bean stew). Chef-owner Antonio Cosmen has been perfecting these dishes with dedication for over a decade. Note: Reservations should be made months in advance.