Local Delights: Best places to eat and drink in Madrid

Madrid’s food scene has transformed significantly in recent years. Two decades ago, when I first arrived in the Spanish capital, dining inside mercados (markets) was unheard of, brunch was a novel idea, and Asian cuisine was rare.

Now, fueled by a vibrant cosmopolitan community, diverse cultural influences, and a new wave of innovative Spanish chefs, Madrid’s culinary offerings have flourished with exciting new trends. From classic tapas bars to bustling market spots and Michelin-star establishments, the city has forged a gastronomic environment that beautifully blends tradition with creativity, making it one of the top destinations to satisfy your culinary desires.

Here are some of my top dining choices and food suggestions.

Breakfast

My favorite Spanish breakfast is a timeless classic I can never get enough of: pan con tomate (toasted bread topped with tomato pulp, drizzled with olive oil and a dash of salt). You can find this dish at any of the many cafeterías that open early each morning. My local favorite is El Ducado, where I grab my morning coffee fix.

Weekend brunch has become hugely popular in Madrid. Carmencita was the trailblazer in the Conde Duque area, serving exceptional classic dishes like eggs benedict and huevos rancheros (fried tortillas, refried beans, fried eggs, and salsa), along with excellent coffee and mimosas.

When I'm out with friends, I love visiting Federal Café in Plaza del Conde de Barajas to enjoy the lively atmosphere of Madrid’s historic old town, and to savor their delicious scrambled eggs with toast, bacon, and avocado.

La Desayunería in the Chueca neighborhood serves the finest all-day American breakfasts in the city. The founders, Paula and Laura, were inspired by a backpacking trip across the US, where they gathered breakfast recipes. With an extensive menu packed with delights, I always opt for the chicken and waffles or Manchito’s Breakfast, which features fried eggs and cheese alongside pancakes and French toast.

Coffee

In recent years, the specialty coffee culture has thrived in Madrid, transforming the traditional Spanish coffee experience, which has its roots in the torrefacto method. This process involves coating coffee beans with sugar during roasting to extend their shelf life. Today, specialty coffee shops present a wide variety of choices, featuring high-quality, ethically sourced beans expertly roasted and brewed by talented baristas.

Bona Specialty Coffee is a charming, intimate spot in the La Latina neighborhood, nestled beside a beautifully restored 12th-century wall along Calle Almendro. Enjoy a cup of quality coffee paired with medialunas (the Argentine take on croissants). Also located in La Latina, Slow Café Madrid is a slightly hidden gem near the impressive Basilica de San Francisco El Grande, where you can relax on mismatched furniture, savor hot and cold brews with homemade treats, or find a cozy corner to work if you’re a digital nomad.

For coffee lovers eager to delve deeper into the coffee experience, La Colonia de Ultramar in Barrio Salamanca is the perfect spot. This café features a selection of coffee beans available by weight and offers various brewing equipment for home brewing enthusiasts to explore and enjoy.

Lunch

One of my all-time favorites, Kitchen 154, first rose to fame as a modest food truck at MadrEAT festivals, attracting long lines for its spicy Korean tacos. It later set up a stall in Mercado Vallehermoso and has opened two more locations in the city center, all of which remain popular. The Kitchen 154 team, led by Txitxo, Alex, and José Miguel, has challenged the Spanish preference for milder flavors, creating memorable dishes inspired by their travels in Southeast Asia. I highly recommend the slow-cooked pork ribs paired with homemade kimchi and curries, which go perfectly with a cold beer or a vermút (a fortified red wine served chilled with a citrus slice, a local favorite).

Speaking of mercados, these vibrant indoor food markets are among the most exciting (and budget-friendly) places to dine in Madrid. Once overlooked and struggling against supermarket chains in the '90s, these revitalized spaces now host a variety of global eateries, bars, and full-fledged restaurants. My top recommendations include Mercado de Anton Martin for Yokaloka sushi, the market’s original stall, and Mercado de Maravillas in Tetuan for L’Affineur de Fromage, a paradise for French cheese lovers featuring premium salted butter sold by weight.

Aperitivo

Madrid's seasons are divided into invierno (winter) and infierno (hell), which influence where to gather for aperitivo (aperitif).

In the chillier months, I love to settle in at Plaza Menor, a cozy cocktail bar nestled within one of Madrid's stone caves by the ancient city walls. Reflecting Madrid's rich Moorish history, this chic two-story venue features Arabic designs and beautiful tilework. It's a delightful spot to sip on a glass of Ribera del Duero red wine or enjoy creative cocktails.

During the sweltering summer months, when many locals flee to the coasts or cooler northern retreats, a hidden treasure emerges that captures the beach essence of Madrid — Terraza Atenas. Located at the foot of the Almudena Cathedral within the lush Atenas Park, this haven serves up cocktails, empanadas, laid-back house music, and even mini pools to soak your feet, offering a unique beach-like escape in a landlocked city.

Dinner

My top dinner spot in Madrid is Casa Benigna, nestled on a quiet, unassuming street in Barrio Prosperidad. This gem, run by a Valencian family for three generations, has transformed paella with their unique patented 'la patella' pan and explores a variety of rice dishes. Norberto, one of the owners, drew inspiration from Italy during his time in Modena, where he sourced balsamic vinegar and trained as an olive oil sommelier in Imperia, resulting in outstanding condiments used throughout the menu. Once an insider secret, Casa Benigna's popularity has soared (thanks in part to social media), so reservations should be made at least a month in advance.

A new restaurant I adore is Trèsde on Cava Alta in La Latina, which has recently earned Michelin recognition. It offers a delightful seasonal menu featuring ingredients from certified sustainable producers. Be sure to opt for the wine pairing with the full menu, where each dish is thoughtfully matched with exquisite wines from local bodegas.

Bar

As a self-proclaimed barfly rather than a night owl, I gravitate towards cozy, inviting places where I can sip drinks and have laid-back conversations with friends instead of hitting the dance clubs all night. Rollo Ocho feels like a second home, where I can settle in from early evening to enjoy tapas, a continental menu, and a variety of wines and cocktails. Its spacious and welcoming terraza, perched atop a cobblestone staircase overlooking the Segovia bridge, transforms into a magical ambiance as night falls.

For a unique experience, Toni 2 is a legendary piano bar located just off Paseo Recoletos, where you can sing along (or even take your turn at the piano!) with a lively and tipsy crowd until dawn.