Madrid travel guide — where to stay, what to do, and where to eat in Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain.
Madrid is a carnivore's paradise built on a foundation of Castilian roasts, jamón ibérico, and cocido madrileño (chickpea stew). The city's tapas culture means a single bar crawl through La Latina or Huertas can constitute a full meal. Three Michelin-starred restaurants (DiverXO leads with 3 stars) share the city with century-old tabernas serving recipes unchanged since the 1800s. Madrileños eat late: lunch 14:00–16:00, dinner 21:00–23:30. The 'menú del día' — a two-course set lunch with wine — is a cultural institution and an unbeatable value proposition.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Madrid.
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
DiverXO
Popular Avant-garde Spanish-Asian Fusion restaurant in Madrid.
Known for: 3 Michelin stars; chef David Muñoz's theatrical multi-course tasting menu
Calle del Padre Damián 23, 28036 Madrid, Spain
Sobrino de Botín
Popular Traditional Castilian restaurant in Madrid.
Known for: Guinness World Record holder as the world's oldest restaurant (1725), wood-fired ovens
Calle de los Cuchilleros 17, 28005 Madrid, Spain
La Terraza del Casino de Madrid
Popular Modern Spanish restaurant in Madrid.
Known for: 1 Michelin star; chef Paco Roncero in a spectacular Belle Époque dining room
Calle de Alcalá 15, 28014 Madrid, Spain
Coque
Popular Contemporary Spanish restaurant in Madrid.
Known for: 2 Michelin stars; Sandoval brothers; immersive cellar-to-kitchen journey
Calle de Marqués del Riscal 11, 28010 Madrid, Spain
Taberna del Alabardero
Popular Traditional Spanish / Basque restaurant in Madrid.
Known for: Founded by a priest as a training ground for hospitality students; near the Royal Palace
Calle de Felipe V 6, 28013 Madrid, Spain
Lhardy
Popular Classic Spanish / French restaurant in Madrid.
Known for: Founded 1839; Madrid's most historic restaurant; downstairs deli sells takeaway consommé
Carrera de San Jerónimo 8, 28014 Madrid, Spain
Sala de Despiece
Popular Creative Spanish Tapas restaurant in Madrid.
Known for: Standing bar in a butcher-shop aesthetic; Ponzano Street food hub; exceptional quality-price ratio
Calle de Ponzano 11, 28010 Madrid, Spain
Fismuler
Popular Nordic-influenced Spanish restaurant in Madrid.
Known for: Nino Redruello's flagship; seasonal ingredients with Scandinavian restraint
Calle de Sagasta 29, 28004 Madrid, Spain
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Spanish
DiverXO
La Terraza del Casino de Madrid
Coque
Taberna del Alabardero
Sala de Despiece
Fismuler
Cervecería Alemana
Cinco Jotas (5J)
El Brillante
Lakasa
Taberna Arzábal
Casa Dani (Mercado de la Paz)
Restaurante Viridiana
La Sanabresa
Lateral Gran Vía
Casa Patas
El Barril de las Letras
Muta
Triciclo
El Landó
Traditional Castilian
Sobrino de Botín
Casa Lucio
Malacatín
Taberna de la Daniela
Creative Tapas
Angelita Madrid
Matritum
Traditional Tapas
Bodega de La Ardosa
Bodegas Rosell
Basque Pintxos
Txirimiri
Churros
Chocolatería San Ginés
French
Lhardy
Japanese
Yakitoro by Alberto Chicote
Mediterranean
Bar Tomate
Mexican
Punto MX
Multi
Mercado de San Ildefonso
Natural Wine
Hermanos Vinagre
Seafood
La Casa del Abuelo
Tapas
Bar Palentino
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Mercado de San Miguel
Hours: Sun–Thu 10:00–24:00; Fri–Sat 10:00–01:00
Mercado de La Paz
Hours: Mon–Fri 09:00–14:30 & 17:00–20:30; Sat 09:00–14:30
Mercado de Maravillas
Hours: Mon–Fri 09:00–14:30 & 17:00–20:30; Sat 09:00–14:30
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Lunch (14:00–16:00) is the main meal of the day; most restaurants serve a 'menú del día' (€10–€14, ~$11–$15) with 2 courses, bread, and a drink
Dinner before 21:00 marks visitors as tourists; locals rarely sit down before 22:00
Tipping is not obligatory; rounding up or leaving €1–€2 per person is appreciated at sit-down restaurants
Many tapas bars expect counter standing rather than table service for drinks and snacks
Reservations are essential at DiverXO (book 2–3 months ahead) and Coque (1 month ahead)
Vegetarian and vegan options are growing rapidly — dedicated restaurants exist in Malasaña and Chueca. Halal food available in Lavapiés neighbourhood. Kosher restaurants near the Jewish community in Centro. Gluten-free (sin gluten) options at most modern restaurants — ask specifically as cross-contamination is common in traditional kitchens.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $5-15/meal | Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants. |
| Mid-range | $15-40/meal | Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus. |
| Upscale | $40+/meal | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |