Like many European capital cities, Madrid is a melting pot of some of the best cuisine its country has to offer. From local dishes to Catalan, Basque, and Andalusian offerings that’ll make your mouth water, there are plenty of ways to experience Madrid.

Not to mention the vast and exciting selection of top-class international restaurants. Chefs from around the world set up their kitchens in Madrid. So you can eat something different every night of the week without scratching the surface.

Let’s take a look around. Here we’ll bring you some of the best restaurants in Madrid, so you can plan your trip with confidence and eat like a king from the moment you arrive.

The Top 10 Restaurants in Madrid

These are our top ten restaurants in Madrid.

  • Mercado de San Miguel
  • El Paraguas
  • Dos Cielos Madrid by Hermanos Torres
  • Hortensio
  • Café Comercial
  • VERDEJO Taberna Artesana
  • La Bien Aparecida
  • Clos
  • Sacha
  • Le Bistroman Atelier

Let’s take a closer look at these choices.

Mercado de San Miguel

If you’re a foodie visiting Madrid, don’t miss the Mercado de San Miguel. It’s not a restaurant as such, but one of the city’s oldest and beautiful food markets. The space is large and scattered with tables for curious diners. Order tapas or larger plates from the counter bars, then settle in and enjoy the memorable market atmosphere.

Choose small tapas, cured meats, cheeses, pickled bites, wine, local cider, or sweet treats. There really is something for everyone here. Visit from 12:00 to 00:00 for unbeatable fresh food and an experience to cherish.

El Paraguas

Ever tried Asturian cuisine? Maybe not. Asturias is a region in northwest Spain known for its coastline, mountains, and architecture. The regional cuisine makes the most of local ingredients like fresh fish, hearty cuts of meat, and traditional white beans. Taste the very best of it when you visit El Paraguas in Madrid.

Traditional dishes are presented with care and attention, while the space is sophisticated and relaxed. Sink into El Paraguas and enjoy a selection of comforting plates. We promise you won’t regret it.

Dos Cielos Madrid by Hermanos Torres

There’s nothing drab about this hotel restaurant, where the Madrid-inspired menu features some of the Torres brothers’ most famous dishes. The restaurant extends into the historic garden during the warmer season, so you can enjoy your meal in a setting like no other.

Hortensio

Head out to the residential area of Chamberí to visit this charming little neighbourhood spot. There are just ten tables available, so be sure to book in advance. Your efforts will be rewarded with some of the very best traditional dishes around.

Hortesino is re-launching in autumn 2021, and we couldn’t be more excited.

Café Comercial

Café Comercial has over a century of history behind it, and its atmosphere speaks for itself. Think low lighting, quiet jazz, and booth seating that’ll put you right in the middle of a Hemmingway novel. Enjoy classic cocktails and delicious Spanish food while you soak up the vibe at lunch or dinnertime.

VERDEJO Taberna

Food and wine take centre stage here. This small eatery focuses on Spanish food and the occasion of eating. Expect plates of meats, cheeses, and pickles, some seasonal larger dishes, and a reassuringly warm welcome from the team.

La Bien Aparecida

If you’re looking for something fancy, La Bien Aparecida could be just the thing. This Michelin Guide spot is laid out over two floors, serving Cantabrian cuisine from two tasting menus and a small à la carte selection.

Clos

Another highly-rated choice in Madrid, Clos focuses on local produce, hospitality, and excellent wine. It’s a tried-and-tested formula that hits the spot every time.

Sacha

Whether you’re out on the terrace or in the cosy dining room, a meal at Sacha is sure to go down well. This intimate spot serves traditional dishes from a small menu, as well as a selection of daily specials. A must-visit if you’re looking to sample some iconic local flavours.

Le Bistroman Atelier

French, in Spain? When the food’s this good, why not? Le Birstoman boasts a beautiful location between the Royal Palace and the Royal Theatre, not to mention a classically stylish atmosphere. Menu favourites include duck breast with honey and seasonal fruit, salmon with fennel and lime, and a fresh lemon meringue tart to finish off.

Madrid Michelin Star Restaurants

Madrid is home to 20 Michelin Star restaurants, which means a perfect plate of food is never far away. One favoured spot, DriverOX, even holds three stars! Let’s take a look at some of the city’s most highly regarded restaurants.

DriverXO

Let’s start with the best. Madrid’s only three-star restaurant, DriveXO is nothing like the traditional stuffy spots you might expect to find here. Open your mind as you settle into the stunning contemporary space. And don’t forget your camera!

You’ll be offered a choice of two eight-course tasting menus, but expect plenty of extra bits along the way. It’s a gastronomic experience like no other, and an excellent choice if you’re celebrating in Madrid.

The tasting menu comes in at €250 per head, while the wine pairing adds on an additional €150. If you can afford it, DriverXO offers something extraordinary. If you can’t, not to worry! There are plenty of other innovative options nearby.

Santceloni

Another unique gastronomic experience, Santceloni has achieved two Michelin Stars for its exceptional food, service, and atmosphere. Choose the 14-course tasting menu for an experience you’ll never forget. Or, opt for a la carte dishes from the equally impressive main menu.

Whatever way you enjoy Santceloni, you’re in for something great.

Ramon Freixa

Ramon Freixa is one of the most exclusive spots in the city. Think clean white tablecloths, very few tables, and a calm, intimate atmosphere. This two Michelin Star restaurant combines tradition and innovation to create sumptuous dishes.

There are two tasting menus to choose from, one shorter than the other, as well as an optional wine pairing. You’ll need to select your menu as a table, so this might not be the place for fussy eaters. Foodies, however, will be in their element here.

More two Michelin Star restaurants in Madrid

More Michelin Star restaurants in Madrid

Famous Restaurants in Madrid

As well as its many modern restaurants and Michelin Starred spots, Madrid has a proud gastronomic history. There are lots of well-established places to enjoy a taste of the city’s past. Many of the most famous restaurants in Madrid are historical tabernas, where you can enjoy a traditional meal among atmospheric surroundings.

Restaurante Botín

Restaurante Botín is one of our favourites, founded in 1725. This one-of-a-kind spot is the Guinness Book of Records’ ‘Oldest Restaurant in the World’ and an unbeatable choice when it comes to traditional local cuisine. There are four dining areas, so you can enjoy your meal in an antique wood-panelled room or a cosy, candlelit cellar.

Did you know? Literary enthusiasts may remember this spot from the final scene of Hemmingway’s Fiesta: The Sun Also Rises. Protagonist Jake remarks, “We lunched upstairs at Botin’s. It is one of the best restaurants in the world.”.

More famous historical spots include Casa Alberto, LA BOLA, Cafe Gijón, and Café Commercial, which we’ve already mentioned.

Getting Around

There are lots of ways to get around Madrid. Whether you take the metro, bus, tram, train, or simply stroll around the beautiful city, there’s nothing to stop you from exploring. If it’s too far to walk, the best way to get around will be by metro.

There are over 300 metro stations in Madrid, which means you can fly from one part of the city to another in no time. Services run from 06:00 to 01:30, with trains departing every two minutes during peak times and every 15 minutes throughout the rest of the day.

Choosing a metro ticket

To ride the metro, pick up a Tarjeta Multi, a contactless card that lasts for up to ten years. You can find these at any metro station, just look for a ticket machine with a red sticker. These contactless travel cards cost only €2.50.

Tip: your Tarjeta Multi will be free if you buy a multi-day travel ticket.

When you have your card, you can add pay-per-ride fares at the station or rely on your multi-day travel fare for the duration of your trip. There’s also an option to load a ten-trip ticket onto your card. This could be a good option if you plan to use the metro a few times and don’t want to worry about topping up before every journey.

Taking the train to Madrid

Thanks to the efficient service run by Renfe – Spain’s national train company – it’s easy to reach Madrid by train. High-speed AVE trains can get you from Barcelona to Madrid in 2h 30m on the fastest services, Valencia to Madrid in 1h 40m and Seville to Madrid in 2h 30m. Trains to Madrid arrive into one of the city’s two main stations – Madrid Atocha or Madrid Chamartín; look out for the botanical garden if you arrive into the former!

Want to learn more about travelling by rail in Spain? Read our guide to trains in Spain, your one-stop-shop for all things rail. Our Renfe page also gives you the lowdown on Spain’s national train operator, including how to find the cheapest tickets.

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