Top Restaurants in Madrid You Simply Can’t Miss

Madrid is known for its world-class museums, exciting nightlife, and many other cultural experiences. But apart from all the fun activities you’re bound to have, the food in Madrid is also something to look forward to. It’s known for churros con chocolate, tapas, and of course traditional dishes like cocido madrileño, tortilla de patatas, bocadillo de calamares, callos a la madrileña, and gambas al ajillo.

Whether or not you’re a foodie, you’ll definitely have something comforting to eat and a dish that you’ll love when in Spain! To help you plan out where to eat, here are some top restaurants in Madrid that are definitely worth a visit!

One of the most talked-about and top restaurants in Madrid, Restaurante Los Montes de Galicia is home to authentic and delectable Galician cuisine. Even the cozy but elegant atmosphere of the place is one to be proud of, especially with the friendly staff that cater to your needs.

There are several dishes to try here, such as Cod Fritters, Txangurro Timbal, Monkfish (black-belly toad), Octopus á Feira, Iberian Secret, Salmon in Cream of Rice, Iberian Pen, Filloas, and Galician cheesecake.

The restaurant is not all restaurant; the other half is a cocktail bar, proving that it’s a place that’s perfect for both families and friend groups.

One of the first things you’ll notice at Bodega de los Secretos is the interiors, an underground winery from the 17th century. The architecture, atmosphere, and Mediterranean cuisine here make it a worthy place to dine while you’re in Madrid.

Their exquisite menu offers several dishes such as grilled Zamburiñas (scallops) with lime flavor; roasted pumpkin slices with creamy yogurt and pistachio crumble; risotto rice with boletus and wild asparagus; mushroom raviolis with secret cheese sauce; tender Bonito-tuna tataki with lime flavor and demi-crudités vegetables; sea bass “ceviche” with avocado, “tiger” milk, and mango cream; Iberico sirloin with oporto sauce and mint couscous; and oxtail roll with garnacha sauce, mushrooms, and potato mousseline. For desserts, they have homemade creamy cheesecake, a traditional “torrija” Spanish dessert with sweet milk bread with rum cream, and sweet rice cream with caramelized sugar.

Bodega de los Secretos is one of the top restaurants in Madrid, an ideal dining option for special occasions and romantic dinners.

If you’re looking to have a taste of authentic and traditional slow-cooked cocido madrileño (Madrid stew), then La Bola is the place to go! Here, they’ve been using the same cooking method since 1870, where the stew is prepared in individual clay pots over oak charcoal. This specialty dish consists of chickpeas, different cuts of pork, and vegetables slow-cooked for about four hours.

Since the restaurant has been open since 1870, it’s already considered a classic and a great go-to place to have the traditional dish. The interior of the place is also quite remarkable, with antique paintings, old wooden furniture, and more.

La Mafia se sienta a la mesa serves dishes that mix two cuisines, Italian and Spanish. This fusion allows for modern but delicious twists in their recipes served from one table to another. They’re known for their risottos, artisan pastas, brick-oven pizzas, and more.

The space is stylish and has a lively atmosphere, perfect for families, friend groups, and romantic dates. Some must-have dishes here are Capricci di suckling pig, Partridge quadrato in boletus and truffle sauce (white), Pici al ragù of venison, Carpaccio of Iberian pork with foie gras shavings, Insalata Italiana di burrata e caponata, Risotto al limone di Amalfi with grilled king prawns, Bella stagione al speck pizza, meat tataki, and more.

For those looking for a unique dining experience, where you’ll be transported into a vibrant and almost magical-like dining place, then Rosi La Loca might just be the restaurant for you. Here, you’ll be greeted with striking colors like pink, blue, and yellow, further establishing their definition of the place as the “craziest and most fun tavern in Madrid.”

The vibe at Rosi La Loca is lively, with playful decor, Mediterranean dishes, and creative cocktails that you have to try! Some cocktails on the menu include Grinch, She Grinch, Crazy Pavoneo, Crazy Cat, Rosi Rabbit, Barbie’s Mojito, and Rosi in Hawaii. For food, they serve Burrata alocada, Iberian ham, Rosi croquettes, beef rib bao, veal cheek cannelloni, and many more!

Aside from trying the best Madrid restaurants during your trip, feel free to also go on a food tour! Here are some options we recommend:

Foodies will definitely have a blast at this Madrid authentic culture & food tour! This tour is the best option for those looking to taste local food and experience local traditions while in Madrid. There will be four stops during the tour, with each one allowing you to try classic churros and hot chocolate, tapas, and more!

You’ll also be dropping by a food market where you can sample some seasonal specialties, as well as learn more about how the locals shop, cook, and eat.

This next tour, Madrid Tapas & Wine Tour with Optional Rooftop Drinks, will take you to three districts: Las Letras, La Latina, and Los Austrias. You’ll get to try stuffed mushrooms, Iberian ham and sausages, meat cheeks with mashed potatoes, and wine. You’ll also be able to go on a short trip to Calle de las Huertas, Lope de Vega’s House-Museum, Plaza de Santa Ana, and Teatro Español.

Another stop you’ll have is at a local market to taste shrimp with garlic served in terracotta. The cherry on top? Having a cava or sparkling wine glass on a rooftop terrace in the heart of Madrid.

You’re now ready to taste the best of Madrid! These top restaurants in Madrid offer different food experiences, from local dishes to recipes created from a fusion of different flavors. Make sure to have a bit of everything — tapas, drinks, and desserts! Happy and safe travels to Madrid! 🛫

Top restaurants in Madrid that offer authentic Spanish cuisine are Sobrino de Botín, Casa Lucio, Restaurante Los Montes de Galicia, and Casa Benigna. You can also try going on food tours to taste local, authentic Spanish food.

Yes, you should reserve a table in advance for the best restaurants in Madrid, and how far ahead really depends on the restaurant. A reservation of a few days to a week in advance is ideal for some restaurants, but for well-known or fine dining options, it's best to book several weeks or even months ahead.

In Madrid, a casual dining experience costs about US$11 to US$22 per person, while a fine dining experience can cost US$55 or more.

Yes, Madrid has some top vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants, such as the Michelin-recommended El Invernadero and Mudrá. You can also find vegan tapas at La Encomienda and popular vegan fast food at Mad Mad Vegan.