Serrano ham, spicy potatoes and red rioja wine—Spanish food is quite delicious, but you have to make sure you go to the right restaurant to truly experience its full flavors. However, before you go out to eat, keep in mind that the typical spanish eating hours are 1 pm-3:30 pm for lunch and 8:30 pm-11:30 pm for dinner. If you’re trying to find food outside of those hours, you may find that the restaurant is closed!
1. Cien Montaditos
Cien Montaditos is a local favorite! The restaurant has a menu of 100 different spanish sandwich options, and they often have great deals depending on the day of the week. Although the portions are small, the sandwiches can range from .50 to 3 Euros, and they include traditional Spanish toppings such as manchego cheese, serrano ham, and Spanish olive oil as well as dessert sandwiches which have oreos, nutella, and whipped cream. The restaurant is a chain, so you can find the one nearest where you are staying Madrid, although this location is near the famous El Parque Retiro.
Information
- Name: Cien Montaditos
- Address: Plaza de las Cortes, 3, 28014 Madrid, Spain
- Price: $
- Hours: 9 am-12 am
- Website: 100montaditos.com
2. Sobrino de Botín
History and food–Sobrino de Botín is the oldest restaurant in the world, according to the Guinness Book of Records. Established in 1725, it was opened by a French cook and is now famous for its delicious meals of pig, lamb and other typical Spanish dishes. Plus, it was a favorite of Ernest Hemingway, who mentioned his affection for Sobrino de Botín in his book, “The Sun Also Rises.”
Information
- Name: Sobrino de Botín
- Address: Calle Cuchilleros, 17, 28005 Madrid, Spain
- Price: $$
- Hours: 1-4 pm and 8-12 am
3. Tandoori Station
“Travel with us to a world full of flavors.” If you need a break from Spanish food, Madrid has plenty of other ethnic options. Tandoori Station is a local Indian restaurant meant to represent a train station, with four “stations” representing their four courses. The cost of all four courses is 27.50 euros per person, with a minimum of two people per table. Unlike many Spanish restaurants, you can book a reservation online as well.
Information
- Name: Tandoori Station
- Address: Calle José Ortega y Gasset, nº 89 y 91
- Price: $$
- Hours: Tuesday-Saturday: 1:30 pm-4pm and 8 pm-12 am. Sunday 1:30 pm-4 pm.
- Holiday: Closed Mondays
- Website: http://www.tandooristation.com/index.html
4. Restaurante Santceloni
One of the most highly rated restaurants in Madrid, Santceloni offers succulent dishes of local seafood including sea bass, grouper, crayfish and more. If you’re not a big seafood fan, there are other meat options as well such as the “suckling pig loin” and the “white veal knuckle.”
Information
- Name:Restaurante Santceloni
- Address: Paseo de la Castellana, 57, 28046 Madrid, Spain
- Price: $$$
- Hours: Monday-Friday: 2-4 pm, 9-11:30 pm; Saturday 9-11:30 pm
- Holiday: Closed Sundays
- Website: http://www.restaurantesantceloni.com/
5. Viridiana
Another highly-rated restaurant, Viridiana serves mediterranean fare with a Spanish base. It’s more on the pricier side at 75 euro a plate, but it has high recommendations for both its dining experience and cuisine. It also takes reservations, so be sure to book your table ahead of time to beat the rush!
Information
- Name: Viridiana
- Address: Juan de Mena 14, 28014 Madrid
- Price: $$$
- Hours: 1:30 pm -4 pm, 8:30 pm-12:00 am
- Website: http://www.restauranteviridiana.com/restaurante
6. DSTAgE
DSTAgE is famous for its different take on traditional Spanish cuisine. Mostly offering seafood dishes such as king prawn ceviche, the michelin-starred restaurant also offers unique platters such as the cotton candy taco dessert. The customer has the option of 10 courses for 88 euros per person or 4 courses for 118 euros per person. It’s a must-visit if you’re looking for high-quality dining!
Information
- Name: DSTAgE
- Address: Calle Regueros,8, 28004 Madrid, Spain
- Price: $$$
- Hours: Monday-Friday: 1:00-3:00 pm, 9:00-11:00 pm
- Holiday: Closed Saturday and Sunday
- Website: http://www.dstageconcept.com/#_=_
7. Wok to Walk
Are you on a budget and need an option other than typical Spanish cuisine? Wok to Walk is an affordable asian take-out restaurant that allows you to pick and choose your own toppings. The chain is located in several big European cities, but it has always been a favorite for healthy Asian late-night food. It’s also open for 13 hours a day!
Information
- Name: Wok to Walk
- Address:Calle Mayor, 4, 28013 Madrid, Spain
- Price: $
- Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 12:00 pm- 1:00 am, Friday-Saturday 12:00 pm-2:00 am
- Website: woktowalk.com/
8. El Tigre
If you’re looking for traditional Spanish tapas, a cheap meal and delicious Spanish wine, this is the place to visit. However, because this place is so popular, expect a packed restaurant with locals and tourists alike. It’s located near the Gran Vía, so it’s a good place to stop while sightseeing the city.
Information
- Name: El Tigre
- Address: Calle de las Infantas, 23, 28004 Madrid, Spain
- Price: $
- Hours: Monday-Thursday: 11:30 am- 1:30 am, Friday-Saturday 11:30 am-2:30 am
9. La Mallorquina
We all need dessert once in awhile, and La Mallorquina will satisfy any sweet tooth. If you’re traveling near La Puerta del Sol, it’s a must-visit restaurant offering delicious nutella-filled pastries, buttery croissants and Spanish palmeras. Feel free to stop by and relax with a coffee and dessert, or take one out while sightseeing.
Information
- Name: La Mallorquina
- Address:Calle Mayor, 2 | Puerta del Sol, 28013 Madrid, Spain
- Price: $
- Hours: 9:00 am- 9:15 pm
10. El Mercado de San Miguel
For locals and tourists alike, El Mercado de San Miguel has been located in Madrid’s old quarter since its opening in 1916. Lively and busy, it has sections offering seafood, typical spanish cuisine, spanish cheese, spanish meat, wine, coffee, other material goods and more. It’s great for trying out several different cuisines while staying on your budget.
Information
- Name: El Mercado de San Miguel
- Address:Plaza de San Miguel, s/n 28005, Madrid
- Price: $-$$
- Hours:Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
- http://www.mercadodesanmiguel.es/en/the-market/
11. Bellamia Heladeria
Although this is an ice cream chain with several locations in Italy as well, locals rave about the gelato and desserts at La Belamia Heladería. In addition to gelato, customers can purchase café, nutella, powdered-sugar-covered crepes and other options. This establishment also caters towards vegans, with vegan ice cream and vegan cone options.
Information
- Name: La Belamia
- Address: Calle Pérez Galdós n.3 – 28004 Madrid
- Price: $
- Hours:Monday-Thursday: 9:00 am to 12:00 am; Friday-Sunday 9:00 am to 1:00 am
- website: http://www.bellamiagelateria.it/es/?id=77&idnews=37
12. Casa Julio
Croquetas, a fried breadcrumb-based nugget filled with foods such as potatoes and ham, are a staple of the Spanish tapas diet. In order to experience all types of Spanish croquetas, visit Casa Julio to pick between 8 flavors with different mixes of ham, seafood, potatoes, and vegetables. You can’t go wrong!
Information
- Name: Casa Julio
- Address:Calle de la Madera, 37, 28004 Madrid, Spain
- Price: $$
- Hours:Monday-Saturday: 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm; Friday-Sunday 6:30 pm to 11:30 pm
13. Casa González
Another staple of the spanish diet, jamón, or spanish-style ham, is a must-try if you’re a newbie to Spanish cuisine. Casa González was voted one of the best jamón restaurants in Madrid, and the cured, soft ham will melt in your mouth. The restaurant also offers other tapas, cheese, desserts and Spanish wine so you can have a full dinner.
Information
- Name: Casa González
- Address:Calle León nº12, 28014 Madrid
- Price: $
- Hours:Monday-Thursday: 9:00 am to 12:00 am; Friday-Saturday 9:00 am to 1:00 am; 11:00 am to 6:00 pm
- website: http://www.casagonzalez.es/
14. Casa Labra
Right off of La Puerta del Sol and in a cozy, antique restaurant, Casa Labra is conveniently located for your tapas needs after a busy day shopping. Make sure to try a sample from the large selection of spanish cheeses, and have a glass from the long list of Spanish wines.
Information
- Name: Casa Labra
- Address:Calle León nº12, 28014 Madrid
- Price: $$
- Hours:Monday-Thursday: 9:00 am to 12:00 am; Friday-Sunday 9:00 am to 1:00 am
- Website: http://www.casalabra.es/en/
15. Vinoteca Moratín
Vinoteca Moratín is a local hole-in-the-wall near the famous El Prado museum. Come for the seafood, assorted cheeses, tapas, dessert, and relaxing, candlelit atmosphere. As indicated by its name, there is a long list of Spanish and international wine to choose from as well. It’s perfect for a romantic date with a loved one!
Information
- Name: Vinoteca Moratín
- Address: Moratín, 36 · 28014 Madrid
- Price: $$
- Hours: Tuesday-Thursday: 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm and 7:30 pm to 12:00 am
- Website: http://www.vinotecamoratin.com/
As the capital city of Spain, Madrid has a lot of different flavors to offer when it comes to eating delicious Spanish cuisine. Whether you’re a seafood-fan or ham-lover, you’ll leave Spain raving about your dining experiences.
Have a good trip and travel!
