Best Restaurants in Madrid to Suit Every Craving

Madrid, the dynamic capital of Spain, is a city bursting with art, culture, and passion. From the royal elegance of the Palacio Real to the world-class art at the Prado Museum and the lively streets of Malasaña and La Latina, Madrid is a place where tradition and modern energy collide in the best possible way.

In this guide, we explore the best places to eat in Madrid, from budget-friendly bites and creative vegetarian dishes to romantic restaurants and world-renowned fine dining experiences. Whether you’re craving classic Spanish tapas, looking for modern cuisine, or indulging in plant-based delights, Madrid has something to offer for every taste and budget.

To make the most of your food journey in the city, consider using Qeepl, a convenient luggage storage service available across Madrid. With your bags safely stored away, you can explore the city’s food scene freely and comfortably.

What Should You Know About Food in Madrid?

Food in Madrid reflects the soul of Spain — rich, diverse, comforting, and full of character. While it doesn’t sit on the coast, Madrid offers some of the finest seafood in the country, thanks to daily deliveries from the Spanish coast. It’s also home to many hearty, central-Spain specialties like cocido madrileño, callos a la madrileña, and tortilla española.

Tapas culture is alive and well, with most locals hopping from bar to bar, enjoying small bites paired with vermouth, beer, or wine. The best food in Madrid can be found everywhere — in century-old tabernas, bustling markets like Mercado de San Miguel, casual corner cafés, and avant-garde kitchens that play with flavors in daring ways.

From traditional stews to modern tasting menus, Madrid’s food scene is one of the most exciting in Europe, always evolving while proudly rooted in its heritage.

Best Affordable Restaurants in Madrid

Eating well in Madrid doesn’t require a hefty budget. The city is full of casual spots and neighborhood favorites where you can enjoy authentic Spanish cuisine and global flavors without spending more than €10–€15.

1. Bodega de la Ardosa

Located in Malasaña, Bodega de la Ardosa is a historic tavern with a reputation for serving some of the best tortilla española in the city. This place has barely changed in over a century — antique decor, barrels of vermouth, and a friendly, buzzy atmosphere.

Prices for tapas range between €3–€6, and the tortilla, served slightly runny, is a must-try. Grab a caña (small beer), stand at the bar with locals, and soak up the old-school charm.

2. Bar La Campana

Right off Plaza Mayor, Bar La Campana is a small, unassuming place known for one thing: the bocadillo de calamares. The crispy fried calamari stuffed into fresh bread is an iconic Madrid street food, and this bar does it right.

At just €4–€5 per sandwich, it’s one of the tastiest and most filling cheap eats you’ll find. Add a glass of tinto de verano and sit on the terrace to watch the world go by.

3. El Tigre

El Tigre in Chueca is beloved for its generous portions of free tapas served with each drink. Order a beer for €5, and you’ll get a plate piled high with Spanish omelet, croquetas, or jamón.

This bustling bar gets crowded in the evenings, especially with students and travelers, but the festive atmosphere and unbeatable value keep people coming back.

4. Rompeolas

A no-frills Galician bar near Moncloa, Rompeolas serves hearty, rustic food with big portions and small prices. Try the empanada gallega, octopus a la gallega, or callos — each dish costs about €8–€12, and the flavors are spot-on.

It’s one of those places where you’re surrounded by locals, the TV is on, and the wine is poured generously — a true taste of everyday Madrid.

5. Smash Cow

For something more modern, Smash Cow offers smash-style burgers with crispy edges and gooey cheese in a retro, American-diner atmosphere. With burgers starting at just €3.50, this spot near Santiago Bernabéu is a favorite for quick, satisfying meals. Fries, milkshakes, and specials round out the menu.

Top Vegetarian Restaurants in Madrid

Madrid’s vegetarian and vegan scene has blossomed over the past decade, offering flavorful and inventive dishes even in a city known for its jamón obsession.

1. Mad Mad Vegan

This funky vegan spot in Lavapiés serves up comfort food like burgers, loaded fries, nachos, and plant-based milkshakes. Everything is 100% vegan, and there’s even a breakfast menu with pancakes and toasts.

Most dishes cost €8–€12, and the ambiance is colorful, casual, and welcoming to all. The staff are friendly, and there’s a great sense of community in the space.

2. Vega

Vega, located in Malasaña, is a cozy and rustic vegan bistro known for its focus on seasonal, local produce. The menu includes favorites like vegan risotto, Thai curry, tacos, and cheesecake.

Prices range from €10–€18 per dish, and the wine list features organic and biodynamic options. The atmosphere is peaceful, making it a great choice for slow dinners or long lunches.

3. Pizzi & Dixie

For vegan pizza and pasta lovers, Pizzi & Dixie delivers indulgence without compromise. Located near Tribunal, this vibrant eatery makes everything from scratch — cashew cheese, beet hummus, sweet potato gnocchi, and more.

With mains around €12–€16, it’s a casual and creative spot that proves plant-based eating can be bold and fun. Their pizzas are especially popular with locals.

4. El Fogón Verde

Close to Atocha, El Fogón Verde is a vegetarian co-op restaurant focused on sustainability and simplicity. The menu changes daily and includes soups, stews, curries, and wholegrain dishes made with organic ingredients.

Meals are very affordable, usually around €10, and the communal seating makes it a great place to meet like-minded travelers and locals.

5. Distrito Vegano

Distrito Vegano in Lavapiés is where veganism meets gourmet. Their rotating menu includes items like jackfruit tacos, vegan foie gras, and “chicken” and waffles. Presentation is elegant, and flavors are complex and satisfying.

Main courses are about €14–€20, and the restaurant often hosts themed nights and special events.

Romantic Restaurants in Madrid

Whether you’re celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, or simply enjoying a romantic night out, Madrid offers many enchanting settings and restaurants perfect for couples.

1. Sobrino de Botín

Recognized as the oldest restaurant in the world, Sobrino de Botín is steeped in history and character. With its low-beamed ceilings, wood-paneled walls, and candlelit tables, this Old Madrid establishment is a timeless destination.

The menu features traditional Castilian dishes like roast suckling pig and lamb, cooked in century-old wood ovens. Expect to spend around €40–€60 per person, and plan ahead — reservations are essential.

2. Café de Oriente

Overlooking the Royal Palace, Café de Oriente combines classic Spanish elegance with unbeatable views. The terrace is a favorite for watching the sunset as musicians play in the plaza below.

Dishes like solomillo (sirloin), seafood paella, and foie gras terrine are beautifully prepared, and the wine list is extensive. Dinner for two runs around €80–€100, with the location alone making it worth it.

3. La Vaca y La Huerta

This farm-to-table restaurant near Gran Vía is cozy and candlelit, perfect for couples seeking intimacy with a rustic twist. The name, which translates to “The Cow and the Garden,” reflects the balance of meat and vegetarian options.

Menu highlights include beef carpaccio, garden-fresh vegetables, and seasonal risottos. A romantic dinner here averages €60–€90 for two with wine.

4. El Jardín de Orfila

Set in a luxury boutique hotel, El Jardín de Orfila is an oasis of calm in the bustling city. The small garden terrace feels like a secret, with lush greenery and lanterns setting the mood.

Run by a Michelin-starred chef, the menu offers elevated Mediterranean cuisine with tasting menu options. Expect to spend about €100–€150 for two, ideal for special occasions.

5. Amazónico

In the upscale Salamanca district, Amazónico is a lush, jungle-themed restaurant with live jazz music, exotic decor, and international fusion cuisine. From sushi and ceviche to Wagyu beef, the menu is as decadent as the surroundings.

A night here is a full sensory experience, with prices ranging from €50–€100 per person, depending on drinks and extras.

Are There Michelin Star Restaurants in Madrid?

Yes — Madrid is home to an impressive number of Michelin-starred restaurants. As of the latest selection, the city boasts over 20 restaurants with Michelin stars, ranging from one to three stars.

Here are three of the most renowned:

• DiverXO (3 Stars): Chef David Muñoz’s DiverXO is the only restaurant in Madrid with three Michelin stars. Known for its edgy, avant-garde style and surreal dining experience, it offers a multi-sensory tasting menu that fuses global influences with Spanish roots. A meal here can cost €250 or more per person, but for food lovers, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s located in the Tetuán district, near Paseo de la Castellana.
• Santceloni (2 Stars): Under the guidance of chef Óscar Velasco, Santceloni presents refined, modern Spanish cuisine in a minimalist setting. Highlights include red mullet with seaweed broth, suckling pig, and artisan cheeses. The average tasting menu runs around €150–€200 per person. It’s centrally located and ideal for pairing with a cultural day at nearby museums.
• El Club Allard (1 Star): Set in an elegant early-20th-century building near Plaza de España, El Club Allard is both romantic and cutting-edge. Its tasting menu features seasonal Spanish ingredients with artistic presentation, and the ambiance is upscale but welcoming. Expect to pay €120–€150 per person, making it a top pick for gastronomic indulgence.