Food and drink
Tapas bars, restaurants & coffee shops
If you are looking for a list of Madrid’s top bars and restaurants, this is not it. What this is - is a selection of our local favourite places that may not appear in every tourist guide but are worth a try (or two). We hope you enjoy them as much as we do.
Located in the heart of the Barrio de las Letras, close to Plaza Mayor, La Dolores has been around for over a century. The traditional tiles that cover the facade welcome you into a charming room that has changed little since its opening in 1908.
Try its boquerones en vinagre, fresh anchovies marinated in vinegar and olive oil. Do not arrive too late; the place is very popular for aperitivo before lunch on weekends.
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There is no better place to experience Madrid’s love of vinegar and pickled foods than Hermanos Vinagre (Spanish for "vinegar brothers"). It may look modern on the outside, but it keeps the essence of the city’s traditional tapas bars.
You have to try their gildas – a snack made of olives, anchovies, and a slightly spicy pepper – and their mejillones en escabeche – pickled mussels. Both are perfect with a glass of vermouth.
They have four locations:
Find Hermanos Vinagre (Ibiza)
Find Hermanos Vinagre (Chueca)
Find Hermanos Vinagre (Lavapies)
Find Hermanos Vinagre (Chamberí)
La Ardosa is an unmissable step in the never-ending quest for the perfect tortilla. This traditional bodega, located in Malasaña, probably offers one of the best tortilla you can taste in Madrid.
La Ardosa also offers a wide selection of beers and fun fact.... it owns Spain's oldest Guinness beer tap!
The salmorejo – a cold tomato soup originally from Andalusia – and the cecina – salted and dried meat – are also worth a try.
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Madrid is full of secret doors to the past, but La Venencia is one you cannot miss. Not only because its dark walls and wooden bar have not changed in the last century, but also because it is one of the best places to try Jerez wine, a typical sherry from the Andalusian city of Jerez.
In fact, Jerez is the only thing you can drink here. It goes perfectly with the selection of cold meats and cheeses they offer.
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Creative freedom meets tradition in this newly opened restaurant located in Chueca. It takes on the appearance of a simple, traditional bar, but you can expect high-quality food made with passion by its two young chefs. La Llorería’s dishes are designed to be shared and are always made with fresh ingredients from the local markets. It also offers a wisely chosen selection of wines that complement the food.
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It is no secret that Madrid has no sea. However, it is often said that you can taste Spain’s best fish and seafood in the capital. We do not know whether it is true or not, but the prawns, lobsters, and crab served at La Máquina taste like they have just been taken out of the ocean.
La Máquina is also a great place to try the fabada, a traditional Asturian stew made with beans and pork.
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Spain’s traditional cuisine is simple; its flavours rely on the quality of the ingredients. This is also the philosophy behind Casa Mortero, a Michelin-star restaurant located right behind the parliament building. Here you can try traditional dishes with an innovative touch.
Try its creamy croquettes or its crispy torreznos. Casa Mortero also offers a great selection of meats cooked on the grill.
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You will not find a hint of tradition here. Or maybe you will. Kuoco 360 has built its name around a fusion of Latin American, Spanish, and Asian cuisines, with a particular taste for spicy dishes. It is not just another place serving fusion food; at Kuoco 360, you can really taste that the chefs know what they are doing.
If you decide to eat here, make sure you try the croquettes, the Peking duck, and the chilli crab.
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If you are a coffee-lover, Cofi is the place you are looking for. From the short espresso to its cold brew, it offers a wide selection of flavoured coffees that pair perfectly with its daily-baked, homemade cakes, toasts, and sandwiches. But Cofi is not only a place for having breakfast or a quick cup of coffee in the afternoon. You can also enjoy brunch on the weekends, and they even hold small concerts and DJ sessions at night.
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If you know your French, you have probably guessed what Salon des Fleurs is about. It offers a cosy space with eight different areas where you can enjoy a nice cup of tea or a strong shot of coffee. But it also has room for a flower shop that creates a truly special atmosphere in the salon. Here you can have a coffee and, as the song goes, buy yourself some flowers.
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