City Guide
Madrid
Restaurants
Madrid Restaurants
Most Popular Hotels in Madrid:
Hermosilla 2, 28001
Avda. De La Hispanidad 2-4, 28042
Gran Via 38, 28013
C/ Juan Álvarez Mendizábal 17, 28008
Restaurants have been grouped into five categories: Gastronomic, Business, Trendy, Budget and Personal Recommendations. These restaurants are listed alphabetically within four different pricing categories:
$$$$ (over €100)
$$$ (€75 to €100)
$$ (€40 to €75)
$ (under €40)
The prices quoted above are for an average three-course meal and for half a bottle of house wine or cheapest equivalent per person; they do not include tax or tip.
$$$$ (over €100)
$$$ (€75 to €100)
$$ (€40 to €75)
$ (under €40)
The prices quoted above are for an average three-course meal and for half a bottle of house wine or cheapest equivalent per person; they do not include tax or tip.
Gastronomic
El Amparo
El Amparo's deserved reputation as one of Madrid's top gourmet restaurants owes a good deal to its traditional Basque recipes with nouvelle cuisine treatment. Another plus for the restaurant is its setting - a former coach-house in Madrid's smart Salamanca district. The décor is the work of leading Spanish designer Pascua Ortega, who also worked on the refurbishment of the Teatro Real (see Culture).
Callejón de Puigcerdá 8
Tel: 91 431 6456.
Price: $$$
El Amparo's deserved reputation as one of Madrid's top gourmet restaurants owes a good deal to its traditional Basque recipes with nouvelle cuisine treatment. Another plus for the restaurant is its setting - a former coach-house in Madrid's smart Salamanca district. The décor is the work of leading Spanish designer Pascua Ortega, who also worked on the refurbishment of the Teatro Real (see Culture).
Callejón de Puigcerdá 8
Tel: 91 431 6456.
Price: $$$
El Cenador del Prado
A showcase of the best of Spanish regional cuisine. Salted cod in breadcrumbs with garlic and grape garnishing, medallions of venison with cheese ravioli and quince, beef carpaccio with pig's trotters in a mushroom sauce - all the dishes here are prepared with virgin olive oil and dressed with fresh herbs. The prices are reasonable, the ambience is cool and refined, the service impeccable. The trellised garden room is another plus.
Calle del Prado 4
Tel: 91 429 1561.
Website: www.elcenadordelprado.com
Price: $$
A showcase of the best of Spanish regional cuisine. Salted cod in breadcrumbs with garlic and grape garnishing, medallions of venison with cheese ravioli and quince, beef carpaccio with pig's trotters in a mushroom sauce - all the dishes here are prepared with virgin olive oil and dressed with fresh herbs. The prices are reasonable, the ambience is cool and refined, the service impeccable. The trellised garden room is another plus.
Calle del Prado 4
Tel: 91 429 1561.
Website: www.elcenadordelprado.com
Price: $$
La Broche Sergi Arola
La Broche's master chef, Sergi Arola, has garnered two Michelin stars for his original interpretations of traditional Catalan and Spanish recipes. The menu changes monthly but signature dishes include turbot con patas de puerco, where pan-fried turbot is sprinkled with coriander and served with a jelly of pig's feet wrapped in onion, and solomillo de buey (ox steak stuffed with goat's cheese, anchovies, cherries and pine-nut purée).
Miguel Angel 29-31
Tel: 91 399 3437.
Website: www.labroche.com
Price: $$$$
La Broche's master chef, Sergi Arola, has garnered two Michelin stars for his original interpretations of traditional Catalan and Spanish recipes. The menu changes monthly but signature dishes include turbot con patas de puerco, where pan-fried turbot is sprinkled with coriander and served with a jelly of pig's feet wrapped in onion, and solomillo de buey (ox steak stuffed with goat's cheese, anchovies, cherries and pine-nut purée).
Miguel Angel 29-31
Tel: 91 399 3437.
Website: www.labroche.com
Price: $$$$
Jockey
Patronised by the rich, famous and discerning, Jockey has earned itself the reputation as one of Madrid's top-flight restaurants since opening in 1945. The restaurant is quite small and intimate, with dark wooden panelling and framed prints of jockeys and their mounts. Sea bass, wild fowl and game (when in season) are all to be found on an ambitious and often exciting menu. The wine cellar is also excellent.
Amador de los Ríos 6
Tel: 91 319 2435.
Website: www.restaurantejockey.net
Price: $$$
Patronised by the rich, famous and discerning, Jockey has earned itself the reputation as one of Madrid's top-flight restaurants since opening in 1945. The restaurant is quite small and intimate, with dark wooden panelling and framed prints of jockeys and their mounts. Sea bass, wild fowl and game (when in season) are all to be found on an ambitious and often exciting menu. The wine cellar is also excellent.
Amador de los Ríos 6
Tel: 91 319 2435.
Website: www.restaurantejockey.net
Price: $$$
La Nicolasa
This is one of the few restaurants that can correctly claim to serve traditional Basque dishes. The establishment is elegantly decorated, with glass chandeliers and robust oak tables. There are several oil paintings hanging on the walls, and the general décor resembles that of a grand countryside house. The Basque cuisine consists mainly of fish, and the most traditional dish served is sea bass with orange. Another favourite is baked hake. All of the cakes and pastries are made on site.
Velazquez 150
Tel: 91 563 1735.
Price: $$-$$$
This is one of the few restaurants that can correctly claim to serve traditional Basque dishes. The establishment is elegantly decorated, with glass chandeliers and robust oak tables. There are several oil paintings hanging on the walls, and the general décor resembles that of a grand countryside house. The Basque cuisine consists mainly of fish, and the most traditional dish served is sea bass with orange. Another favourite is baked hake. All of the cakes and pastries are made on site.
Velazquez 150
Tel: 91 563 1735.
Price: $$-$$$
Business
Botín
Said to be the oldest restaurant in the city, Botín first opened its doors below the Plaza Mayor in 1725, and has been keeping business people happy ever since. The wonderful old dining rooms retain the original painted tiles, oak beams and wood-burning oven. Traditional Castilian dishes are the speciality here - the roast suckling pig and the tender Aranda lamb are delicious. Reservations are strongly advised, as it is very popular.
Calle Cuchilleros 17
Tel: 91 366 4217.
Website: www.casabotin.com
Price: $$
Said to be the oldest restaurant in the city, Botín first opened its doors below the Plaza Mayor in 1725, and has been keeping business people happy ever since. The wonderful old dining rooms retain the original painted tiles, oak beams and wood-burning oven. Traditional Castilian dishes are the speciality here - the roast suckling pig and the tender Aranda lamb are delicious. Reservations are strongly advised, as it is very popular.
Calle Cuchilleros 17
Tel: 91 366 4217.
Website: www.casabotin.com
Price: $$
Las Cuevas de Luís Candelas
While many of the eating places around Plaza Mayor are tourist orientated and overpriced, Las Cuevas offers better value in a brick-vaulted cellar with tiled bar, wall paintings, wrought iron fittings and an open fire for the suckling pig speciality. Named after a 19th-century highwayman said to have hidden in one of the cuevas (cellars), this bar-restaurant offers a typical range of tapas, as well as substantial main courses. Specialities include merluza (hake) and shrimps in garlic or cheese.
Arco de Cuchilleros 1
Tel: 91 366 5428.
Website: www.lascuevasdeluiscandelas.com
Price: $$
While many of the eating places around Plaza Mayor are tourist orientated and overpriced, Las Cuevas offers better value in a brick-vaulted cellar with tiled bar, wall paintings, wrought iron fittings and an open fire for the suckling pig speciality. Named after a 19th-century highwayman said to have hidden in one of the cuevas (cellars), this bar-restaurant offers a typical range of tapas, as well as substantial main courses. Specialities include merluza (hake) and shrimps in garlic or cheese.
Arco de Cuchilleros 1
Tel: 91 366 5428.
Website: www.lascuevasdeluiscandelas.com
Price: $$
Robata
Japanese cooking is still not quite as much in vogue in Madrid as in some European capitals, but is catching up due to demand from the business community. Grilled meats and fish are to the fore on an extensive menu offering combinations of tempura, sashimi, sushi and sukiyaki, as well as soups. Diners can sit at a table or around the central sushi bar.
Calle de la Reina 31
Tel: 91 521 8528.
Price: $$
Japanese cooking is still not quite as much in vogue in Madrid as in some European capitals, but is catching up due to demand from the business community. Grilled meats and fish are to the fore on an extensive menu offering combinations of tempura, sashimi, sushi and sukiyaki, as well as soups. Diners can sit at a table or around the central sushi bar.
Calle de la Reina 31
Tel: 91 521 8528.
Price: $$
Viuda de Vacas
The name 'The Widow Vacas' alludes to the Cánovas Vacas family from Segovia, who founded the restaurant more than a century ago. This homely taberna (tavern) preserves its faded wall tiles, marble-top tables and a spiral staircase. The menu, inspired by the Castillian countryside, is only available in Spanish - recommended are berenjenas (aubergines stuffed with breadcrumbs in a cream sauce), jamon al horno (roast pork) and gallina en pepitoria (chicken in egg and almond sauce).
Calle Cava Alta 23
Tel: 91 366 5847.
Price: $$
The name 'The Widow Vacas' alludes to the Cánovas Vacas family from Segovia, who founded the restaurant more than a century ago. This homely taberna (tavern) preserves its faded wall tiles, marble-top tables and a spiral staircase. The menu, inspired by the Castillian countryside, is only available in Spanish - recommended are berenjenas (aubergines stuffed with breadcrumbs in a cream sauce), jamon al horno (roast pork) and gallina en pepitoria (chicken in egg and almond sauce).
Calle Cava Alta 23
Tel: 91 366 5847.
Price: $$
Trendy
Champagnería Gala
Gala is one of Madrid's trendier eating places and diners should book ahead to be sure of a table on the canopied garden patio. The Spanish sparkling wines are the ideal accompaniment to the paellas, risottos and fideuàs (Catalan noodle dishes) that are Gala's stock-in-trade. There are more than a dozen of these wines to choose from. No credit cards.
Calle Moratín 22
Tel: 91 429 2562 or 420 1950.
Price: $$
Gala is one of Madrid's trendier eating places and diners should book ahead to be sure of a table on the canopied garden patio. The Spanish sparkling wines are the ideal accompaniment to the paellas, risottos and fideuàs (Catalan noodle dishes) that are Gala's stock-in-trade. There are more than a dozen of these wines to choose from. No credit cards.
Calle Moratín 22
Tel: 91 429 2562 or 420 1950.
Price: $$
Divina La Cocina
A great location on the fringes of trendy Chueca is one reason why this restaurant is such a hit. Together, they have created their own special brand of Spanish fusion - for example, salted cod in a soya and ginger sauce, seaweed salad with shrimps and eggs of sea urchin or prime beef steak with foie gras in port. Designer Carlos Mayoral's powder blue and terracotta tones add a dash of refinement and sophistication.
Calle Colmenares 13
Tel: 91 531 3765.
Website: www.divinalacocina.com
Price: $-$$
A great location on the fringes of trendy Chueca is one reason why this restaurant is such a hit. Together, they have created their own special brand of Spanish fusion - for example, salted cod in a soya and ginger sauce, seaweed salad with shrimps and eggs of sea urchin or prime beef steak with foie gras in port. Designer Carlos Mayoral's powder blue and terracotta tones add a dash of refinement and sophistication.
Calle Colmenares 13
Tel: 91 531 3765.
Website: www.divinalacocina.com
Price: $-$$
La Terraza del Casino
Paco Roncero is the creative brain behind this Michelin starred eatery. Booking early is essential with one of Spain's best chefs at the helm. Experimentation in the style of Catalan Ferran Adria is the order of the day. Expect foams, unusual combinations of flavour, constant surprises and an experience unlike a 'normal' restaurant.
Calle Alzala 15
Tel: 91 532 1275.
Website: www.casinodemadrid.es
Price: $$$$
Paco Roncero is the creative brain behind this Michelin starred eatery. Booking early is essential with one of Spain's best chefs at the helm. Experimentation in the style of Catalan Ferran Adria is the order of the day. Expect foams, unusual combinations of flavour, constant surprises and an experience unlike a 'normal' restaurant.
Calle Alzala 15
Tel: 91 532 1275.
Website: www.casinodemadrid.es
Price: $$$$
Lombok
The minimalist décor of this Chueca neighbourhood eatery (with spotlights, bare white walls and steel counter) might seem a trifle passé but Lombok is still very much in vogue. Its clientele is young and stylish - perhaps it helps that one of the co-owners is a Spanish TV presenter. The fusion cuisine draws on ingredients and recipes from the far-flung corners of the globe and it all looks as good as it tastes.
Augusto Figueroa 32
Tel: 91 531 3566.
Price: $
The minimalist décor of this Chueca neighbourhood eatery (with spotlights, bare white walls and steel counter) might seem a trifle passé but Lombok is still very much in vogue. Its clientele is young and stylish - perhaps it helps that one of the co-owners is a Spanish TV presenter. The fusion cuisine draws on ingredients and recipes from the far-flung corners of the globe and it all looks as good as it tastes.
Augusto Figueroa 32
Tel: 91 531 3566.
Price: $
Mezklum Tech
If you like hearty Madrid cooking in traditional surrounds steer well clear of Mezklum Tech. Part of the pan-European craze for minimalist décor and culinary creativity this stylish new haunt has quickly attracted the attention of the local cognoscenti. Expect lots of contrasting flavours and unusual combinations, with creations such as a 'salmon hamburger'. Dress to impress to fit in: black, black and black is de rigueur.
Calle Principe 16
Tel: 91 218 991.
Website: www.mezklum.com
Price: $$
If you like hearty Madrid cooking in traditional surrounds steer well clear of Mezklum Tech. Part of the pan-European craze for minimalist décor and culinary creativity this stylish new haunt has quickly attracted the attention of the local cognoscenti. Expect lots of contrasting flavours and unusual combinations, with creations such as a 'salmon hamburger'. Dress to impress to fit in: black, black and black is de rigueur.
Calle Principe 16
Tel: 91 218 991.
Website: www.mezklum.com
Price: $$
Budget
Casa Mingo
If you share a twin love of cider and chicken then there is only one place in Madrid for you - Caso Mingo. The roast chicken here is legendary and it is best washed down with a bottle of the Asturian cider that completes a budget stomach filling experience. Very old school and usually very busy, especially at weekends, so expect a (worthwhile) wait.
Paseo de la Florida
Tel: 91 477 918.
Price: $
If you share a twin love of cider and chicken then there is only one place in Madrid for you - Caso Mingo. The roast chicken here is legendary and it is best washed down with a bottle of the Asturian cider that completes a budget stomach filling experience. Very old school and usually very busy, especially at weekends, so expect a (worthwhile) wait.
Paseo de la Florida
Tel: 91 477 918.
Price: $
La Galette
One of the best things about this well-established vegetarian restaurant is that carnivores are catered for too. From the extensive list of imaginatively prepared vegetable, rice and pasta dishes, one might single out the delicious tartar de chicle (cauliflower cheese with a dusting of fresh herbs), followed by apple croquettes. Diners sit elbow-to-elbow in the two small rooms, decked out in an appealing country-kitchen style.
Calle Conde de Aranda 11
Tel: 91 576 0641.
Price: $
One of the best things about this well-established vegetarian restaurant is that carnivores are catered for too. From the extensive list of imaginatively prepared vegetable, rice and pasta dishes, one might single out the delicious tartar de chicle (cauliflower cheese with a dusting of fresh herbs), followed by apple croquettes. Diners sit elbow-to-elbow in the two small rooms, decked out in an appealing country-kitchen style.
Calle Conde de Aranda 11
Tel: 91 576 0641.
Price: $
Taberna el Almendro
A tiny tavern with custard-yellow walls and big barrels that serve as tables. A bell on the kitchen window sounds when the food is ready. The wild boar blood pudding, the savoury toasted bagels, (roscas) or the famous egg dishes, in particular, los huevos rotos (fried eggs over potatoes) are the mainstays. There is a good selection of white wines and sherries to accompany the tapas.
Calle El Almendro 13
Tel: 91 365 4252.
Price: $
A tiny tavern with custard-yellow walls and big barrels that serve as tables. A bell on the kitchen window sounds when the food is ready. The wild boar blood pudding, the savoury toasted bagels, (roscas) or the famous egg dishes, in particular, los huevos rotos (fried eggs over potatoes) are the mainstays. There is a good selection of white wines and sherries to accompany the tapas.
Calle El Almendro 13
Tel: 91 365 4252.
Price: $
The Wok
There is no better place in the capital for no nonsense Asian food on a budget. Steaming bowls of noodles delight the regulars and any tourists lucky enough to stumble upon this top value eatery. Not very Madrid, where long lunches are de rigueur, and it definitely offers no frills, but most diners here are not looking for any, just to fill up on healthy affordable food.
Calle San Marcos 31-33
Tel: 91 531 6979.
Price: $
There is no better place in the capital for no nonsense Asian food on a budget. Steaming bowls of noodles delight the regulars and any tourists lucky enough to stumble upon this top value eatery. Not very Madrid, where long lunches are de rigueur, and it definitely offers no frills, but most diners here are not looking for any, just to fill up on healthy affordable food.
Calle San Marcos 31-33
Tel: 91 531 6979.
Price: $
Vips
This branch of the well-known newsagent and restaurant chain has a great location, close to the Prado and the Thyssen-Bornemisza museums. Open seven days a week until the early hours of the morning, it is nearly always full, on account of the reasonable prices and the varied menu - everything from ham and eggs to pizzas and bowls of tacos. The atmosphere is busy and bustling and the décor modern and functional.
Plaza de las Cortes 7
Tel: 91 429 4234.
Price: $
This branch of the well-known newsagent and restaurant chain has a great location, close to the Prado and the Thyssen-Bornemisza museums. Open seven days a week until the early hours of the morning, it is nearly always full, on account of the reasonable prices and the varied menu - everything from ham and eggs to pizzas and bowls of tacos. The atmosphere is busy and bustling and the décor modern and functional.
Plaza de las Cortes 7
Tel: 91 429 4234.
Price: $
Personal Recommendations
Casa Lucio
One of the city's most famous eateries, it is not unusual to find a famous person eating here despite the lack of glamorous décor. Situated in La Latina, one of the oldest areas of Madrid, Casa Lucio was established in the mid 1950s and has established itself as the place to eat fried eggs and chips. The dishes served are traditional and include cocido madrileño (chick pea stew) and callos (stewed cow stomach in spicy sauce).
Cava Baja 35
Tel: 91 365 3252.
Website: www.casalucio.es
Price: $$
One of the city's most famous eateries, it is not unusual to find a famous person eating here despite the lack of glamorous décor. Situated in La Latina, one of the oldest areas of Madrid, Casa Lucio was established in the mid 1950s and has established itself as the place to eat fried eggs and chips. The dishes served are traditional and include cocido madrileño (chick pea stew) and callos (stewed cow stomach in spicy sauce).
Cava Baja 35
Tel: 91 365 3252.
Website: www.casalucio.es
Price: $$
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