The Best Places to Eat in Madrid Recommended by a Local Madrileno

A slightly more affordable choice, La Fabrica provides excellent value for money; a modern establishment that serves Spanish classics. An art and exhibition space, and restaurant, there is a great variety on the menu with pasta and an assorted grill offering, but La Fabrica is best known for its excellent tapas.

In fact, in my opinion, the best tapas in Madrid. Of course, this is a very contentious subject as every Madrileño thinks that they know the best tapas places in Madrid – unfortunately, we have usually all got different spots in mind.

When ordering tapas, the key is to get the right amount for the group. My recommendation is to get two to three tapas per person. Pro tip – don’t order all the tapas at the same time. Space it out so that everyone is able to get their fair share of sangria in before concluding the meal.

Standing in one of Madrid’s most iconic urban spaces and just a stone’s throw away from the popular Malasana neighborhood, the San Fernando Market is a must see! Hidden behind an ornate facade, the market is a buzz of activity. This is another great place for tapas, but you can get all sorts of amazing delicacies here.

The Spanish are well known for their cold meats and sausage and the food market is a great spot to try a little of all of them. There is a great selection of craft beer to accompany the food, and some cocktail vendors to cater for those who aren’t fans of beer.

In 1998 the space underwent major renovation as part of an urban renewal project so it is relatively well kept. There are other stores in addition to food, selling clothes and other wares that you can browse while enjoying the fare.

Casa Jacinto is closer to the pricy end of the spectrum, but it makes the best cocido, hands down. It is definitely one of the best local restaurants in Madrid. Cocido is essentially just stew, but it tells the story of the local people. Traditionally eaten by laborers as it contains all the necessary nutrition for a complete meal, cocido is now an expression of the regional nuance.

Wherever you are in Spain, you will find a slightly different take. It has one or more of several proteins that include chicken, beef, mutton, or pork, and then any of a huge variety of vegetables, but in some regions the protein is seafood. Even in Madrid, you will find a huge diversity of options. Cocido is actually served in multiple parts even though it is considered a single meal.

The first is usually just the soup component of the stew, followed by beans and potatoes, and then meat and vegetables. In between each section, the pot is emptied and filled with the new part. These can get quite elaborate with up to fourteen of these sections in a single meal. 

With delicious vegan and vegetarian offerings, La Pescaderia truly has something for everyone. Most noteworthy are the myriad seafood dishes served up in this casual, trendy neighborhood bistro. Madrid is an inland city but don’t let that put you off; the seafood is as fresh as it is at the coast!

La Pescaderia has more modern finishings than you typically find in Madrid, with a hip and youthful vibe, while still maintaining the essential bits of traditional Spanish aesthetic. The food itself continues this, with a more modern take on Spanish cuisine. While not cheap, the restaurant is generally considered good value for money thanks to high quality, thoroughly tasty food.

Sidi is one of the most laid back choices on this list – something akin to your neighborhood pub and grill. It has the classic European format of a bar and cafe, with a modern atmosphere that is comfortable and easy-going. It’s great for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and if you’ll be doing breakfast I highly recommend the eggs, toast, and Jamon.

Jamon is a cured meat similar to parma ham and – being one of the staples in Spain it is incredibly well done – one of the best accompaniments to your classic eggs and toast. The staff will typically slice this off one of the many legs of Jamon hanging in the restaurant (something you’ll be seeing all over Madrid and will quickly grow accustomed to, taking it as a sign for the delicious meal to come). Nighttime brings along with it a festive, local crowd and, with service that is excellent, and affordable prices, this one won’t break the bank either!

Full disclosure – this one should be kept in the bank for when you are feeling bougie and ready to splurge a bit, because it is quite pricey. If you’re looking for a fine dining experience however, then Los Montes de Galicia is one of the best in Madrid!

It is not exactly traditional, but certainly has a strong Spanish theme with a menu that is a snapshot of contemporary Madrid, and really has a bit of all the different influences going on in the city. The staff are friendly and super helpful, especially if your Spanish is not up to scratch.

They also cater to vegans, vegetarians and those gluten free types – nobody need be excluded from this stellar experience (unless your budget says otherwise, of course). The wine pairing is perfect and the cocktails are out of this world, so if you go, I suggest you go all in. 

El Tigre sits at the opposite end of the spectrum and is probably good to lift you out of a budget slump the night after visiting Los Montes de Galicia. Cheap and cheerful, and thoroughly local! El Tigre interprets Spanish hospitality as being cheery, with robust service and, best of all, bounteous portions!

Primarily a tapas bar, they have excellent drink specials and an all-you-can-eat set up with the tapas. Fortunately, the tapas is also really very good. It is rustic, but of great quality, with very traditional and flavorsome dishes.

A great one to enjoy with friends, they are immensely popular – which is great, but it also means that you may struggle to find a spot on a Friday night so come early if you don’t feel like standing; which is fine to do as well! Be sure that when you do visit, you try the patatas bravas; or anything you can dip a delicious, crusty slice of bread into!