Madrid is one of the oldest cities on the planet, with origins dating back to the times of the Muslim conquest.
Spain’s capital is one of Europe’s most important tourist destinations, welcoming millions annually. While the art and history of the metropolis summon visitors worldwide, gastronomy has a special recognition.
From cozy tapas bars to Michelin-starred restaurants, there are countless options to satisfy the palate and sample some of the most significant dishes of Spanish cuisine.
Here are three of the best restaurants in Madrid everyone’s talking about right now, as well as the old classics we keep returning to for iconic paellas, tortillas, gazpacho, and more. It’s time to eat the city!
Cornamusa, Cibeles Square
Of all the rooftops that have opened in the capital in recent years, this is probably the one with the most extraordinary location. On the top floor of the Madrid City Hall building (Terraza Cibeles) and overlooking the Plaza de Cibeles, Gran Vía, or the Pasaje de la Luz and the entire skyline of the city, Cornamusa offers an unparalleled dining experience.
Chef Jesús Almagro leads this latest project by Azotea Grup. The menu pays tribute to Madrid’s gastronomy through high-level creations focusing on the product. It offers exquisite dishes and a panoramic view that is hard to beat. What more could a Madrid food tour ask for?
Signature dishes: Do not miss the Eggplant, mushrooms, and truffle cannelloni with Castilla pine nuts and truffle flakes; the smoked rice and goat cheese with veal tendons and roasted beets; the chard “pancreas a la importancia” stuffed with spider crab and saffron sauce; or the Guadarrama beef tenderloin with mustard emulsion, mushrooms, and roasted marrow.
Sobrino de Botín, Plaza Mayor
Sobrino de Botín, founded in 1725, is recognized by the Guinness World Records as the oldest restaurant in the world. This historic establishment has been serving traditional Castilian cuisine for nearly three centuries, standing out, especially for its star dishes: suckling pig and lamb roasted in the Castilian style. These are prepared with high-quality products that ensure each meal’s freshness and authentic flavor.
The experience at Sobrino de Botín goes beyond the food; the antique oven, which has been used since the restaurant was founded, and its impressive wine cellar attract visitors’ attention. It’s worth mentioning that this restaurant is often included in the best Madrid food tour.
Signature dishes: Traditional dishes include roast suckling pig and roast lamb, prepared in their famous wood-fired oven. These dishes are a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to preserving culinary traditions.
Sobrino de Botín also offers a variety of traditional Spanish dishes, including clams, Madrid-style hake, sirloin steak, Castilian soup, and gazpacho, ensuring a rich and varied culinary experience that honors Spain’s gastronomic traditions.
Casa Canito, Salamanca
Casa Canito’s interior is a visual spectacle. The space design pays homage to the early 1980s with high tables and traditional stools. Located in the Salamanca neighborhood, its menu focuses on tapas and portions designed for snacking.
La Movida Madrileña is next door, a nightclub that requires a password. The password changes daily and is obtained via the club’s Instagram profile. By the way, it is always the title of a song from the 80s.
Signature dishes: Headed by Patxi Zumarraga, its menu features dishes such as quail egg salad, raw tuna with miso-cured yolk dressing, Iberian loin bikini with mozzarella and truffle, or its combination of anchovy, anchovy, and Bokarte.
Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler, these three restaurants promise an unforgettable journey through the flavors of Madrid, and they deserve to be on your agenda.
