MESÓN TXISTU We returned to Mesón Txistu Madrid, a traditional Basque restaurant a little off the beaten track. Pedro Abrego Velasco, a Navarrese restaurateur who grew up in San Sebastián, founded it in 1972. After spending ten years in Venezuela, Abrego returned to Spain and eventually settled in Madrid. Following the success of his first restaurant, El Caserío, he opened Mesón Txistu, bringing traditional Basque cooking to the capital. More than 50 years later, it remains r

DIS TINTO TABERNA MADRID WINE & TAPAS We visited DisTinto Taberna Madrid Wine & Bar with Mark Walsh of Walsh Jewery. The restaurant bar opened in 2018 in Madrid’s Barrio de las Letras, just a few steps from Plaza de Jesús. Unlike some of its historic neighbours, this relatively modern establishment retains much of the atmosphere of a traditional Spanish tavern. Founded by four cousins with extensive hospitality and wine experience, DisTinto quickly built a reputation for its

MADRID TAPAS BARS IN THE CALLE DE JESÚS AREA Just a short walk from the Prado Museum, Calle de Jesús and the surrounding streets are home to some of Madrid’s most traditional tapas bars. From lively neighbourhood taverns to historic establishments serving excellent wines, croquetas, seafood, and conservas, this area is a wonderful place to explore Madrid’s authentic tapas culture. CERVANTES Plaza de Jesús 7, 28012 Madrid +34 914 29 60 93 We did not eat here this time, but it

CASA TONI Casa Toni is a traditional Madrid tapas bar situated at Calle de la Cruz 14, between Puerta del Sol and Plaza de Santa Ana. Established in the 1960s, this family-style tavern has retained the character of an old-fashioned Madrid bar, serving generous portions of traditional Spanish food without unnecessary frills. At first glance, it doesn’t look like much. However, give it a try. The food is excellent for the price, and there are always plenty of locals, which is u

CASA LABRA Casa Labra Madrid dates back to 1860. History was made at this bar on 2 May 1879, when the PSOE (Spanish Socialist Party) was formed. When you walk in, it feels as though you’ve stepped back to 1879, as not much seems to have changed since then! The picture below shows old prices. Current prices (2026) Cod croqueta: €1.70 each Tuna pickled banderilla: €2.25 Tortilla: €6.90 Tajadas de bacalao: €2.30 It is a fantastic traditional bar. It is famous for its croquetas d

LA CASA DEL ABUELO We returned to one of our favourite bars on our recent trip to Madrid. The original tavern opened on Calle Victoria in 1906 as La Alicantina. During the 1920s and ’30s it became famous for its sandwiches, at one point selling more than 1,500 a day. Following the Civil War, when bread became scarce and was remarkably more expensive than prawns, the family began serving prawns instead. They proved so popular that they became the speciality of the house, a tra

LA VENENCIA The fabulous La Venencia Madrid is like stepping back into an Andalusian sherry bar from the 1920s or ’30s. The bar has a fascinating history; many believe anti-Franco supporters met here during the Spanish Civil War. It is doubtful the place has changed much over the years, with its unassuming sign above the door, dusty old sherry bottles behind the bar, and vintage posters on the walls, all giving it great character. This refreshingly unmodernised, quirky old ba

CHOCOLATERÍA SAN GINÉS The San Ginés Chocolatería & Churrería Madrid has been in business since 1894. It is one of Madrid’s most famous chocolaterías and is centrally located, just a short walk from Puerta del Sol. Open 24 hours a day, it has long been a favourite with Madrid’s late-night crowds, who head to San Ginés for something tasty and sweet after a night out. The chocolatería retains the atmosphere of a traditional late-19th-century café, with two floors, white marble

RESTAURANTE SACHA This isn’t the most straightforward restaurant in Madrid to find, even with GPS. It’s tucked away in a corner on the right-hand side of the building, set back from the street. Everything looks great: small but cosy, busy, and traditional as you enter. The restaurant opened in 1972 and was founded by Carlos Hormaechea and Pitila Mosquera. Their son, Sacha Hormaechea, now runs it, after whom the restaurant is named. It is located in a neighbourhood just north

MUSEO DEL JAMÓN A few Museo del Jamón tapas bars are scattered around Madrid, and this one at Carrera de San Jerónimo 6 has always been our favourite. They all offer an eclectic mix of traditional Spanish food, centred on ham, bread, beer & wine. This place is a great option for those trying to save money. At the time of our visit, a beer and a ham-and-cheese bocadillo could be had for around €1, which is unbeatable. If you have a bit more to spend, consider trying one of the