RESTAURANTE SACHA This is not the most straightforward restaurant in Madrid to find, even with GPS, as it is at the rear of where it should be and hidden away in a corner on the right side of the building. Everything looks great: small but cosy, busy, and traditional as you enter. The restaurant opened in 1972, founded by a couple; he was from the Basque Country, and she was from Galicia. It is located in a neighbourhood just north of Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

CASA LABRA History is said to have been made at this bar on May 2, 1879, with the formation of the PSOE (Spanish Socialist Party). When you walk in, it feels as though you’ve stepped back to 1879, as not much seems to have changed since then! 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 de bacalao. Some of the best in Madrid. The tajadas

When you think of Spain, you might picture sun-soaked plazas, lively flamenco music, and the enticing aromas of authentic Spanish cuisine. If you’re planning a trip and want to immerse yourself in the rich flavours of Madrid, you’re in for a delightful experience. Today, I invite you to embark on a culinary journey to explore the unique charm of one of Madrid’s treasures. Casa Toni Madrid is a small, unassuming bar and restaurant that may not look like much at first. However,

MADRID TAPAS BARS IN THE CALLE DE JESUS AREA The Plaza de Jesús and its extension, the Calle de Jesús, is a street with many bars, mainly filled with locals, near the Prada Museum and other historic sites, and a good spot for lunch after visiting the museums, etc. On a Thursday lunchtime in February, we had a stroll to a tapas bar for drinks. CERVANTES Plaza de Jesús 7, 28012 Madrid +34 914 29 60 93 We did not eat here this time, but it is a very good cerveceria offering typi

MUSEO DEL JAMÓN A few of these Museo del Jamón tapas bars are scattered around Madrid, and this one at Carrera San Jeronimo 6 is our particular favourite. They all offer an eclectic mix of traditional Spanish food, centred on ham, bread, beer & wine. This place can be a godsend for those concerned about how much they spend. A beer and a ham & cheese bocadillo (roll) can be bought for around €1; you cannot beat that. If you have more money, try one of the less expensive Jamón’

CASA TONI Casa Toni is a small, basic bar/restaurant that at first glance 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 usually a good sign. You can find extra seating upstairs. Please note that the dishes they typically serve are generous portions, so keep this in mind. This is the place to try offal (i.e., animal innards), such as the mollejas (sweetbreads, often mistakenly believed to be

RESTAURANTE LA PRIMERA We were looking for a restaurant in Madrid for 12 friends to have lunch, and we decided La Primera was the place. The restaurant is located in an ideal spot to enjoy Madrid, on the first floor (hence the name) of an iconic building on the famous Gran Vía. The interior design is elegantly minimalist, with a Scandinavian aesthetic and a dark yet cozy color palette. It is spacious and comfortable. They offer a fine-dining interpretation of traditional Span

LA VENENCIA The fabulous La Venencia is like stepping back into an Andalusian sherry bar from the 1920s/’30s. The bar has a great history (it is believed anti-General Franco supporters would meet up here during the Spanish Civil War). It is doubtful the place has changed much over the years, with the unassuming sign above the door, the dusty old sherry bottles behind the bar and the vintage posters on the walls, which give the place great character. This refreshingly non-mode

LA CASA DEL ABUELO We returned to one of our favourite bars on our recent trip to Madrid. A traditional Madrileño shrimp tapas bar founded in 1906 in the heart of the city. Nobody would think that over 100 years have passed since then, significantly, since nothing has changed. It has passed through four generations of the same family, who have kept its traditions and authenticity. They serve all types of gambas and Langostinos. Gambas ajillo Garlic and chilli prawns Gambas

CHOCOLATERIA SAN GINÉS The San Ginés Chocolatería & Churreria has been in business since 1894. It is the most famous and centrally located Chocolatería in Madrid. It is open all night, so when the late-night crowds exit the bars and dance clubs, they all head to San Ginés to fill their hungry stomachs with something tasty and sweet. The chocolatera is in an attractive location, with two floors of plush green velvet seating, marble tables, and many mirrors. There is also an um