So, if you’re a long-time Madrid dweller, you’ll remember the harsh days of the financial crisis which are now (thankfully) a sort of blip on the landscape of Madrid’s movida. Business is booming and as a result, the culinary scene in the city now packs more than just a punch. It positively sizzles with the best of Spanish produce and rustic neighbourhood joints that can’t be missed.
It’s a tough one to call, but I’m not sure what I’ve done more of since having moved to the land of jamón – eat out, or treat myself at the Zara sale. Either way, I’ve had a lot of hot dinners and have whittled down my favourites for you to work your way through. A sort of foodie bucket list as it were.
If traditional cuisine is your thing, hopefully I’ve got you covered. However, as the city lets go of its slightly conservative culinary roots, the patrons of the plazas and the tourists on the terrazas now greedily gobble ramen, cervices and bao buns with as much gusto as the locals love their pinchos. Many to-do lists are a chore, make this one a pleasure.
Here’s a round-up of the 10 best restaurants in Madrid. You’ll also find my full restaurant review of each one if you click on the link in the titles!
1. Lady Madonna – take a day off the diet
If you’re in the mood for a great bit of grub without breaking the bank (and aren’t we all?) head to Lady Madonna. Definitely the kind of place where you can dress up for dinner, it’s just a stone’s throw from Alonso Martínez and a little oasis in the heart of the city. Its charming little terrace is the perfect place to people watch, and the Sunday brunch is pretty damn delish.
- Facebook & Instagram: @ladymadonna_restaurante
- Address: Calle Orellana, 6
- Metro: Alonso Martínez
- Phone: 915 02 41 82
2. Bosco de Lobos – a casual-chic restaurant in Chueca
Oh how I love this place. Let me count the ways… It’s a favourite in the same way as a beloved leather jacket is. Bosco de Lobos is the perfect place for a casual yet chic dining experience. The menu covers every foodie fad but is complete with classics such as arroz and steak tartare. The desserts are to die for, as are the interior vibes – all dim lighting and shelves groaning with books. A must visit.
- Facebook & Instagram: @boscodelobosmadrid
- Address: COAM, Calle de Hortaleza, 63, 28004 Madrid
- Metro: Alonso Martínez, Chueca & Tribunal
- Phone: 915 24 94 64
3. Ana la Santa – baby it’s cold outside
Situated on one of the most beautiful plazas in the city, Ana La Santa is housed in the ground floor of the Hotel Me. Beyond cosy in the winter and perennially popular, Ana La Santa always delivers on excellent service and an awesome ambiance.
- Facebook & Instagram: @analasantamadrid
- Address: Plaza Sta. Ana, 14
- Metro: Sol/Sevilla
- Phone: 917 01 60 13
4. Bar Tomate – modern minimalism at its best
Somewhat off the typical tourist trial, this is a great neighborhood spot. Chamberí is somewhat of a foodie mecca and Bar Tomate combines minimalist decor at its best and delicious cuisine. The vibe is rustic and the food is fresh. A winning combo if I ever I saw one.
- Facebook & Instagram
- Address: Fernando El Santo, 26
- Phone: +34 917 023 870
- Metro: Colon
5. Luzi Bombon – get ready to luck out
Situated on the swish and swanky Paseo de la Castella, Luzi Bombon is a stylish restaurant offering flawless service and utterly divine food. It’s part of Grupo Tragaluz, meaning you’re in safe hands when it comes to enjoying some marvelous munchies.
- Facebook & Instagram: @luzibombon
- Address: Paseo de la Castellana 35
- Phone: 917 02 27 36
- Metro: Rubén Darío
6. Somos Restaurant – the jewel in Barceló Torres’s crown
Located in what’s become the iconic Torre de Barcelona, Somos Restaurant and Garra Bar have become the type of places to splash your hard earned cash. In an undeniably stunning setting overlooking Gran Vía, the outstanding cuisine is not too be missed and neither is the sunset as the sunshine bids the city goodnight.
- Facebook & Instagram: @somosgarra
- Located in: Barceló Torre de Madrid
- Address: Plaza de España, 18
7. Picsa – got a ‘pizza’ my heart
On one of the hippest streets in Madrid (ok I’m biased, I live here) Picsa serves up delicious Argentinian pizzas that rival any that BA has to offer. The flavour combos are to die for – I never resist the lure of the chorizo criollo with provolone and hey Heber should you.
- Facebook, Website & Instagram: @picsa.madrid
- Address: Calle Ponzano 76
- Phone: 915 34 10 09
- Metro: Ríos Rosas or Cuatro Caminos
8. Gracias Padre – you’ll be thankful for this Mexican restaurant
In the barrio of Salamanca, Gracias Padre is hands down one of Madrid’s best Mexican restaurants. Here’ll you’ll find treats as tasty as tacos hailing from Tulum. Their frozen margs always hit the spot and the rainbow-esque surroundings are a riot of crayola colour.
- Facebook, Website & Instagram: @gracias.padre
- Address: Calle de José Ortega y Gasset, 55
- Phone: 910 66 00 85
- Metro: Lista
9. Nubel – the Reina Sofia Museum’s stunning restaurant
Nubel is the beautiful restaurant housed in the world-famous Reina Sofía museum. It’s a hybrid that feels like part restaurant/part nightclub as there’s often a DJ playing a delectable mix of club classics that adds to the buzzy energy that envelops you on arrival.
- Facebook, Website & Instagram: @nubelmadrid
- Address: Museo Reina Sofía, Calle de Argumosa, 43
- Metro: Atocha
- Phone: 915 30 17 61
10. Picalagartos – dine sky high on a gorgeous rooftop bar overlooking Gran Vía
Picalagartos is quite literally (in the words of the song) up on the roof. Towering above Gran Vía, it’s perched atop the NH hotel. It boasts 360-degree views of our beloved city and combines great cocktails with great cuisine.
- Facebook, Website, & Instagram: @picalagartosmad
- Address: C/ Gran Vía 21
- Metro: Gran Vía
All photos from each restaurant’s respective social media accounts
