It’s been over 60 days since we’ve been able to go out and enjoy sitting and eating in our favourite places in Madrid. We’ve all gone through (or maybe you’re still going through) the phase of cooking up a storm in the kitchen. I don’t know about you… but I’m at a point where I’ve lost all the motivation, plus I’m so messy in the kitchen.
I’m Valentina, Founder of Eat Out Madrid, an online community of over 6,700 food lovers on the search to find the best places to eat and drink in the capital. I started building the community back in August 2016 when I moved to Madrid. After feeling overwhelmed by all the choices around me, I thought – who better to ask than the expat community who are already here?
Almost four years later, we’ve grown immensely with people from all nationalities, some not even based in Madrid but may have plans in the future to visit or even those who used to live here wanting to stay connected with the incredible food and drink scene it has to offer.
Now of course, under lockdown and with the current restrictions, we haven’t been able to support those restaurants we know and love by visiting them in person. But there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Many places have implemented delivery or continued to do so either through one of the many delivery apps or with their own service, and this has literally saved me, especially on the tough days.
Eat Out Madrid has always been fueled by its members sharing their recommendations and favourite places and now this couldn’t be more important. We’ve even been compiling a document to share the best delivery places, as well as how they deliver and their delivery areas to support each other.
I, of course, have my favourites too, so here are five of my go-to places for takeaway and delivery in Madrid right now:
1. Mazál Bagels
If you’re craving some New York-style bagels, hand rolled and baked fresh each day, you have to try Mazál. They have so many different types to choose from (I love the everything bagels) and you can even order bagel sandwiches – cutting out any time in the kitchen. If you want a cheeky treat after, be sure to order some of their chocolate chip cookies. They even sell a selection of America food products, too.
Note: you need to order them in advance to be picked up (you can’t just walk in and take them on the spot).
Find out more about Mazál Bagels’ story in our previous Naked Madrid article
- Instagram: @mazalbagels
- Delivery: Own delivery service. Place orders through their website
- Takeaway available
- Address: Calle Alonso Cano, 30
- Phone: 910 54 95 66
2. Asian Army
In the mood for a taste of Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore or Malaysia? Then Asian Army has you covered with an array of Southeast Asian dishes to keep that hunger at bay. They’re currently operating out of a location in Legázpi (not their restaurant in Mercado Anton Martín) and even have a special “Hari Raya Eid” hamper for those celebrating at home this month.
You can also listen to my recent interview with the owner of Asian Army on the new Eat Out Madrid podcast.
- Instagram: @asianarmymadrid
- Delivery: Uber Eats (3km from Legázpi)
- Address: Calle de Santa Isabel, 5 inside Mercado Anton Martin, Planta Baja, puesto 7-11
- Phone: 680 54 39 42
3. Pizzeria La Especial
Hot, fresh, tasty pizza… This is our local pizzeria and it’s been our go-to Friday/Saturday night #cbf dinner. It’s a stand-alone place with 3 or 4 employees and the co-owner delivers most of their pizzas. If you order through their website, you can get 15% off your first order.
- Delivery: Own delivery, call or place orders through their website
- Takeaway available
- Address: Avenida de la Gran Vía de Hortaleza, 68
- Phone: 680 54 39 42
4. Bite Me: Halo Artisans
Situated near Legázpi, this small café specializes in vegan donuts or “halos” as they call them. And they add two new flavours each week. You can even purchase their donut holes covered in cinnamon (they might even throw a few in with your order if you’re lucky). If you’re a super fan like me, purchase their merchandise too to support them even more.
Find out more about Bite Me: Halo Artisans’ story in our previous Naked Madrid article
- Instagram: @biteme_madrid
- Delivery: Own delivery, order online through their website
- Takeaway available
- Address: Plaza Beata María Ana de Jesús, 22
- Phone: 910 54 02 09
5. A’Fenestella
From fresh pasta to their wood-oven pizzas, if you’re looking for the authentic taste of Italy, this is your place. My favourite is the Tagliatelle Bolognese – I’ve tried replicating this at home and nothing comes close!
- Delivery: Deliveroo
- Takeaway available
- Address: Calle de Torquemada, 25
- Phone: 913 82 56 80
By Valentina Ruffoni (LinkedIn), founder of Eat Out Madrid
- Join Valentina’s online communities Eat Out Madrid & Eat In Madrid, to take part in the conversation about the city’s best food and drink options, and support local businesses while at it!
- Check out this ongoing list of the best local spots that are open for takeout and delivery in Madrid
- Also read Valentina’s lockdown diary on Naked Madrid and her article our sister publication The Content Mix on how she grew multiple online communities
Check out more Naked Madrid articles on great delivery and takeaway places in Madrid:
- 5 best places to order vegan and vegetarian takeout during lockdown in Madrid
- Order pizza from Lab 84 and take the sting out of lockdown
- La Ración: Supplying Madrid with Spanish comfort foods during the lockdown