Spanish Restaurants in Madrid

If you want to taste Spanish food in Madrid like a local, you’ve got plenty to choose from,and not all of it is touristy. Sure, places along Calle Cava Baja in La Latina are famous, but don’t miss out on spots like Casa Lucio where the huevos rotos are legendary and tend to sell out early. And if you’re in Chamberí, La Tasquita de Enfrente gives you traditional dishes with a relaxed vibe that feels straight out of someone’s home kitchen.

One thing most people overlook: seasonality. In Madrid, dishes change with the time of year, so you might find guisantes con jamón (peas with ham) fresh in spring or hearty cocido madrileño stewing on cold winter days. Oh, and don’t skip the churros con chocolate at early morning chocolaterías around San Ginés,classic Spanish comfort food.

A quick tip? If you want to avoid the crowds yet still get great Spanish fare, wander around the neighborhoods of Lavapiés or Malasaña in the evening. Some tiny, nondescript bars serve some of the best croquetas and tapas you’ll find anywhere. Madrid’s Spanish food scene is as much about atmosphere as it is about taste, so soak it all in, plate by plate.