Summary
What to Eat in the Spanish Capital
Madrid didn’t invent paella, it doesn’t have the sea right there for Spain’s famous fresh fish and it doesn’t have as many three-Michelin-star restaurants as San Sebastian. However, Madrid is still one of the best places in Spain to eat.
In addition to the classic Madrileño dishes listed below, Madrid also offers dishes from every region of Spain, as well as many Latino restaurants opened up by the vast Hispanic diaspora that has settled in the city.
Furthermore, Madrid restaurants are surprisingly cheap, even more affordable than those in the north of the country. Consequently, there are far fewer tourist traps compared to those found in Barcelona.
And that little problem of there being no ocean nearby? Not an issue when the top restaurants in the capital fly their fish in twice a day from the coast.
Cocido Madrileño
A hearty stew consisting of chickpeas, vegetables, and various cuts of pork, Cocido Madrileño is a substantial dish. It is so filling that it must be served in two portions (the soup first, followed by the meat and vegetables).
Where to Get Cocido Madrileño in Madrid: Malacatin is one of the most renowned places in Madrid to enjoy this dish.
Chocolate con Churros
This famous fried dough, served with the thickest hot chocolate you will ever experience, can be found all over Spain. However, nowhere perfects churros quite like Madrid.
Where to Get Chocolate con Churros in Madrid: Chocolateria de San Gines, located near Sol, is highly recommended.
Cochinillo Asado (Roast Suckling Pig)
This regional specialty can be difficult to prepare correctly due to its lengthy cooking time.
Where to Get Cochinillo Asado in Madrid: El Sobrino de Botin, commonly known as ‘El Botin‘, is the oldest restaurant in the world and was favored by Hemingway, who mentions it in his book The Sun Also Rises. It is renowned for its cochinillo asado. The kitchen is always prepared to serve this dish fresh.
Bocadillo de Calamares
Battered squid rings, served on a crusty roll, represent another classic of Madrid’s culinary scene. This dish can often be poorly prepared; if the squid isn’t freshly fried, it can be quite chewy. Therefore, it’s essential to choose your restaurant wisely.
Where to Get Bocadillo de Calamares in Madrid: El Brillante, located near the Atocha train station, claims to serve the best squid sandwiches in Madrid, and it’s hard to find anyone who disagrees!
Callos a la Madrileña
This dish consists of tripe, which may not be to everyone’s liking but can be a delightful option for those who enjoy it.
Where to Get Callos a la Madrileña in Madrid: Several establishments on Cava Baja serve callos, with La Chata being the most well-known.
