Eat, sip, savour — Madrid at its tastiest
Madrid swept me up in its energy — and fed me brilliantly along the way. We landed dusty and jet-lagged… but within hours, this city had us buzzing on caffeine, sunshine, and tapas joy.
Madrid is a city that never slows — espresso in the morning, aperitivo in the afternoon, vermouth at dusk, rooftop cocktails at midnight. Here’s everywhere that made me fall hopelessly in love with the Spanish capital.
☕ Breakfast & Caffeine Rituals
Golda — Chueca
A pop-art jolt of colour and comfort, this bright café is pure Madrid energy distilled into one tiny corner. The pistachio cookie — crisp edges giving way to a molten centre — is the sort of thing you think about later and smile. Order a flat white, sit at the yellow-tiled bar, and let the warmth of this place pull you back to life. Ideal first stop post-flight.
Acid Bakehouse — Justicia
Home to what many call the best sourdough in Madrid — and I can’t argue. Their pastries are layered like works of art, and the cinnamon roll has a caramelised exterior that cracks beautifully before your teeth sink into soft, buttery dough. Pick up a loaf for later… or devour on the walk home. No judgement here.
Chocolateria San Ginés — Sol
A Madrid institution serving churros and thick hot chocolate 24/7 for more than a century. The chocolate clings to the churros like velvet — sweet, rich, and totally indulgent. Go late morning or very late at night when the city is still buzzing. Queue moves quickly… and the payoff is pure joy.
Monasterio del Corpus Christi — Ópera
A whimsical, secretive cookie ritual run by cloistered nuns. You push a button, speak into the silence, place your coins on a hidden turntable — and freshly baked almond biscuits appear. No eye contact. No chit-chat. Just tradition, warmth, and deliciousness. A little moment of magic.
🍽 Lingering Lunches & Tapas Traditions
Taberna La Fragua de Vulcano — Huertas
A relaxed, cosy spot serving a menu del día that feels like a local Madrid hug. The paella is generous and full of flavour — prawns, mussels, chicken, bright threads of saffron. Every table is animated, every server smiling. Go late, linger long.
Mercado de San Miguel — Plaza Mayor
A lively gourmet market where you eat standing, chatting, and pointing to the next bite. Shucked-to-order oysters, Iberian jamón, croquetas, sangria on tap — the food here changes your definition of “snack.” Stay an hour. Then stay one more.
DiverXO — Tetuán
Three Michelin stars and a wildly imaginative culinary universe created by Dabiz Muñoz. Expect dishes that surprise, provoke and delight — neon colours, smoky aromas, textures you didn’t know were possible. A bucket-list meal for those who believe food should be fun.
🌆 Evenings That Stretch Late
Taberna Real — Opera
There’s something transcendent about eating Iberian ham prepared by those who honour tradition. Served simply, with nothing to distract from the nutty richness and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Sit outside, sip vermouth, and toast the good life.
La Casa del Abuelo — Multiple
Since 1906, they’ve perfected gambas al ajillo — sizzling prawns drowning in garlic-chilli oil so delicious you’ll mop the pan clean. Walls are lined with history; tables are filled with families; the atmosphere hums with pure life. A must-do.
Botín — Plaza Mayor
Recognised as the oldest restaurant in the world, founded in 1725. Their roast suckling pig has crispy golden skin and soft, tender meat that dissolves in a cloud of happiness. If these walls could talk, they’d tell stories of Goya, Hemingway… and now you.
🍸 Rooftops & Cocktails With a View
Círculo de Bellas Artes — Centro
A rooftop bar that makes the city look cinematic — terracotta rooftops stretching out beneath a glowing sky. Come at golden hour for the perfect, heart-expanding view.
Ella Sky Bar — Gran Vía
With my daughter named Ella, I simply had to go. We toasted to her under the twinkling lights of Madrid, feeling the city pulse below us. Cocktails here taste like celebration.
Salmon Guru — Literary Quarter
A cocktail bar that refuses to behave — neon lighting, unexpected glassware, flavours that delight. Order the Salmon Sherbet: gin, Pimm’s, pomegranate and a scoop of lemon sorbet. Yes, that combination works. So well that I went twice.
🧺 What to Wear
Linen everything + comfortable sneakers. You’ll walk far — and stay out later than planned.
✦ Written by Rebecca Caughey ✦ Co-founder of Cook & Nelson and endlessly curious flavour-hunter, always planning her next bite.
