Dining in Madrid

Restaurante Sacha

This intimate bistro is a favourite not just with locals but also with chefs from near and far, perhaps the finest accolade a restaurant can receive. In an intimate dining room adorned with black-and-white prints, simple wooden chairs and white tablecloths, Sacha Hormaechea serves classic dishes such as prawn cocktail, onion soup and the must-try steak tartare. There’s also a list of daily specials, which might include razor clams or sweet breads. In the summer there’s additional seating in the peaceful outdoor terrace area, surrounded by trees.

Saddle

Madrid has establishments where food gets the sci-fi treatment—a centrifuged this, a spherified that—yet a dwindling number of restaurants offering Old World European luxuries like foie gras, caviar, and roasted rack of lamb. Enter Saddle, a restaurant so unabashedly classic (bread carts! leatherback menus! ambient jazz!) that it feels, ironically, fresh. This is an ambitious restaurant with a laser-focused kitchen that understands nostalgia as well as it does service and culinary technique.

Dos Cielos Madrid by Hermanos Torres

A hotel restaurant that’s anything but a hotel restaurant The vibe Urban gastro-oasis The crowd High-rollers and business types The food Spanish fusion done right The service The hospitality equivalent of helicopter parenting.

In the kitchen, the Torres hermanos have entrusted the brigade to Damián González as well as their diktat to populate the menu with local produce. Some the dishes will be familiar to long time fans with reliable pickings including chicken wings roasted with fenugreek, the ever reliable suckling pig, cod tripe braised with chickpeas, and slabs of top sirloin that have been marinated for three months in a vinaigrette of meat jus and pickles.

Triciclo

Madrileños know where to find the hottest food in Madrid and we follow them down a side street in the old city to find Triciclo, a restaurant often spilling over with queues of casual yet chic locals. Inside, antique doors and the odd tricycle adorn the walls, while wooden flooring and concrete features bring a modern-industrial vibe. Like the space, the menu is divided up into sections from which you can mix and match or do a 6- or 9-course tasting menu. All that – plus the 15 or so specials – are all seasonally chosen for the freshest results, spanning a wide variety of cuisine from Spanish and Italian to Peruvian and Chinese. Book well in advance to see why the Michelin Guide and Guía Repsol go crazy for this place, as one of the best ‘restaurantes centro Madrid’ with traditional and gourmet meals served in any number of portion sizes.

Sala de Despiece

Another restaurante en Madrid worth your time is the meat-focused eatery of Sala de Despiece. Based on Calle Ponzano, home of the best tapas Madrid has to offer, Sala de Despiece is a little different than most. The aesthetic is based on the city’s cutting markets, making for a slightly unexpected and industrial atmosphere to remind diners where their food comes from. Don’t expect to be seated at a table when arriving here, instead, order at the long counter and collect your food on a metal tray. Sweet Tudela artichokes, red Murcian tuna and blistered green piparras all feature on the seasonal menu, alongside deconstructed classics and table-side pyrotechnics. Performative presentation is one of the main lures of Sala de Despiece, as is the remarkable wine menu, covering Ruedas, Riojas, Albariños and even some offbeat varieties to fit the modern crowd.

DiverXO

Recognized as one of the world’s most creative chefs, Dabiz presents a tasting menu of 12 courses full of psychedelic dreams and surprising twists at every turn, composed of lienzo (canvas) with authentic works of art on your table. Made with the best of Spanish ingredients, menu has a strong focus on Asian cuisine, which refers to Dabiz love to Asian culture and food. The waiters serve the food in stages, like applying paint to a canvas. The kitchen is total, simple, without distractions, but at the same time beautiful and elegant — all creating a feeling of a real spectacle.

Toga

Our next piece of foodie Spain comes in the shape of Toga, within the eclectic neighbourhood of Lavapiés. Despite its small scale and low-key industrial design, Toga has charmed the whole of Madrid through its Latin American and Asian fusion menu. Of the best entrees and mains, the flambé noodles with Kimchi mayo sauce and tuna tartar is a must-try, on recommendation from friends! Make sure to book in advance for both lunch and dinner.

 Josefita Bar

Here, traditional pinchos, tapas and house wine are enjoyed in laid-back surroundings, with photos and decorations harking back to family memories shared between owner Sol Pérez-Fraguero and his grandmother, Gloria. Among the small dishes, Josefita Bar does molletes as well as more substantial options such as the marinated dogfish with piparra mayo or meatballs in marrow sauce with potato chips.

La Posada del Nuncio

La Posada del Nuncio is a Spanish establishment located in the heart of La Latina, Madrid. This fine dining spot boasts an elegant interior design with wooden ceilings and a cozy ambiance. The menu offers a wide variety of classic and contemporary dishes, including the T-bone steak, eggplant, and the slow-cooked suckling pig with apple compote. The restaurant also offers vegan-friendly options, such as the mushroom risotto and broken eggs with caramelized onions and goat cheese. The drinks menu features a great selection of wines, including a delicious tinto de verano (red wine and lemon soda) and refreshing cocktails like the cava sangria. The prices are reasonable for the quality and quantity of food served. The outdoor seating area is perfect for people-watching while enjoying a meal or a drink. The staff is friendly and professional, providing excellent service. Overall, La Posada del Nuncio is a highly recommended place to dine in Madrid.

La Burlona Bar

Palacio de Fernan Nunez is a great attraction for tourists who come to eat at this bar after long walks. Spanish cuisine will be what you are offered to degust at La burlona bar. Enjoy perfectly cooked tuna, ribs and pies at this place when you happen to be near it. A good fruitcake is often ordered by visitors here.

The wine list is versatile, every visitor will find something that suits their taste. It’s a must to try delicious coffee when visiting this spot. Many guests suppose that the staff is well-trained at this place. People say that the service is terrific here. Prices at this bar claim to be low. You will definitely like the cozy ambiance and nice decor. The average score of La burlona bar on Google is 4.3.