Creative Dining & Exquisite Cocktails in the Spanish Capital | Madrid
A short list of best Restaurants & Bars in Madrid
By the Bearleaders
Sala de Despiece | Madrid
Madrid’s blend of embracing modernity while preserving tradition is visible everywhere in the city, but perhaps nowhere more than in its rich food and dining culture.
Be guided to the best restaurants the Spanish capital has to offer.
Where to eat in Madrid
DIVERXO
Madrid’s premier gastronomic palace, with 3 Michelin stars. Dabiz Muñoz has been made chef of the year for 2 years in a row now, and for good reason. Expect quality service, great pairings and other things you expect from a 3-starred Michelin venue, but then completely rock and roll. Make sure you’re well rested, as the high pace and lots of impressions can be quite much to keep up with.
instagram | maps | favourite of Jorane Cuppen, Gastronomist
CASA LUCIO
A visit to this retro classic feels like going back in time. Owner Lucio is a real personality in the city and his food is legendary among locals. His most acquainted dish is ‘Huevos de Lucio’ - broken fried eggs over baked potatoes. A deceptively simple dish that’s been executed to mind-boggling perfection since 1974.
instagram | maps | favourite of Gorka Bergareche, Hotelier
RAVIOXO
Three Michelin star chef Dabiz Muñoz’s latest project. His mission at this restaurant? To cook entirely outside of cultural boundaries, handcrafting pasta and dumplings with great creativity and with a nose for traditional flavours.
SALA DE DESPIECE
A tapas bar that’s a pure homage to fresh food on markets. Styled also like a market, with a blend of butcher and deli shops. Accessible but high-end food options that celebrate fresh local food. Amazing bottles of wine are also all available by the glass.
instagram | maps | favourite of Gorka Bergareche, Hotelier and Jorane Cuppen, Gastronomist
DSTAGE
Diego Guerrero’s restaurant with two Michelin stars is a genuine surprise for all the senses. A minimalist industrial interior perfectly sets the stage for daring fusion, bringing together Spain, Mexico, and Japan. Its name, an acronym for Days to Smell Taste Amaze Grow & Enjoy, highlights the restaurant’s mission to make fine dining more enjoyable and accessible.
AMAZONICO
This tropical Brazilian fusion restaurant and Jazz bar is a true refuge in the middle of Madrid. It serves the finest Latin-American cuisine and cocktails in a stylish interior.
LA TASQUITA DE ENFRENTE
A father and son restaurant that has steadily grown its following over more than 50 years. Now the son is in charge. A 13-course tasting menu that is known to consist of 100% Spanish food. This is a must-visit for those who love a traditional yet fresh fine dining experience.
TRIPEA
Contemporary Asian-Peruvian fusion in a modern, open space. Eat delectable tapas at the bar while facing those whipping up the excellent dishes.
GOFIO
A hip young place where the friendly staff takes you through a tasting menu. The restaurant is very long and narrow, with a kitchen in the back. The dishes are unusual too and have a playful feel, but with great flavor.
BARRACUDA
Nice place if you need a bite nearby, as they have good interpretations of Mexican cuisine, with great flavours and perfectly sized portions.
Madrid spots for lunch and breakfast
TOMA CAFÉ ROASTERS
The best coffee in Madrid, either by itself or with a simple but delicious breakfast. And with three locations scattered throughout the city, there’s always a caffeine fix nearby.
ROBUCHON
A place to have breakfast, coffee, pastries, lunch or more. Robuchon wants to be the new hotspot, as is evident in the venue's attention to detail and styling.
MERCADO DE SAN MIGUEL
One of the go-to mercados in Madrid. Just wander around and order everything you want to taste, including some sangrias or vermouths at the bar.
Rocambolesc, the ice cream venue of Jordi Roca, is especially highly recommended. It offers mouth-watering ice cream on a stick, cup, or brioche bun pressed down to some sort of UFO.
The best Madrid bars to go for a drink and snack
SALMON GURU
Hands down the best cocktail bar in town. Get in line, because it’s worth it. Awarded by the World’s Best Bars, the cocktails are very well thought through, with great presentation presentation. Choose a signature drink for wonderful over-the-top presentation or their twists on the classics.
VIVA MADRID
The cocktail menu is designed by the same bartender doing Salmon Guru, but the vibes are very different. Much more classic Madrid, with modern service and peek-a-boo cozy corners in an old tavern.
ANGELITA
A hidden cocktail bar, downstairs to a bistro restaurant focused on wine. The bartenders make absolutely everything themselves. From the home-grown tomatoes in their bloody Mary, to the accompanying snacks. Despite this, the service is quick and interactive due to smart prepping.
LOVE COMPANY 1969 / BAD COMPANY 1920
A combination of a cheeky Woodstock-themed restaurant and Prohibition-themed speakeasy bar downstairs.
