Local Flavor: where to eat and drink in Madrid

23.07.2024 - 00:11 / lonelyplanet.com

Jul 22, 2024 • 6 min read

Madrid’s culinary landscape has evolved so much over recent times. Twenty years ago, when I moved to the Spanish capital, dining in indoor mercados (markets) was non-existent, the concept of “brunch” was unfamiliar and Asian restaurants were scarce.

Today, thanks to a growing cosmopolitan community, diverse cultural influences and a new generation of creative Spanish chefs, Madrid’s food scene has surged with exciting innovations. From traditional tapas venues to market hot spots and Michelin-starred restaurants, Madrid has created a gastronomic space blending tradition with innovation, making it one of the world’s best destinations to indulge your cravings.

Here are some of my favorite dining spots and food recommendations.

My go-to Spanish breakfast is a simple classic I’ll never tire of: pan con tomate (toasted bread with tomato pulp, drizzled with olive oil and a pinch of salt). You can order this in any of the ubiquitous cafeterías open early in the morning. My neighborhood favorite is El Ducado, where I stop every morning for my caffeine fix.

Weekend brunch has exploded in popularity in Madrid. Carmencita was the brunch pioneer in the Conde Duque area, with exceptional classic plates like eggs benedict and huevos rancheros (fried tortillas, refried beans, fried eggs, and salsa), plus great coffee and mimosas.

When I’m with friends, I love going to Federal Café in Plaza del Conde de Barajas to soak in the vibrant atmosphere in Madrid’s historic old town and order its perfect scrambled eggs with toast, bacon and avocado. 

La Desayunería in the Chueca neighborhood has the best all-day American breakfasts in town. Its origin story traces to a backpacking trip taken by co-founders Paula and Laura, who collected breakfast recipes across the US. Its extensive menu has a lot of goodies to choose from, but I always go for its chicken and waffles and Manchito’s Breakfast, which is essentially fried eggs and cheese with pancakes and French toast.

Specialty coffee culture has flourished across Madrid in recent years, revolutionizing the traditional Spanish coffee scene rooted in the torrefacto process. This method involves coating coffee beans with sugar before roasting, serving as an economical way to prolong the beans' shelf life. Today, specialty coffee shops offer a diverse array of options, using premium, ethically sourced beans meticulously roasted and brewed by skilled baristas.

Bona Specialty Coffee is a compact, cozy nook in the La Latina neighborhood, located beside a restored ancient 12th-century wall along Calle Almendro. Pair a cup of good coffee with medialunas (the Argentine version of croissants). Also in La Latina, Slow Café Madrid is a half-hidden outpost near the majestic