The best tapas dishes in Madrid and where to find them

07.01.2025 - 15:53 / lonelyplanet.com

Jan 7, 2025 • 7 min read

Tapas culture in the Spanish capital is more than just about munching bite-sized plates, it’s a social ritual that involves sharing a variety of dishes, usually in a lively atmosphere of taverns and bars. Traditionally enjoyed as a pre-dinner aperitif – with dinner in Spain typically starting later than in most other countries – snacking on small plates helps tide you over and sparks conversation, especially when paired with a good glass of wine or vermút, Madrid’s ubiquitous drink of choice. 

Personally, I enjoy mixing it up by frequenting Madrid’s historic taverns – some of which go back centuries – then hopping to one of the city’s more modern haunts. So while you can still savor classics such as jamón iberico (Iberian ham), and croquetas (bite-sized stuffed fried balls filled with a creamy béchamel base), new twists to traditional plates are now on the menu (truffle and brie tortilla anyone?). 

Here’s a rundown of some of my favorite tapas spots and their specialties. ¡A tapear!

Painted ceramic tiles, scarves of local football clubs draped on the shelves and a gallery wall showcasing vintage photographs of famous bullfighters – you can’t get any more castizo (traditionally Spanish) than this tavern in Madrid’s central district. 

Over an open grill, a cook fires up homemade dishes like fried calamares (squid), garlic mushrooms, orejas (pig’s ears) and morcilla (blood sausage). But if there’s one thing I come here for again and again – it's gambas al ajillo, or sizzling shrimps cooked in olive oil, garlic, parsley and chili. It’s served with a piece of bread to mop up the delicious juices after. 

While this place gets packed with both regulars and tourists, the turnover is quite fast, and there are more tables on the upstairs floor. Casa Toni also has some of the most friendly bar staff in the city, who speak a decent level of English to make tourists feel welcome.  

Opening hours: 12:20pm to 4pm; 7:30pm to 11:30pm, daily except Tuesdays. 

At Bar El Brilliante waiters sing out orders while fried squid sandwiches - bocadillos de calamares - are served at the long bar. Lightly crispy on the outside with a batter made from Andalusian flour and fried in extra virgin olive oil, the calamares take on a light yellow color. Served on fresh bread, this simple sandwich is more than just a snack; it's an institution, drawing locals and tourists alike to this historic bar (opened in 1952) just minutes from Atocha Station. El Brilliante serves between 1000 and 3000 sandwiches daily, alongside traditional dishes, including tripe and pig's ear.

Opening hours:7.30am - 11.30pm, Mondays-Thursdays and Sundays; 7.30am-12am Fridays & Saturdays. 

The specialty here is in its name – caracoles (snails).