Madrid is home to some of the best tapas restaurants in Spain. Whether you’re looking for traditional tapas dishes or more creative offerings, you’re sure to find something to suit your taste here. Tapas are small plates of food that are meant to be shared, making them a great way to try a variety of different dishes. Here we put together our picks of the best tapas restaurants in Madrid to try.
Madrid’s Tapas Scene
In Madrid, tapas are a social and cultural experience that is not to be missed. One of the best areas to experience Madrid’s tapas scene is in the historic center of the city, in neighborhoods such as La Latina and Malasaña. These areas are home to some of the city’s best tapas bars, where you can enjoy a range of traditional and modern tapas dishes.
One of the most famous tapas bars in Madrid is Casa Labra, which has been around since 1860 and is known for its cod croquettes and spicy bravas potatoes. Another popular tapas bar is El Sur, which is known for its creative and modern take on traditional tapas dishes.
For those looking for a more upscale tapas experience, La Vaca y La Huerta is a gourmet tapas restaurant that offers a range of high-quality and creative dishes. The restaurant is known for its innovative flavor combinations and stylish decor.
Madrid also offers a range of food markets and gastro-halls, such as Mercado de San Miguel and Platea Madrid, where you can sample a range of tapas dishes from different vendors and chefs.
In addition to the traditional tapas dishes, Madrid’s tapas scene also offers a range of vegetarian and vegan options. Restaurants such as El Estragón Vegetariano and La Hummuseria offer a range of plant-based tapas dishes that are both flavorful and innovative.
Best Madrid Tapas Restaurants
Casa Toni
Casa Toni is a traditional tapas bar that has been serving up delicious tapas for over 50 years. The restaurant is located in the La Latina neighborhood and is known for its excellent jamón ibérico and croquetas.
- Calle de la Cruz, 14, 28012 Madrid, Spain
Mercado de San Miguel
Mercado de San Miguel is a food market located in the heart of Madrid. The market has over 30 vendors, each offering a different type of tapas. Visitors can try everything from fresh seafood to traditional Spanish tortilla.
- Plaza de San Miguel, s/n, 28005 Madrid, Spain
El Sur
El Sur is a popular tapas restaurant located in the Chueca neighborhood. The restaurant is known for its creative tapas, such as foie gras croquetas and octopus with potato foam.
- Calle de la Princesa, 5, 28008 Madrid, Spain
Taberna la Carmencita
Taberna la Carmencita is a historic tapas bar that has been around since 1854. The restaurant is located in the Malasaña neighborhood and is known for its classic tapas dishes, such as patatas bravas and fried calamari.
- Calle de la Libertad, 16, 28004 Madrid, Spain
La Venencia
La Venencia is a sherry bar located in the Huertas neighborhood. The bar is known for its excellent selection of sherry and its delicious tapas, such as cured meats and olives.
- Calle de Echegaray, 7, 28014 Madrid, Spain
La Casa del Abuelo
La Casa del Abuelo is a traditional tapas bar that has been around since 1906. The restaurant is known for its excellent gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp) and its famous tigres (stuffed mussels).
- Calle de la Victoria, 12, 28012 Madrid, Spain
Casa Labra
Casa Labra is a historic tapas bar located in the Sol neighborhood. The bar is known for its famous cod croquetas and its traditional Madrid-style fried cod.
- Calle de Tetuán, 12, 28013 Madrid, Spain
Juana La Loca
Juana La Loca is a contemporary tapas bar located in the La Latina neighborhood. The restaurant is known for its creative tapas, such as grilled octopus with avocado and black garlic.
- Plaza Puerta de Moros, 4, 28005 Madrid, Spain