MustBodega de la Ardosa
📍 Malasaña, M: Tribunal (L1/L10)
🕐 12:00–14:00 (Sun vermouth) or 20:00 (weekdays)
💰 €
Madrid's best tortilla has been served here since 1892, alongside vermouth on tap and Spain's oldest Guinness tap.
Bodega / Vermouth barAny
🗺️ Google MapsC/ de Colón, 13. Tight space, come early
MustCasa Labra
📍 Centro, M: Sol (L1/L2/L3)
🕐 12:00–14:00 or 19:00–20:30
💰 €
PSOE was founded here in 1879; the signature croquettes and a bacalao taja have been served since 1860.
Tapas / BodegaAny
🗺️ Google MapsC/ de Tetuán, 12. Standing at the bar
MustTaberna Antonio Sánchez
📍 Lavapiés, M: Tirso de Molina (L1)
🕐 13:30–15:00 or 20:30–22:00
💰 €
Madrid's oldest tavern (1787); gas lamps, bull heads, an untouched interior.
Bodega / TapasAny
🗺️ Google MapsC/ del Mesón de Paredes, 13
MustLhardy
📍 Centro, M: Sol (L1/L2/L3)
🕐 13:00 — the consommé ritual at the bar
💰 €€€ (restaurant) / €€ (bar)
A silver samovar of consommé on the ground floor, Isabelline interiors — Lhardy has kept it all running since 1839.
Restaurant / BodegaAny
🗺️ Google MapsCarrera de San Jerónimo, 8. The downstairs bar — no booking, more accessible
MustCasa del Abuelo
📍 Centro, M: Sol (L1/L2/L3)
🕐 13:00–14:00 or 20:00–21:00
💰 €
One dish, one stop; the house specialty here since 1906 is a sweet monastery wine.
TapasAny
🗺️ Google MapsC/ de la Victoria, 12
MustBodegas Rosell
📍 Arganzuela, M: Palos de la Frontera (L3)
🕐 13:00–16:00 (lunch) or 20:30
💰 €€
A family-run bodega since 1920: a tiled facade, and in the basement, a wine cellar from 1892.
BodegaAny
🗺️ Google MapsC/ General Lacy, 14
MustCasa Camacho
📍 Malasaña, M: Noviciado (L2)
🕐 12:00–14:00 (Sun, the vermouth ritual)
💰 €
The "Yayo" — vermouth, gin, and soda water — was invented here in 1928; four tables, old-school Madrid.
Vermouth barWeekends
🗺️ Google MapsC/ de San Andrés, 4
MustRoyal Cantonés
📍 Usera, M: Usera (L6)
🕐 Sat–Sun 11:00–14:00 (dim sum)
💰 €€
Madrid's best Cantonese restaurant; dim sum, with 90% of the clientele from the diaspora.
Ethnic (Chinese)Weekends
🗺️ Google MapsC/ del Olvido, 92
MustHong Kong 70
📍 Usera, M: Usera (L6)
🕐 11:00–16:00 (dim sum)
💰 €–€€
Chefs from Canton, handmade dim sum daily; a menu in Chinese is a good sign.
Ethnic (Chinese)Any
🗺️ Google MapsC/ Nicolás Sánchez, 11
MustMercado de Vallehermoso
📍 Chamberí, M: Quevedo (L2)
🕐 Sat morning (10:00–14:00)
💰 €–€€
A 1930 market: Galería de los Productores, Tripea with a Michelin recommendation, Batch with natural wine.
MarketAny
🗺️ Google MapsC/ de Vallehermoso, 36
MustMercado de Antón Martín
📍 Centro, M: Antón Martín (L1)
🕐 Sat 11:00–14:00
💰 €–€€
60+ stalls across 3 floors; a balance of traditional stands and the new wave, with the bohemian vibe of Barrio de las Letras.
MarketAny
🗺️ Google MapsC/ de Santa Isabel, 5. Cine Doré is nearby — easy to combine
MustMercado de la Cebada
📍 La Latina, M: La Latina (L5)
🕐 Sat morning 9:00–14:00
💰 €
A real mercado de abastos with a local crowd; mariscadas on Saturdays, the opposite of San Miguel.
MarketAny
🗺️ Google MapsPlaza de la Cebada, s/n
MustMercado de Maravillas
📍 Tetuán, M: Alvarado (L1) / Cuatro Caminos (L1/L2/L6)
🕐 Mon–Sat morning (9:00–13:00)
💰 €
Madrid's largest market (200+ stalls); a working market with no tourists, the epicenter of Latin American produce.
MarketWeekdays
🗺️ Google MapsC/ de Bravo Murillo, 122
MustMercado de Motores
📍 Arganzuela, M: Delicias (L3)
🕐 Second weekend of the month, 11:00–21:00
💰 €
Vintage plus food trucks in the old Delicias railway depot; 150+ stands, the second weekend of the month.
MarketWeekends
🗺️ Google MapsPaseo de las Delicias, 61. Get there by 11:00 — crowds after that.
MustMercado de San Fernando
📍 Lavapiés, M: Lavapiés (L3)
🕐 Sat 12:00–15:00 or Fri evening
💰 €–€€
Multicultural market: indie food stalls, craft beer, African cuisine, natural wine; live music in the evening.
MarketAny
🗺️ Google MapsC/ de Embajadores, 41
OptionalLa Venencia
📍 Centro, M: Sevilla (L2)
🕐 Evening (from 19:00)
💰 €
Sherry bar unchanged since the Civil War; no photos, sherry only.
BodegaWeekday evening
🗺️ Google MapsC/ de Echegaray, 7. No beer, no cocktails — sherry only.
OptionalLa Bola
📍 Centro, M: Santo Domingo (L2)
🕐 13:00–16:00
💰 €€
The cocido here simmers in individual clay pots over holm-oak coals — the same way since 1870, 150+ years unchanged.
Casa de comidasAny
🗺️ Google MapsC/ Bola, 5. Cocido season: October–May.
OptionalMalacatín
📍 La Latina, M: La Latina (L5)
🕐 13:00–16:00
💰 €€
Since 1895; multiple “Best Cocido” awards; cocido madrileño served the classic way, in three vuelcos.
Casa de comidasAny
🗺️ Google MapsC/ Ruda, 5. The one dish people come for.
OptionalCruz Blanca de Vallecas
📍 Vallecas, M: Nueva Numancia (L1)
🕐 13:00–16:00
💰 €€
The new cocido champion — several awards from the Club de Amigos del Cocido; the Vallecas neighborhood, well outside the tourist center.
Tapas / Casa de comidasWeekends
🗺️ Google MapsC/ Carlos Martín Álvarez, 58 (Puente de Vallecas)
OptionalCasa Alberto
📍 Barrio de las Letras, M: Antón Martín (L1)
🕐 12:00–16:00 or 20:00
💰 €€
In Cervantes's former house — since 1827: callos and rabo de toro, vermouth on tap, bar downstairs, restaurant upstairs.
Bodega / RestaurantAny
🗺️ Google MapsC/ Huertas, 18
OptionalLa Dolores
📍 Barrio de las Letras, M: Antón Martín (L1)
🕐 12:00–14:00 (Sun vermouth)
💰 €
Vermouth on tap under a 1908 tiled facade.
Vermouth barWeekends
🗺️ Google MapsPlaza de Jesús, 4
OptionalTaberna Ángel Sierra
📍 Chueca, M: Chueca (L5)
🕐 12:30–14:00 (Sun, vermouth)
💰 €
More than 100 years on Plaza de Chueca; tiled facade, vermouth on tap, a stand-up bar — the neighborhood's last “unrestored” bar.
Vermouth barWeekends
🗺️ Google MapsC/ de Gravina, 11
OptionalTaberna La Carmencita
📍 Chueca, M: Chueca (L5)
🕐 21:00–22:30 (dinner)
💰 €€
Neruda and Lorca were regulars here; since 1854, updated kitchen, original tiles.
Tapas / RestaurantWeekday evening
🗺️ Google MapsC/ de la Libertad, 16
OptionalCervecería Alemana
📍 Centro, M: Antón Martín (L1)
🕐 18:00–20:00 (pre-dinner)
💰 €–€€
Hemingway's table on Plaza de Santa Ana, preserved since 1904; dark wood, brass — nothing's been updated.
BarAny
🗺️ Google MapsPlaza de Santa Ana, 6
OptionalCasa Mingo
📍 Moncloa, M: Príncipe Pío (L6/L10/R)
🕐 13:00–14:30 (get there before the crowds)
💰 €
Asturian cider house on the bank of the Manzanares since 1888: pollo asado and cider on tap — a Madrid classic.
Cider houseAny
🗺️ Google MapsPaseo de la Florida, 34. The Ermita de San Antonio is next door — combine the two.
OptionalBodegas Ricla
📍 La Latina, M: La Latina (L5)
🕐 13:00–14:30
💰 €
Since 1867; wine on tap, barrels, no renovation — pure castizo, no Instagram.
BodegaAny
🗺️ Google MapsC/ de Cuchilleros, 6
OptionalSacha
📍 Chamartín, M: Cuzco (L10)
🕐 Dinner
💰 €€€
A garden bistro in the north; a chefs' favorite, the insider's choice for “best meal in Madrid.”
RestaurantAny
🗺️ Google MapsBook weeks ahead; easier by taxi.
OptionalSala de Despiece
📍 Chamberí, M: Ríos Rosas (L1)
🕐 13:00 (early lunch)
💰 €€–€€€
A tapas bar on Ponzano styled like a butcher's shop; high concept, rapid-fire dining.
TapasAny
🗺️ Google MapsC/ de Ponzano. Pair it with the Museo Geominero.
OptionalLakasa
📍 Chamberí, M: Alonso Cano (L7)
🕐 14:00 (lunch)
💰 €€€
Chef César Martín builds Madrid cuisine around the product — including a deconstructed cocido; a Michelin recommendation.
RestaurantAny
🗺️ Google MapsPlaza del Descubridor Diego de Ordás, 1
OptionalCasa González
📍 Barrio de las Letras, M: Antón Martín (L1)
🕐 Late afternoon
💰 €€
A delicatessen and wine bar since 1931; a quiet spot to sit alone with a book.
TapasAny
🗺️ Google MapsC/ del León, 12. Desperate Literature is next door.
OptionalMelo's
📍 Centro, M: Antón Martín (L1)
🕐 20:00–22:00
💰 €
A giant zapatilla (slipper-shaped sandwich) and mejillones tigre; 100% local crowd.
TapasWeekday evening
🗺️ Google MapsC/ del Ave María, 44. The Mercado Antón Martín is next door.
OptionalBaobab
📍 Lavapiés, M: Lavapiés (L3)
🕐 13:00–17:00 (lunch)
💰 €
Senegalese restaurant; thiebou dienne (Senegal's national dish) for €7; a terrace.
Ethnic (Senegalese)Any
🗺️ Google MapsPlaza de Cabestreros, 1
OptionalAl Mounia
📍 Recoletos, M: Colón (L4)
🕐 13:30–16:00 or 20:30
💰 €€€
Since 1969; Madrid's oldest Moroccan restaurant, its interior built by craftsmen brought from Morocco.
Ethnic (Moroccan)Any
🗺️ Google MapsC/ Recoletos, 5
OptionalBendito Vinos y Vinilos
📍 Lavapiés, M: Lavapiés (L3)
🕐 Sat–Sun 12:00–15:00
💰 €
Vinyl records in the background and a counter inside the Mercado de San Fernando — Madrid's first natural wine bar.
Vermouth barWeekends
🗺️ Google MapsMercado de San Fernando, C/ Embajadores, 41
OptionalCascorro Bistrot
📍 La Latina, M: La Latina (L5)
🕐 Evening (from 19:00)
💰 €€
A pioneer of natural wine in Madrid; a Parisian bar à vin near the Rastro.
RestaurantAny
🗺️ Google MapsPlaza de Cascorro, 21
OptionalCasa Enriqueta
📍 Carabanchel, M: Marqués de Vadillo (L5)
🕐 12:00–15:00
💰 €
Since 1958; one of the last places for gallinejas (fried lamb offal) — a vanishing tradition.
TapasWeekends
🗺️ Google MapsC/ General Ricardos. Castizo format, stand-up bar.
OptionalSoy Kitchen
📍 Chamberí, M: Rubén Darío (L5) / Gregorio Marañón (L7/L10)
🕐 13:30–15:00 or 21:00
💰 €€
Chinese roots and Asian fusion from Julio Zhang: dim sum reimagined, baozi.
Ethnic (Asian fusion)Any
🗺️ Google MapsC/ Zurbano, 59. Closed Mon.
OptionalBar Trafalgar
📍 Chamberí, M: Quevedo (L2)
🕐 13:00–15:00 (Sun, vermouth)
💰 €€
Signature tapas and a corner terrace in the Ponzano area — a new-generation vermouth bar.
Vermouth barWeekends
🗺️ Google MapsC/ de Trafalgar / C/ de Alburquerque
OptionalHermanos Vinagre
📍 Chamberí, M: Bilbao (L1/L4)
🕐 13:00–15:00 (Sun)
💰 €€
A young vermouth bar: vermouth on tap, premium conservas, an aperitivo scene, 25–30 crowd.
Vermouth barWeekends
🗺️ Google MapsChain: Cardenal Cisneros 26 (Chamberí), Gravina 17, Narváez 58, Argumosa 12, Pintor Rosales 24
OptionalMercado de Chamberí
📍 Chamberí, M: Iglesia (L1)
🕐 Sat 11:00–14:00
💰 €–€€
Oysters, jamón carved to order, natural wine — a small barrio market with 30 stalls.
MarketAny
🗺️ Google MapsC/ de Alonso Cano, 10
MustToma Café
📍 Malasaña, M: Tribunal (L1/L10)
🕐 Morning / day
💰 €
A pioneer of third-wave coffee in Madrid since 2011: its own roastery, the Blend Santo house blend, filter coffee and barista classes under one roof.
Coffee shopAny
🗺️ Google MapsC/ de la Palma, 49; also in Chamberí (C/ Raimundo Lulio, 16)
MustHOLA Coffee
📍 Salamanca, M: Núñez de Balboa (L5/L9)
🕐 Morning / day
💰 €
The Lagasca, 42 location ranked #12 in The World's 100 Best Coffee Shops 2025 — the only Madrid coffee shop in the global top 20.
Coffee shopAny
🗺️ Google MapsC/ Lagasca, 42 and C/ Dr. Fourquet, 33 (Lavapiés); the roastery is at C/ Sepúlveda, 109.
MustMisión Café
📍 Conde Duque, M: Noviciado (L2)
🕐 Breakfast / weekend brunch
💰 €
Paired with its own Misión Bakehouse: sourdough and croissants daily, coffee from a handful of chosen roasting partners.
Coffee shopAny
🗺️ Google MapsC/ de los Reyes, 5
OptionalHanSo Café
📍 Malasaña, M: Noviciado (L2)
🕐 Morning / brunch
💰 €
Asian aesthetic and European beans from various roasters: specialty coffee paired with Asian pastries and a brunch menu.
Coffee shopWeekends
🗺️ Google MapsC/ del Pez, 20
OptionalLa Bicicleta Café
📍 Malasaña, M: Tribunal (L1/L10)
🕐 Morning (coffee) / evening Fri–Sat (wine)
💰 €
Coffee and brunch by day, natural wine and craft beer late into the evenings and weekends; one of the neighborhood's first specialty cafés (since 2012).
Coffee shopAny
🗺️ Google MapsPlaza de San Ildefonso, 9
OptionalAcid Café
📍 Barrio de las Letras, M: Antón Martín (L1)
🕐 Morning / day
💰 €
The only café in Spain working exclusively with the Danish roaster La Cabra; fermented ingredients in the food play up the coffee's flavor.
Coffee shopAny
🗺️ Google MapsC/ de la Verónica, 9
OptionalBianchi Kiosko Caffè
📍 Malasaña, M: Tribunal (L1/L10)
🕐 Morning
💰 €
A tiny kiosk by Plaza San Ildefonso: organic pastries, beans from small suppliers, coffee to go.
Coffee shopAny
🗺️ Google MapsC/ de San Joaquín, 9; mostly takeaway.
OptionalFederal Café
📍 Conde Duque, M: Noviciado (L2)
🕐 Breakfast / brunch
💰 €
An Australian-style brunch café concept: specialty coffee, hours long by Madrid standards (until 23:00 on weekdays).
Coffee shopAny
🗺️ Google MapsPlaza de las Comendadoras, 9
OptionalPum Pum Café
📍 Lavapiés, M: Embajadores (L3/L5)
🕐 Weekend breakfast
💰 €
A bakery-café in Lavapiés: house granola, pastries, a fixed brunch set.
Coffee shopWeekends
🗺️ Google MapsC/ Tribulete, 6; expect a line on weekends.
OptionalRuda Café
📍 La Latina, M: La Latina (L5)
🕐 Morning (especially Sun near the Rastro)
💰 €
The first specialty coffee shop in La Latina near the Rastro: 100% arabica from various regions, house cakes.
Coffee shopAny
🗺️ Google MapsC/ de la Ruda, 11
MustFismuler
📍 Chamberí, M: Alonso Martínez (L4/L5/L10)
🕐 Lunch / dinner
💰 €€
A new-generation city bistro: bocata de oreja and tarta de queso are the kitchen's calling cards, no stars needed.
RestaurantWeekday evening
🗺️ Google MapsC/ Sagasta, 29. Closed Sun. Since 2016.
MustBacira
📍 Chamberí, M: Quevedo (L2)
🕐 Lunch / dinner
💰 €€
Michelin Bib Gourmand: Mediterranean cuisine with Japanese accents, a neighborhood bistro with a line even on weekdays.
RestaurantAny
🗺️ Google MapsC/ del Castillo, 16. Closed Mon.
OptionalLa Tasquería
📍 Chamberí, M: Nuevos Ministerios (L6/L8/L10)
🕐 Dinner
💰 €€€
Madrid's only restaurant devoted to casquería moderna — chef Javi Estévez turns offal into fine dining (1 Michelin star).
RestaurantWeekday evening
🗺️ Google MapsC/ Modesto Lafuente, 82. Closed Sun.
OptionalTaberna Pedraza
📍 Salamanca, M: Colón (L4)
🕐 Lunch / dinner
💰 €€
Tortilla de Betanzos with a tally counter on the wall, and Carmen Carro's cocido madrileño, in an updated casa de comidas.
Neo-tabernaAny
🗺️ Google MapsC/ de Recoletos, 4. Closed Mon.
OptionalTres por Cuatro
📍 Salamanca (Goya), M: Goya (L2/L4)
🕐 Lunch / dinner
💰 €€
Michelin Bib Gourmand 2024: a former market stall turned bistro, the menu changes daily, Latin American touches on seasonal produce.
RestaurantWeekdays
🗺️ Google MapsC/ Montesa, 9. Closed Sat–Sun.
OptionalNeotaberna de Santerra
📍 Chamberí, M: Ríos Rosas (L1)
🕐 Lunch / dinner
💰 €€
Chef Miguel Carretero updates the Madrid taberna with viajero touches: vermú, live music on weekends, on Ponzano street.
Neo-tabernaWeekends
🗺️ Google MapsC/ de Ponzano, 62. Closed Mon.
OptionalUltramarinos Quintín
📍 Salamanca, M: Velázquez (L4)
🕐 Lunch / dinner
💰 €€
Repsol 2026: a Salamanca ultramarinos — pizza de colmenillas and fabada next to tins of conservas, open from morning until 2:00.
Neo-tabernaAny
🗺️ Google MapsC/ de Jorge Juan, 17
OptionalBolboreta
📍 Lavapiés, M: Antón Martín (L1)
🕐 Dinner
💰 €€
A Spanish-British couple runs a bistro unlike anything else in Madrid: a 9-item menu, seasonal changeover every 3 months, the signature donut de anguila ahumada.
RestaurantWeekday evening
🗺️ Google MapsC/ del Ave María, 8. Closed Mon–Tue. Since 2023.
OptionalCasa Orellana
📍 Salesas, M: Alonso Martínez (L4/L5/L10)
🕐 Lunch / dinner
💰 €
In Salesas since 2020: tapas clásicas con alma castiza, torreznos, croquetas de rabo, a wide terrace in summer.
Neo-tabernaAny
🗺️ Google MapsC/ de Orellana, 6. Since 2020.
OptionalArzábal Retiro
📍 Retiro, M: Ibiza (L9)
🕐 Lunch
💰 €€
A castizo taberna by the gates of the Retiro: vermú, tapas clásicas, a terrace, open straight through from 12:30 to 2:00.
Neo-tabernaWeekends
🗺️ Google MapsAv. Menéndez Pelayo, 13
OptionalCasa Macareno
📍 Malasaña, M: Tribunal (L1/L10)
🕐 Lunch
💰 €
A Malasaña taberna: a bar stocked with encurtidos and salazones from morning till night, a menú del día for €15 on weekdays.
Neo-tabernaWeekdays
🗺️ Google MapsC/ de San Vicente Ferrer, 44