Best Tapas in Madrid: Don't Miss These 4 Spots

Group of tourists enjoying traditional Spanish food and drinks during Carpe Diem Tours Madrid culinary experience and food tour

Spain is renowned for its rich culture, (even richer tastes), and world-famous nightlife — and nowhere excels in all of this more than Madrid. Whether you're planning to spend your time in the Spanish capital soaking in incredible art and architecture or your nights dancing through the historic centre's streets, make sure that tapas feature front and centre.

There’s nothing quite like Spanish street food. But with the post-Covid surge in city-break tourism, it can be hard to know whether you’re walking into a tourist trap; even what you're recommended on TikTok can be little more than a fad, with affiliate marketer influencers promoting what's in their best interests.

That's why we've written this insider's guide to the best tapas in Madrid — because your time in Spain's capital is too precious to eat poorly. Oh, and if you’d like a stress-free, indulgent experience with a first-class local guide, look no further than our Tipsy Tapas Tour of Madrid. 😉

Where to get the best tapas in Madrid

Taberna La Buha La Latina

  • Pl. de la Cebada 10, Centro, 28005, Madrid
  • Open daily 12pm - 2am

Taberna La Buha La Latina opening times ensure that whether it’s a long meal you’re looking for or a cheeky midnight snack they’re there for you at all times.

La Buha is locally renowned for its tortilla with caramelized onion and creamy goat's cheese, which goes beautifully with a Caña Cerveza (which is named after sugar cane because it is served in a long and thin glass just like a sugar cane).

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Tortilla with caramelized onion and creamy goat’s cheese is among the best tapas in Madrid 😋

The Spanish aren’t shy when it comes to drinking so you’ll often hear them excuse themselves by saying: ‘traeme otra caña que esta tenía un agujero’ which means ‘I need another beer, there seems to be a hole in this one’. 😉

La Casa del Abuelo TOLEDO

  • C. de Toledo 11, Centro, 28012, Madrid
  • Sunday - Thursday 12pm - 11pm; Friday - Saturday 12pm - 12am

La Casa del Abuelo is one in a million. While visiting the most vibrant square in Madrid, Plaza Mayor, grab a bite to eat just around the corner. Madrid’s beautiful climate can be enjoyed thoroughly here with outdoor seating and regular street shows. 

Gambas al Ajillo (Garlic King Prawns) are a staple tapas in Madrid, and La Casa del Abuelo is the best in the business. Make sure that you order some of their delicious bread too to go with them to soak up all of that buttery, garlicky goodness.

Why not sweeten your time by grabbing a glass of the Grandfather's, Abuelo’s, homemade sweet wine?

Taberna LA CONCHA

  • C. de la Cava Baja, 7, Centro, 28005 Madrid
  • Open daily 12pm - 1am

Hidden in the quaint backstreets of the centre of Madrid, La Concha caters to all (even if you're gluten-free)! As the name suggests La Concha is a shell-like space so you’ll surely become better acquainted with those around you whilst munching on their rich cheese board, we suggest going for the ‘Manchego, Blue and Idiazabal options. 

La Concha's highlight is their homemade velvety Vermonth, which is served in a James Bond-like glass first spritzed with gin then finished with a splash of Campari creating a party in your mouth and for sure leading you to a disco later on. 

Mesón del Champiñón

  • Cava de San Miguel 17, Centro, 28005, Madrid
  • Sunday - Thursday 12pm - 1am; Friday - Saturday 12pm - 2am 

Walking through the streets of Madrid you’d be mad not to relish in the incredible aromas coming from the Mesón del Champiñón kitchen, which is why we’ve included it on the Tipsy Tapas Tour of Madrid.

Keeping with the garlic theme Mesón del Champiñón is renowned for their out-of-this-world Garlic Mushrooms with Spicy Chorizo dish — packed with flavor and made with love. 😎

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Enjoying Spanish tapas, sangria and beautiful weather during a Madrid Food Tour

Their name is even more beautiful in Spanish (Champiñón Al Ajlilo) and locals will always appreciate any effort you make in the local lingo. But if garlic isn't your thing don’t panic — their menu has something for everyone.

Become a real local and try Mesón del Chamiñón’s Tinto de Verano, red wine with soda, which is sure to knock you off your feet, just make sure you have some croquettes to soak some of the booze up 😉

Join a Tipsy Tapas Tour in Madrid!

Want to meet like-minded food lovers and indulge in traditional tapas and drinks? Join our Tipsy Tapas Tour of Madrid!

Over three boozy hours, you’ll discover the finest tapas bars and restaurants of Madrid’s La Latina area, savour authentic foods and delicious drinks, and learn the history of the city, and its foods, from your expert guide and the locals that cook it. Plus, get tipsy. What could be better than that?

Book now — spaces are limited!

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Alexander Meddings
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Alexander Meddings is a professional copywriter and postgraduate in Roman history from the University of Oxford. After graduating with his MPhil, he moved to Florence and then Rome to carry out his research on the ground and pursue his passion at the source. He now works in travel, as a writer and content consultant, and in education as a university lecturer and translator.
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