CuddlyNest is the world's largest vacation rental search engine, comparing millions of accommodations across 200+ booking sites. Our editorial team of seasoned travelers and local experts shares insider tips, destination guides, and travel inspiration to help you plan the perfect trip — whether you're booking a cozy cabin, a beachfront villa, or an apartment in the heart of the city.
There's no better way to experience Madrid's teeming food scene than feasting on delicious tapas. And, fortunately, Spain's capital city is home to some of the best — and liveliest— tapas bars in the country, where you can sample everything from lip-smacking calamari sandwiches to patatas bravas and bite-sized paella dishes.
A vibrant meeting spot for madrileños and tourists alike, tapas bars are truly the heart of Madrid's social life.
From old-school tavernas to sleek and modern spots — we've listed some of the quintessential tapas experiences in this food haven of a city!
Casa González is one of the most emblematic places in the Barrio de las Letras, in Madrid. Founded in 1931, the establishment is a former cheese factory that was turned into a tapas restaurant in 1990. The place is run by the third generation of the González family, and it's known for its dazzling selection of Spanish wines, local cheeses, and Iberic ham.
Casa Toni
If you want to try authentic Spanish cuisine, don't miss the opportunity to visit Casa Toni. Must-tries include fried lamb, cuttlefish, shrimp in olive oil and garlic, secreto iberico (Iberian pork), and their signature offal – a crispy pork ear.
Pair your tapas either with a bottle of wine (they have a very extensive wine list, so you'll have plenty of options), or a freshly made jar of sangria.
Casa Toni's comfortable atmosphere and friendly staff will create the most perfect experience for your tapas experience.
Bodega de La Ardosa
In 1892, Rafael Fernández opened several taverns called 'La Ardosa' around Madrid. The one located in Calle Colón No. 13 is open today, and it still preserves elements of its original decoration, including the engraved glass sign, the tiled skirting, and the fan.
Bodega de La Ardosahas a wide variety of Irish beers at very reasonable prices, as well as vermouth on tap, lagers, and fine wines from La Ribera and Rioja. The drinks can be perfectly paired with a selection of delicious tapas such as salmorejo (a thick, cold tomato and garlic soup), cold meats, cured meat from León, duck ham, and their famous Spanish potato omelet.
Casa Revuelta
A traditional and authentic tavern located in Madrid de Los Austrias, less than two minutes from Plaza Mayor, Casa Revuelta is one of Madrid's best destinations for tapas and special wines.
Casa Revuelta was founded by Santiago Revuelta in 1966, and it soon became of the best tapas bars in Madrid. Not by chance, the place is usually crowded, so it's recommended that you arrive there early to grab a spot!
The must-tries? Their famous battered bacalao (salt cod) fritters, which are considered one of the best in the city, and the slow-stewed tripe (available on Wednesdays and Thursdays).
Mercado de San Miguel
More than 100 years have passed since the Mercado de San Miguel was inaugurated as a food market. Boasting over 20 food stalls, this is one of the best gastronomic markets in the world, as well as one of the top attractions in Madrid.
While exploring Mercado de San Miguel, visitors will come across an array of Spanish specialties — from the best Iberian ham to soulful Mediterranean rice dishes to special cheeses from Castile, Asturias, and the Basque Country. Worth visiting food stalls include Arzábal, known for its deep-fried ham croquettes, and Paella Rodrigo de la Calle, where you'll try Rodrigo's traditional Valencian paella.
El Tigre
Sought after by both locals and travelers, Sidrería El Tigre is the ultimate destination for sampling some of the best tapas in Madrid, paired with beer or wine.
In El Tigre, you'll be treated to a wide variety of tapas such as Spanish ham, cheese, pork shoulder, loin, bacon, and chorizo. There are also staple dishes like patatas bravas, paella, and croquettes.
The waiters roaming around the restaurant while juggling huge tapas trays is a sight to behold!
La Casa del Abuelo
La Casa del Abuelo has broken many records. This legendary restaurant become the first tavern to sell chorizo, anchovies, and sobrassada inside a bun, and it managed to sell 1,500 sandwiches in a single day. In the 1940s, the bar introduced prawns to their menu, and was able to sell 306 kg of grilled prawns in a single day!
Little by little, El Abuelo (as many people call it) began to be known outside of Spain, attracting politicians, actors, and great writers from all around the world thanks to its mouthwatering tapas.
If you get the chance to visit this century-old restaurant, be sure to try their signature prawns with garlic, the bocadillo de calamares (calamari sandwich), and the housemade croquettes. Pair it with a glass of artisanal beer, and you’re good to go!
La Tasquita de Enfrente
Located a stone's throw from the bustling Gran Vía, La Tasquita de Enfrente is a cozy restaurant where dishes are freshly made with a selection of top-notch seasonal products.
This modern spot boasts a limited capacity for about 16 people and showcases chef Juanjo López's unique skills in crafting the most creative tapas dishes.
Get yourself the tasting menu, which will allow you to feast on an array of inventive dishes such as oysters escabeche, white asparagus in three different textures, and panna cotta covered in honey from Málaga.
Casa Labra
Casa Labra is a hundred-year-old tavern that remains almost unchanged since 1860. Some of their specialty tapas include cod and cod croquettes, tortilla de patata (potato tortilla), and escabeche tuna. You can also order some small portions (raciones) of salad, manchego cheese, chorizo, and Iberic ham.
La Campana
Located in one of the alleys that emerge from La Plaza Mayor, this popular brewery with ornate white tile walls is known for its famous calamari sandwich. In addition, it has a wide variety of tapas that range from anchovies in vinegar to black pudding, as well as the traditional patatas bravas.
Taberna Laredo
Like every other seasonal spot, Taberna Laredo’s menu changes almost daily. However, they decided to keep some of their classic dishes available for the customers. All-time favorites include the tuna belly and green asparagus salad, king prawn tempura, salmorejo (a traditional soup originating from Andalusia), scarlet prawns and white prawns, and lamb chops.
Aside from delicious dishes prepared with seasonal produce, this iconic tavern is famous for its stellar wine list, which focuses on Champagne, Burgundy, and of course, Spain.
