Standing just steps away from the Royal Palace, the Catedral de la Almudena is a striking blend of neo-Gothic grandeur and modern Madrid identity. Its location at the edge of the old city places you at a crossroads between historic charm and contemporary urban life. While most visitors come for the architecture and sweeping views from the dome, the surrounding streets hide a deeply rewarding food scene.
Madrid’s bakery culture is not merely about grabbing a quick bite; it is a daily ritual woven into the rhythm of the city. From early morning espresso and a flaky pastry to the late-afternoon merienda, bread and sweets are central to local life. The area around the cathedral, stretching toward La Latina and the Austrias neighborhood, is dense with both century-old institutions and modern artisanal workshops.
You do not need to wander far from the Almudena’s steps to find exceptional quality. The surrounding plazas and narrow alleys offer everything from traditional sourdough loaves to delicate French-inspired viennoiserie. Understanding what to look for—whether it is a crusty barra de pan or a sugar-dusted napolitana—can transform a simple sightseeing break into a memorable culinary experience.
Because this is a heavily touristed zone, it can be difficult to distinguish authentic craftsmanship from generic convenience. That is why we have focused on places that prioritize slow fermentation, high-quality butter, and time-honored techniques. The best bakeries here respect both Madrid’s Castilian baking heritage and the growing demand for organic, stone-milled flours.
Many of these spots serve dual purposes. They are excellent for a quick breakfast before entering the cathedral or for picking up provisions for a picnic in the nearby Campo del Moro gardens. Some offer seated coffee service, while others are strictly grab-and-go, so knowing the layout of each place will help you plan your visit efficiently.
Whether you are looking for a crusty loaf to pair with Spanish olive oil or a delicate pastry to enjoy with a café con leche, the choices near the Almudena are surprisingly diverse. The area’s mix of residential locals and international visitors has pushed bakers to maintain high standards while offering a wide range of styles.
Below, we have curated a selection of standout bakeries located within a comfortable walking distance of the cathedral. Each entry has been chosen for its consistency, ingredient quality, and relevance to the local baking scene, ensuring you spend less time searching and more time savoring.
Santa Eulalia

| Address | C. del Espejo, 12, Centro, 28013 Madrid |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | 911 38 58 75 |
Andy Nishida★★★★★
An excellent bakery near Plaza del Opera on a quiet street. Chef Trabanco is a true craftsman. His creations are beautiful and expertly prepared. So good with the perfect balance of flavors and texture. And he's a super nice guy! The bakery itself is a nice quiet spot away from the tourist spots (and the tourists).
Noam Jacoby★★★★★
Inside Santa Eulalia gives you the feeling like being in “little Paris”, with cozy old-world decor, books, plants, and exposed brick walls. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and you can really feel the care behind the place.
The pastries and breads are clearly top quality, made with great ingredients and a lot of attention to detail.
I had an excellent cortado with a DELICIOUS hazelnuts bun, the cakes and the breads looked incredible.
Service was very friendly and English speaking. The space is quite spacious and with WiFi so you can enjoy the coffee and the pastries and also work there.
Georgios Stefopoulos★★★★★
Excellent place to enjoy a sweet and also they have brunch with eggs!
The sweets are just incredible! (Especially pain au chocolates with pistachio and chocolate)
Also coffee was good and eggs were really good portion!
Totally recommended!
Dhoha Rashed Alshalawi★★★★☆
Loved the sweets, but not the coffee. The cappuccino didn’t taste like a proper cappuccino—it was more like instant coffee and lacked foam.
The coffee bar could be more organized and cleaner, especially since the main seating area is right in front of it.
On the positive side, the staff are sweet, kind, and provide good service. The decoration and overall vibe of the place are authentic, and the location is great.
NorthCountry Jim★★★★★
Beautiful selection of pastries, breads, small sandwiches. Coffee was exceptional. Lovely inside and friendly and helpful staff.
Alma Nomad Bakery

| Address | C. de Sta. Feliciana, 10, Chamberí, 28010 Madrid |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Phone | 613 02 68 88 |
Devonta White★★★★★
Maybe the best almond croissant I’ve had in my life so far. There were literally almond slices falling out of the bag—it was that packed and that good.
We waited in line for about 10 minutes before getting to the counter, which felt reasonable given how popular the spot is.
What we ordered (and recommend):
• Almond croissant
• Chocolate chip cookie
• Cardamom bun
Everything was so, so good. The almond croissant is a must—rich, flaky, and loaded with flavor. The cookie and cardamom bun were just as satisfying.
I had the matcha latte, and it was fine, but nothing special. I’d probably try something else to drink next time.
Honestly, I wanted to try more items, but I had to show some restraint.
It was definitely worth the Uber ride. There’s limited seating inside, but there’s a park right down the street with plenty of benches, which makes for a great spot to sit and enjoy everything.
Sophie O'Hara★★★★★
Delicious pastries (the best ham and cheese croissant I have ever had) after being burnt by a bakery we tried to eat at on the first morning that wouldn’t serve food until 10 despite being “open” from 8am and gave us the most horrible coffee, we tried Alma Norma which we’d already scoped out on our pre Madrid guide map. Thank goodness we did, exceptional food, perfect coffee, cute decor and vibe with ambience music, cool interior (decor and temperature) with a couple little high table benches inside and a couple benches outside.
We returned every morning during our stay, never had to queue more than a couple people as we were relatively early each morning although Sunday seemed to be busier didn’t mind the wait as the neighbourhood view is pretty and it wasn’t hot yet. On the last day we bought a number of items to take home on the train with us to freeze some and enjoy later! They were accommodating, with helpful recommendations and friendly.
Tried ham and cheddar (best ham and cheese croissant ever tasted), almond (enormous, delicious), pan au chocolate (disappointing compared to the rest as pastry is amazing and big and there’s two sticks of chocolate but the ratio feels off balance especially compared to the others), blackberry danish (amazing), chocolate orange pan suisse (phenomenal, don’t bother with pan au chocolate if this is available, so decadent, unique and delicious real orange flavour), ricotta bun (interesting but not my kind of thing, wasn’t expecting a dense cake with ricotta centre) and a quiche Lorraine (amazing pastry, tasty filling, too big for one person also needs eating right away or refrigerating which I couldn’t do so had to eat all).
Gary Kout★★★★★
Amazing bakery! Three of our four choices were sublime - some of the best baked goods we’ve ever had. The lemon poppy cake was a tad dry though. My Americano was very flavorful. Definitely the best coffee I had in Madrid. Unfortunately the staff didn’t notice that another customer claimed my daughter’s iced coffee, but the chai she ended up with was fine. The shop is adorable but very small so limited room to stay and eat. Plenty of outdoor seating in the neighborhood park nearby.
Leo Cosmos★★★★★
I love this bakery. Sometimes I walk 20 minutes from my flat just to come here! The bread quality is exceptional and the prices are very cheap for an independent bakery in Madrid! Sometimes it gets busy, but standing and waiting in queue feels enjoyable rather than irritating in such a warm and welcoming area and amongst such vibrant decor! The staff are always helpful, happy, and quick, and I could go on about this place forever. If you’re in Madrid and looking for a bakery to try, this is the one for you!
Sam Sam★★★★★
Tucked into the heart of Chamberí, this quaint little bakery was exactly where I needed to be on a Saturday morning. Honestly, I’m not sure what more anyone could ask for—the pastries are exquisite. I’ve never tasted anything quite like them. There is little seating but just down the street is a gorgeous square to enjoy the delicious delicacies and watch all the local dogs enjoy their day too!
It’s absolutely worth a stop if you’re in Madrid. Just have a little patience, and enjoy the experience. And despite what some people say, the line isn’t just full of tourists—but even if it were, who cares? Good pastries are for everyone.
La Mallorquina

| Address | Prta del Sol, 8, Centro, 28013 Madrid |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | 915 21 12 01 |
Jane Mathias★★★★★
A pastry lovers delight. I was pretty sure I wanted to get only their famous chocolate napolitana and it did not disappoint.. decadent chocolate cake (ish) inside a buttery airy puff pastry. Heaven in a bite. Not too sweet and perfect for some one like me who doesnot have a sweet tooth.
They have huge lines but they move pretty fast. So dont give up. Also there is no chance of them being sold out since they keep bringing out freshly baked goods. Good place to even bring back baked gifts for friends and family. Centrally located at Puerta del Sol. Highly recommend this spot.
Sitti Aziza Azis★★★★★
La Mallorquina is a lovely café with delicious cakes, especially the Ensaimada. The staff are very friendly and welcoming. Definitely a nice place to enjoy a sweet treat.
Rafael★★★★★
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Visiting La Mallorquina is stepping into a living piece of Madrid’s culinary history.
Located in the heart of Puerta del Sol, this iconic pastry shop delivers not only exceptional quality but also tradition and charm that have endured for generations. Their pastries are simply outstanding, fresh, delicate, and crafted with precision. The napolitanas, ensaimadas, and classic Spanish pastries are rich in flavor, perfectly balanced, and absolutely unforgettable.
The aroma alone invites you in, and every bite confirms why this place has remained a beloved institution for so long. Whether paired with a coffee or enjoyed on their own, their creations reflect true mastery of traditional Spanish pastry.
The service is efficient despite the constant flow of visitors, a testament to its popularity and reputation.
La Mallorquina is more than a pastry shop, it is part of Madrid’s identity.
A must-visit for anyone who appreciates tradition, authenticity, and exceptional sweets.
Paul Wu★★★★★
04/04
西班牙人擠爆的麵包店,點了一個可頌,點餐要直接跟店員喊
The Pastelería La Mallorquina - Sol is one of the most famous traditional pastry shops in Madrid, located directly at the Puerta del Sol, one of the city’s busiest and most central squares.
Founded in 1894, La Mallorquina has become an iconic stop for both locals and visitors seeking classic Spanish pastries in a historic setting. It is especially known for its elegant ground-floor pastry counter and its upstairs café, where customers can sit and enjoy views over the bustling Puerta del Sol.
Signature items include napolitanas de chocolate (chocolate-filled pastries), palmeras, milhojas, and a variety of traditional cakes and baked goods. The pastries are typically rich, buttery, and made in the classic Madrid confectionery style.
Today, La Mallorquina remains one of Madrid’s most recognizable pastry institutions, valued for its central location, long history, and consistent quality, making it a popular stop for a quick breakfast, afternoon coffee, or sweet break while exploring the city center.
Aaliya Tariq★★★★★
Loved La Mallorquina 🎀 Such a cute bakery with a cozy vibe. We had breakfast here and everything was amazing. The croissants were huge, soft, and slightly sweet, and the Napolitana (especially the cream and chocolate one) was a highlight. Definitely one of my favorite spots in Madrid!
El Horno de Almudena

| Address | C. de las Infantas, 17, Centro, 28004 Madrid |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Phone | 915 32 20 13 |
Ena Suria★★★★★
Good pastries and cheaper than other bakeries. Coffee cheap also but of course different from cafes.
Friendly staff. This is now my favorite bakery whenever im in madrid
Hila Balas Davidof★★★★★
I absolutely loved my experience here! The service was truly amazing, and everything felt incredibly fresh. The wonderful coffee aroma throughout the place added so much to the delightful atmosphere. 10/10!!!
Joy Wu★★★★★
Bustling place in the mornings I went there with a good selection of sweet and savory foods with lovely coffee. Nothing fancy, just wonderful vibe with tasty pastries. Don’t miss it if you have a chance to visit.
Michael Kay★★★★★
The chocolate and almond croissant was absolutely delicious, never had anything like that! We also tried the orange donut buscuit and almond/ chocolate biscuits that were crispy, light and full of flavour. I regret not having bought more to take home. I can't reconnect this bakery/patisserie enough.
Nadia Barysenka★★★★★
The pastries here are absolutely amazing! Their croissant with almond and chocolate inside is simply out of this world — I can’t praise it enough. The coffee is quite good, and the service is excellent. If you’re looking for delicious pastries, this is definitely the place to go!
Bakery pastry Panishop - Studies

| Address | C. de los Estudios, 9, Centro, 28012 Madrid |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | 913 64 04 10 |
Elif Altug★★★★☆
We had some cakes and coffee in the late afternoon. The prices were OK. We didn’t have to wait for a table. The service was fine. I liked the way that we could sit near the window and watch the people walk by.
Zelba Hernandez★★★★☆
Great pastry shop, everything is delicious and has a really good price. Except the personnel is not so nice, they avoid interacting with you as much as possible even though you have to order directly with them and never say thanks or greets customers. Other than that would recommend this place without second guess.
Nola★★★★★
This shop was amazing 😍. Wow...their selection was massive! From packaged cookies , to pastry, to baked cake, and freshly assembled breakfast!
Good tortilla and coffee. Great price point. Service was fast and efficient.
Apfia Admin★★★☆☆
Excellent pastries but terrible service. They don’t hand you the food or change in your hand just kind of throw it at the counter.
Went everyday of my eurotrip but always ordered to go because the ambiance is not friendly
Parisa Rastgari★★★★★
Everything here felt incredibly fresh, and the atmosphere was vibrant and full of energy. The staff were kind and welcoming especially Maria P., who guided me through everything and was very friendly. Highly recommended!
Panaderia Cafetería Dulce Vida

| Address | C. de Fomento, 37, Centro, 28013 Madrid |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 672 16 59 80 |
L Q★★★★★
They have great food. I love to come here for breakfast. The tostada con tomate is my favorite, it has refreshing smell and taste of the tomato and olive oil, cheap and delicious.
Jule Emily★★★★★
A nice little Cafe. The owner is really friendly and the prices were reasonable. The tostadas with avocado, cheese, tomato and ham were really tasty and the coffee was also good. Would recommend!
Tr★★★★★
A exceptional find in Madrid, also being a local favourite as we could tell by the local policeman picking up take-away coffe, a dogwalker taking a loaf of bread home, parents with children picking up croissants before school, the waitress looked like she knew the regulars names and coffe orders...extremely pleasant and home-like caffe, which you couldn't believe is just a street away from one of Madrid's busiest alleys. Come here if you want a lovely start into your day, we had a great cappucino and tostadas con tomato for only 3.5 Eur.
Lydia Patra★★★★★
A place for locals. I had a tostada with fresh tomato and olive oil and a Napolitana. A very authentic place with friendly staff.
Amy K★★★★★
Very nice staff and great selection of pastries
Brown Bear Bakery

| Address | C. del León, 10, Centro, 28014 Madrid |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | 913 69 05 87 |
Diego Lizardez-Ruiz★★★☆☆
It looks cute. However, the experience was not good. The waiters seem stressed even though the place was half empty. I requested a table for one and I was ignored while they accommodated people that arrived after (they take no reservations and the whole lower floor was empty).
The food was ok but forgettable. Very lame flat white, eggs and bacon were like in any ordinary cafeteria.
Joe Robinsmith★★★★★
Made it before it got really busy. Food was out very quickly. The Andalusian breakfast with Iberian ham on whole wheat with grated tomato was incredibly delicious. The natural breakfast of yogurt with fruits and seeds was so tasty. Cappuccino was piled high with foamy milk. Loved it.
May Magda★★★★★
Great breakfast spot in Madrid! Excellent coffee, delicious pastries, and a cozy atmosphere. Highly recommend🥰
Wen C★★★★★
Very affordable price with good breakfast, simple and makes you full! It’s a hidden gem in the city center if you want to have some
traditional breakfast without paying 20 euros
Maria Mendieta★☆☆☆☆
Maybe I came on a bad day, but the food was terrible. I ordered the Desayuno Americano and it was barely edible. The “bacon” was just heated up slices of ham, so salty it was inedible for me. The scrambled eggs were just ok. The toast was tough and over toasted. The coffee was burnt and again barely drinkable. The juice was fine. The bacon/ham was actually barely cooked at first and I had to send it back. (Attached picture is of the bacon AFTER they refried it, still looks terrible). No apology. Overall very disappointing. Do not recommend at all.
Brown Bear Bakery

| Address | Pl. de Matute, 10, Centro, 28012 Madrid |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | 910 46 03 65 |
Andrew Romualdo★★★★★
Heard a lot of great things about Brown Bear Bakery and decided to check it out. My wife and I went for a late lunch when it was pleasantly empty, but as someone who has lived in Madrid when I was younger, places like this can get packed for morning coffee. A quick cultural tip for tourists: don't get frustrated if you are asked to squeeze into a tight table or share space with others during the brunch rush. Much like traditional tapas culture, it's all about maximizing space so everyone can be accommodated. It's about social connection, not the sprawling layout of a typical Western restaurant.
Aside from the great atmosphere, the menu is very affordable with a great mix of traditional Spanish morning items and classic American brunch choices. The coffee is excellent, and you absolutely have to grab a pastry "para llevar" before leaving. When you're done, you can ask for "la cuenta", but you'll settle the bill up front at the cashier.
Misha Rice★★★★★
Had such a great breakfast at Brown Bear Bakery! The cortado was absolutely delicious and the American breakfast was really good as well. The service was friendly, welcoming, and made the whole experience even better. Definitely a spot I’d come back to when in Madrid!
Johann R★★★★★
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ **Highly Recommend!**
**Brown Bear Bakery** is an absolute gem! The shop is incredibly attractive and welcoming, and the service is top-notch. Best of all, the food is absolutely **delicious**.
Don't skip this place—10/10 recommend!
Myra Dharani★★★★★
A lovely place! I met up with a friend here and we both enjoyed it. The pricing for the items was phenomenal. I got a chocolate scone and a coffee with milk. Everything was super tasty. This place is also co-working friendly with specified seating.
Nevine A.★★★★★
This was the best cafe for brunch and pastries ever! Their coffee is amazing, the prices are unbeatable, and the staff is so kind and lovely. Totally recommend!
Santo Bakehouse

| Address | C. del Espíritu Santo, 25, Centro, 28004 Madrid |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
Julian Lopes★★★★★
Santo has quietly become part of my routine. The bread is easily the best you’ll find in town. I already have my favorites (the cardamom bun and the canelé), but honestly, the best thing you can do is let yourself try something new each time. Walk in, breathe in the smell of fresh bread, pick something you’ve never had before, and enjoy it slowly. The staff are lovely and there’s a real warmth here, not just from the ovens. And the pastries… truly to die for.
정상훈★★★★★
This Panadería is a Hidden Gem in Madrid. Employees were truly kind and had better words that I have encountered for understanding their food. Quality is so invaluable. Texture was Crispy and buttery but not greasy and lean.
Nati★★★★★
I’ve been here 3 times and every time the service has been absolutely lovely. I appreciate that they take their time with each customer to answer questions, give recommendations, and make comfortable conversation. Besides the amazing workers, their pastries and bread are top tier. I’m writing this after eating the Za’atar, Feta, and Sesame roll and I’m stunned. The coquito with the coconut and coffee combination also pleasantly surprised me. I don’t think you can go wrong with anything here.
Angela Nikolova★★★★★
incredible pastries!! croissant was the best ive ever had. dont get me started on the canelés!!! will visit again definitely next time i am here
Marie Soler★★★★★
Lovely tiny bakery in Malasaña district. Loved their pain au chocolat more than those we tried in Paris! Very friendly attentive service too!
Pastelería Pan Feliz

| Address | Calle del Dr Cortezo, 11, Centro, 28012 Madrid |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | 914 29 18 20 |
Sanne De Graaf★★★★★
The workers here are really kind wr do not speak spanish put they speak slow and communicating with handgestures gets you far. The fartons and empanadas are amazing so are the orange juice and coffee. Would recommend for a quick breakfast or to sit down.
M ALA★★★★★
Good pastry place with reasonable price. Service is top!Friendly people.A must try while in Madrid!
Diba Bandari★★★★★
We had amazing breakfast here. I suggest it to everyone, staff was so kind and helpful!😍
Cynthia Santiago★★★★★
Stayed in the hotel out front and had breakfast here almost every day.
Nice and clean place with very good food
Rachel Helen★★★★★
Good coffee and yummy basic food. Cost us 9.90€ for 2 coffees and a baguette - great value. We also had some pastries and they were delicious! Staff are also very friendly.
Pastelería América I

| Address | Pasteleria America, C. de Atocha, 77, Centro, 28012 Madrid |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 9:30 PM |
| Phone | 914 29 01 52 |
Eric Chung★★★★★
Amazing confiteria and pasteleria!
High quality products made and baked in store at very reasonable prices.
Must try the alfajors with a cafe con leche!
Oliver Madden★★★★★
This is what you find when you stray off the touristy, beaten path.
A really traditional, freshly made delight. Wonderful pastries and confectionery. A nice strong coffee and a view into the kitchen where the magic happens.
We accidentally stumbled upon this place, and it was the delicious smell emanating from the doorway that led us inside and eventually devoured apple pie, some sort of caramel pastry and a cheesecake washed down with a simple coffee.
Don't go here! Leave it for us and the locals 😉
Lulu Lemon★★★★★
If you’re anywhere near this spot, skip your hotel breakfast and come here instead. Pastelería America is an absolute gem.
The staff is incredibly friendly and accommodating—you feel welcomed the moment you walk in, like you’ve been coming here for years. The food? Outstanding. We had the empanadas de carne, which were perfectly seasoned and flaky, a café con leche that was honestly to die for, and an alfajor that might be the best I’ve ever had.
Everything is made from scratch, and you can taste the difference in every bite. It’s a family-owned bakery, and that care and pride show up in both the food and the service.
We actually paid for breakfast next door at Meliá Casa de las Artes—and this place was infinitely better. No comparison.
Do yourself a favor: come here instead.
David H★★★★★
Amazing value!! €3.50 for both! Pastries baked in house! Will be back tomorrow and the next day!
ema mate★★★★★
I was so happy to find this place it was like I walk back in time and everything was so delicious, except the coffee was so boiling hot that it was hard for me to keep my hand on my to go cup, but I would become a regular if I would live near by ♥️
Obrador San Francisco

| Address | Carrera de San Francisco, 14, Centro, 28005 Madrid |
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 911 29 17 56 |
Alexis Lahorra★★★★★
A pleasant surprise during my walk!!! I had their delicious pan quemao, a little brioche style bread and it was SO DELICIOUS AND SO FLUFFY!!!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
Ana S.★★★★★
one of my favorite bakeries!! You can never go wrong with pan quemao (plain or with chocolate), any of the croissants or cookies. They definitely have one the best brownies in the city 👌🏼 PS if you see the caprese danese, get it!
Idalis Vallejo★★★★★
The best bakery in Madrid! I go every week and they have the best selection of pastries for such a great price! There bread selection is also great!! 🥐
M Wong★★★★★
*An incredible pastry experience!*
This shop serves some of the best pastries and croissants we've ever had. We couldn’t resist trying a few items right away— the pistachio croissant, cinnamon roll, and palmier. Both the croissant and palmier were absolutely amazing, with perfect texture and flavor.
Be prepared for a bit of a wait—we arrived at *8:35 AM* and queued for about *20 minutes* , but it was *totally worth it* ! Highly recommend stopping by for a delicious treat or breakfast.
spquek successcentury★★★★★
Already smell superb when standing outside. Needless to say the croissants are superb.
Essential Tips for Choosing a Bakery Near Catedral de la Almudena
To make the most of your bakery visit in this historic district, it helps to understand a few local customs and practical details. The rhythm of a Madrid bakery changes throughout the day, and knowing when to go can mean the difference between a warm, fresh pastry and a dry, leftover one. These tips will help you navigate the offerings like a local, avoid common tourist pitfalls, and discover flavors that you might otherwise overlook.
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Go early for the best selection. Most traditional bakeries bake their bread and pastries in the early morning hours, with the freshest inventory available between 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM. By mid-afternoon, especially on weekends, the most popular items like croissants and napolitanas often sell out.
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Look for the word “masa madre.” If you see a sign or label that says “masa madre,” it means sourdough. This is a strong indicator of a bakery that uses slow fermentation rather than commercial shortcuts, resulting in better flavor and digestibility.
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Do not skip the savory options. While sweets are tempting, many of the best local bakeries excel at empanadas, mini quiches, and savory palmiers. These make for a much more satisfying and affordable lunch than sitting down at a tourist restaurant near the palace.
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Ask for the “especialidad de la casa.” Every good bakery has a signature item, whether it is a particular type of bread, a filled pastry, or a seasonal sweet. Asking the counter staff what they are known for often leads to the best bite of your trip.
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Bring cash for small purchases. While many modern bakeries now accept cards, some of the smaller, family-run spots still have a minimum spend for card payments. Carrying a few euros in coins ensures you can grab a quick pastry without any hassle.
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Pair your purchase with a proper coffee. If the bakery does not have seating, take your pastry to a nearby specialty coffee bar rather than drinking a poor-quality café con leche from a vending machine. The contrast between a well-made flat white and a buttery croissant is worth the extra few steps.
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Check for seasonal specialties. Depending on the time of year, you may find unique items like torrijas around Easter, roscón de reyes after Christmas, or buñuelos de viento during autumn. These limited-time treats are often the most authentic expression of Madrid’s baking calendar.
The area around the Almudena is compact enough that you can easily visit two or three of these bakeries in a single morning. By starting with a traditional panadería for bread and finishing at a modern pastry shop for something sweet, you create a small tasting route that reflects the full range of Madrid’s baking identity.
Stepping out of the cathedral and into one of these warm, flour-dusted spaces offers a different kind of spiritual experience—one rooted in craft, patience, and the simple pleasure of breaking bread. Let the aroma of fresh dough guide you through the old streets, and you will discover that some of Madrid’s most sacred treasures are baked fresh every morning.
Freya Belle is a content writer and travel journalist specializing in European destinations. With experience exploring over 30 European countries, she focuses on providing in-depth guides to authentic cuisine, historical culture, and hidden gems often overlooked by mainstream tourists. Her writing helps travelers experience Europe like a local.