Finding a great cup of coffee in Madrid is rarely difficult, but finding the right atmosphere to match your mood takes a little local knowledge. The area surrounding Plaza Mayor is a dense tapestry of historic landmarks, bustling shopping streets, and quiet, winding alleys that hide some true gems. Whether you need a quick espresso at the bar, a quiet corner to work, or a spot to people-watch for an hour, the perimeter of this iconic square offers a surprisingly diverse coffee scene.
However, the immediate vicinity of the Plaza itself is often dominated by tourist traps where the quality of the coffee rarely matches the premium price of the view. To experience the city like a true Madrileño, you need to venture just a few steps beyond the arcades. The best spots blend the architectural beauty of the Habsburg district with modern specialty roasting techniques and traditional Spanish hospitality.
We have spent considerable time navigating the cobblestone streets and testing the menus so you don’t have to waste your time on a bad brew. The criteria for this list include bean quality, barista skill, atmosphere, and value for money. We have focused on places that offer a genuine experience, whether they are century-old institutions or new-wave minimalist spaces.
The search intent for visitors here is usually split: some want the traditional "café con leche" experience with a slice of history, while others need a specialty flat white to fuel a day of sightseeing. We have balanced both needs in this guide. You will find places that honor the Spanish tradition of the leisurely sobremesa as well as spots that cater to the fast-paced digital nomad.
Proximity to the center means that space is at a premium. Many of the best locations are small, standing-room-only bars where you are expected to drink quickly and leave, especially during the morning rush. However, we have also identified hidden lounges and terraces where you can linger without feeling rushed.
Below is a curated list of the twelve best cafes near Plaza Mayor. We have organized them to give you a mix of historic charm and modern quality, ensuring that no matter your taste, you will find the perfect spot to recharge.
Havanna Café | Mayor
| Address | Calle Mayor, 74, Centro, 28013 Madrid |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | 668 52 01 24 |
Amazing smoothies and small bites. Cute cafe to get a quick bite. Grilled croissant is a must try
We had a wonderful experience at Havanna Café in Madrid! The churros were absolutely delicious, and the coffee was excellent. What made our visit even more special was Paola. She was incredibly kind, friendly, and welcoming. Her warm attitude and great communication made us feel comfortable. Thank you, Paola, for your outstanding service—we’ll definitely be back!
Really solid churros con chocolate to a fair price. Fast and nice service. They could need more power outlets, just one is not perfect if guests want to charge there phone.
Beautiful café with wonderful food and a cozy atmosphere! We ordered drinks and pastries and adored them. Our waitress Nino was incredibly kind, attentive and sweet. I highly recommend Havana Café for a relaxing break from the summer heat!
The staff were friendly, but the smoothies were extremely watery and had the consistency of juice rather than smoothies. We ordered six different smoothies, and all of them were the same in terms of consistency. They also appeared to be apple juice-based, even though apple wasn’t listed in the menu descriptions, which could be concerning for those with allergies. Unfortunately, I wouldn’t recommend this place for smoothies.
Cafetería Magerit
| Address | Pl. Mayor, 22, Centro, 28012 Madrid |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM Friday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | 915 47 31 62 |
Perfect location, not as expensive as some other restaurants in the square. Friendly service, very pleasant to sit down on a sunny day.
The one thing that surprised me, is that the shrimp in my paella seemed to have the black line under the skin (meaning the hadn’t been cleaned inside).
This place did not live up to its rating. The food was below anything that we ate in Madrid. The calamari with pesto was super oily with almost no taste and some pieces had the consistency of rubber and with each bite I was wondering if I wasn’t chewing on a bottle cap by accident. The server was more interested in talking with friends than attending to us, said friends were drunkenly clearing the tables around us and causing a ruckus. Total waste of time and money do not recommend!
Karla, our server was so attentive and nice! The food had very good seasoning. We tried breaded shrimp, meatballs and potatoes, steak, olives and anchovies. Amazing drinks, Karla was always very attentive and friendly. Next trip to Spain we are definitely coming back. Thank you
EMRAN was my hostess and he was amazing. I had some trouble with he menu and he was so knowledgeable.
The location is superb! Right on the Plaza!
The food was good!
But the service was excellent. Fernando provided excellent attention to detail. Was polite, and very patient and supportive of me practicing my (very) poor Spanish.
I would highly recommend a visit and ask for Fernando.
Fuego Pampa Coffee and Beer Plaza Mayor
| Address | C. de Concepción Jerónima, 30, Centro, Centro, 28012 Madrid |
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| 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: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | 634 61 18 51 |
A tucked away coffee oasis that gives you a break from the crowds. The pastries are also a big plus. They have specialty coffees, dairy-free options (almond, soy milk, lactose-free) and cafe V60 as well. Maria was gracious and helpful, and service with a smile! Muchas Gracias!
🍅The tomato toast was great, the staff were nice and the location is super good.
I really did like the pistachio latte but it comes in a small cup. The pistachio around the cup made the drink really tasty. Hot chocolate was cola cao powder mix so nothing special. Cookies were good.
Great little coffee shop that I visited daily. Coffee was excellent and so was the service.
Great croissants and coffee. Great presentation!
La Rollerie
| Address | Calle Mayor, 24, Centro, 28013 Madrid |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | 917 56 92 71 |
😍 THIS PLACE WAS INCREDIBLE!
Again, I found this via TikTok, and I am sooo pleased that I managed to find somewhere so good…
Myself and my friend actually decided to eat there on both days we were there! The food was just incredible, flavourful, presented beautifully and reasonably priced!
Just look at the photos for justification.
Thank you for looking g after us! 👍🏻
One of the best chain brunch spots (especially for tourists). Enjoyed having breakfast here twice, but this location was the best by far. The atmosphere and decor made everything so lovely and quaint. The food was the star of the show - very filling portions, a great selection, and very tasty. Highly recommend the Shaksuka or any of the eggs benedict. The drink menu was equally good.
I ordered the 'Vital' from the breakfast menu, eggs, cheese, and avocado on toast. It was delicious and perfectly balanced. The meal includes tea or coffee, and the Americano coffee was great too. I wanted something sweet to finish, so I got a cinnamon roll with classic syrup and toppings; it was amazing! The staff was very friendly. Highly recommended!
The place is known as breakfast restaurant, but they are serving multiple sweet dishes with cakes variety. You can get the coffee, milk or tea as complimentary along with each breakfast dish.
Better to go early as most of the time there will be waiting line of 20 to 30 minutes, However the reservation is not nessesary as they do not take it in consideration.
The service was very fast, the food was delicious, and there was a great variety to choose from. The location is also perfect, right in the heart of the city. Overall, a really enjoyable experience.
Café de la Plaza - Patio
| Address | C. Imperial, 8, Centro, 28012 Madrid |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:30 – 11:30 PM Tuesday: 12:30 – 11:30 PM Wednesday: 12:30 – 11:30 PM Thursday: 12:30 – 11:30 PM Friday: 12:30 – 11:30 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 11:30 PM Sunday: 12:30 – 11:30 PM |
| Phone | 910 05 28 22 |
What a beautiful place with view on the Plaza Mayor. The staff was really nice, service was fast and the food and drinks were amazing. They also refilled my bottle with fresh water. Thank you.
Food was not good at all. Paella tasted like dirty fish water, calamari was hardly crispy yet overcooked, pork belly was very chewy. Even the patatas bravas weren’t worth eating. Worst meal we’ve had in Madrid
The food is so fresh and exquisite. The restaurant is set in the Plaza Major, such beautiful surroundings. Perfect for lunch after walking around the city of Madrid.
We were 6 people at the table. The starters tasted good, but it took them approximately 70 minutes to serve. Same story with the main course (tenderloin for all of us); it took ages to be served. They even managed to clear out the starters before we were totally finished, claiming that the main course was ready. 40 minutes later, still no mains were served. The waiter then informed that it would be just another 2 minutes, but still it took another 10 min before we were served. The restaurant was half full with people.
Of all the experiences dinning in Madrid this has to be the worst one.
The waiter took the other, confirmed it with us and walked away taking 20 minutes to bring the appetizers. Once we were done with them another 20 minutes for the main course, bringing every dish two at a time missing 2 people on the table.
When asked what was taking so long he proceeded to say that he forgot and the cooks “had already left”. Two people were left without proper dinner and when they offer to discount all the drinks as a compensation they still decided to charge some because “the manager said so”, too tired to argue we decided to leave and of course left without leaving a tip.
The food was a 2/5, it was rushed and the rice of the dish was dry.
No issues with any restaurants in the area but this one. Do better.
Mimi’s Crêperie
| Address | C. de Postas, 17, Centro, 28012 Madrid |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:30 AM – 10:30 PM Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 10:30 PM Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 10:30 PM Thursday: 8:30 AM – 10:30 PM Friday: 8:30 AM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 8:30 AM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 8:30 AM – 10:30 PM |
| Phone | 915 23 55 66 |
Fantastic! A great place for breakfast or a sweet treat! The environment is nice and relaxed. There is a fair amount of seating indoors plus tables outside. The staff was very friendly (and speak English, which is helpful). The food service was very quick. The food was amazing! My 16-year old son had the chicken sandwich and said, "Delicious!" after the first bite. We also had waffles and crepes. They were amazing! Large portions! Also, the cappuccino was good. Definitely deserves 5 stars!
So great for a quick lunch out of the heat!!Beautiful and just around the corner from Plaza Mayor, the service was so efficient and friendly and the food was delicious. We had the Banana Nutella crepe and the Serrano ham crepe and we were on our way again in under 30 minutes (which was what we wanted - we did not feel rushed at all). Check this place out!
We had the avocado toast with scrambled eggs and the Nutella strawberry crepe at Mimi’s Creperie. Both were delicious, very filling, and fresh. Highly recommended!
Food was absolutely amazing!! We had the Nutella Platano crepes, Platano-Fresas smoothie, and Mango smoothie all were really good. Staff was very nice. There is lots of seating both indoor and outdoor, there are many entrances one of which is wheelchair accessible but a steep and short ramp in. They have freestanding tables, raised barstool tables, and booth style tables. There was enough space inside to navigate in a manual wheelchair, but outdoor seating is also available if your wheelchair is unable to get up the ramp or to navigate inside.
Amazing place! Super central, but still there was room for us (even though we were a bigger group), the food is amazing; sweet and savoury things were both delicious. The coffee is great and the service was wonderful; lovely staff!
We went here each morning during our stay!
Brunchit Madrid Plaza Mayor
| Address | C. de Gerona, 4, Centro, 28012 Madrid |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM Thursday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM Friday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM Saturday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM Sunday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM |
| Phone | 911 08 94 46 |
Absolutely outstanding experience from start to finish! The food was incredible—not only beautifully presented but also packed with flavor. Every dish was fresh, creative, and cooked to perfection. You can really tell that a lot of care goes into both the ingredients and the presentation.
The service was just as impressive. The staff were professional, attentive, and genuinely willing to help with recommendations and make sure we had everything we needed throughout the meal. They struck the perfect balance between being attentive without being intrusive.
If you’re looking for a place with amazing food, excellent service, and a welcoming atmosphere, this is definitely worth a visit. We’ll absolutely be coming back. Highly recommended!
We had such a great experience at Brunchit! I ordered the Avocado Feast, and my husband had the smashed croissant with avocado and poached egg. Both dishes were incredibly fresh, flavorful, and absolutely delicious.
The presentation was just as impressive as the taste. If you’re like me and believe that beautiful plating is part of the dining experience, you’ll love this place.
Our waitress was so attentive and welcoming, and the atmosphere was wonderful. We sat on the patio with a lovely view of the square, which made for the perfect relaxing breakfast.
The only disappointing part was that we didn’t get to try the pancakes. We heard they’re amazing, and based on how good everything else was, I have no doubt they live up to the hype. That’s just another reason to come back!
This was our first meal when we arrived in Centre Madrid and it did not disappoint. Fresh ingredients and complex flavors were shared across the table. The fresh juices were delicious and the egg options were perfect. Service was friendly and helpful.
Gluten free bread was available.
We decided to stop here after good reviews for breakfast, and were blown away. I got the Smash Croissant and when I tell you the description and what you imagine doesn’t even come close to how delicious this meal was… I can’t even put it into words. Cristina took amazing care of us and we left happy and full!
Christina was friendly, helpful, and very efficient. She found me a table within seconds and took my order promptly. The menu is excellent for brunch, offering a great variety of options. The savory pancakes were delicious. Although the prices are a bit on the higher side, the portions are very generous, making it good value overall. The interior design is beautiful, modern, and very clean, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
Bar Zarra
| Address | Pl. Mayor, 13, Centro, 28012 Madrid |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM Friday: 11:30 AM – 1:00 AM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 1:00 AM Sunday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | — |
Great atmosphere, but the service was terrible, we had two servers come up to us that were so rude for no reason. Rushed us to order and was rude about it, didn’t go over the menu or say anything after forcing us to order. Andres was amazing!! He was so kind and wonderful and made our experience!
Great view right on plaza mayor! Food was good and decently priced!
Amazing place to sit and have a few drinks. The food was okay and the drinks were great. The best part was sitting and watching the people and the view. The service was great and servers were attentive.
After our lunch at San Miguel Market, we strolled for just 5 minutes to reach Cafe Bar Zarra located inside Plaza Mayor. It was a perfect spot for people watching while enjoying a relaxing afternoon sangria. We opted for some small dishes to accompany our drinks. It was decent, not too pricey and had a pleasant atmosphere. Overall, it was a nice stop for a casual drink and snack.
You’re paying for the view. Don’t expect hot food, good drinks or good service. It’s fine if you know what this place is. This afternoon we ordered sangria and fried anchovies. The anchovies were fresh but very cold as they had likely been sitting out waiting to be served. The sangria was nothing special. We wanted to order dinner but opted out after it took over an hour to get what we did get. The only server I saw that was providing excellent service was the gentleman in a hat. We weren’t fortunate enough to get him as our server.
Gustos Madrid Plaza Mayor
| Address | Pl. Mayor, 8, Centro, 28012 Madrid |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 11:30 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 11:30 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 11:30 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 11:30 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 11:30 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:30 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Phone | 913 66 40 30 |
The food here was good, and the view during sunset at dinner was even better. We appreciated the service and menu recommendations from our server, Brayan. We really liked the prawns and pork belly.
A good option near Plaza Mayor. The service was excellent — friendly, attentive and efficient throughout our meal.
The food was good overall, though not particularly exceptional. Some dishes were more memorable than others.
The atmosphere was lively and pleasant. Overall, a nice experience in a very central location.
Absolutely amazing experience! The food was outstanding—fresh, full of flavour, and beautifully presented. Ricardo provided exceptional customer service, making us feel so welcome from the moment we arrived. He was friendly, attentive, and went above and beyond to ensure everything was perfect. Highly recommend, and we’ll definitely be coming back!
Delicious food, we had chicken and vegetable paella, and the spaghetti carbonara, with a glass each of tinto de verano (red wine and lemon soda, very refreshing). The drinks came with complimentary olives which had a lovely, slight spicy edge. We sat in the underground dining room, it was beautiful and cool, with great music. We're tourists and ate at about 6.30pm so had the place entirely to ourselves. Highly recommend!
Jasmine was absolutely wonderful. She was professional, kind, attentive, and made the whole experience so enjoyable. Her service was exceptional from start to finish, and she went above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect. She has such a warm and welcoming attitude, and her attention to detail truly stands out. Thank you, Jasmine, for making our visit so memorable. Highly recommended!
Arrabal Madrid
| Address | Pl. Mayor, 23, Centro, 28012 Madrid |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 AM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 AM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 AM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 AM Friday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 AM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 AM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 AM |
| Phone | 918 62 94 89 |
I visited Arrabal Madrid for breakfast, and it was a great experience. The restaurant is located right in the middle of Plaza Mayor, making it a perfect place to enjoy the atmosphere.
I ordered the English Breakfast, which included a fresh juice and a coffee in the price. I don’t drink coffee, so the waiter kindly offered me extra juice instead. It wasn’t necessary, but I really appreciated the gesture. I also ordered a large salad with eggs and olives, and it was absolutely delicious.
The waiter spoke excellent English and was friendly, attentive, and very helpful throughout my visit. This is exactly how great service should be. Thank you for the wonderful experience, and I wish you many happy and satisfied customers.
Sitting out on the terrace overlooking Plaza Mayor is definitely a bit touristy, but it makes for a nice way to spend an evening. Arrabal is known for cachopo and it was definitely worth ordering. Be warned - it is a huge portion and definitely enough for two people. The oxtail tacos and the fried eggplant were also tasty: however, the chocolate cake may have been the star of the evening. Daniel and Antono took very good care of us.
Nice location in the plaza. Clean table and nice cooling water spray in summer. The staff named Angelo was very kind and the food was great. We had a good meal.
Had a very enjoyable dining experience at Arrabal. The restaurant offers a vibrant yet elegant atmosphere, combining modern style with the lively energy of central Madrid.
One of the highlights is the ambience and interior design. The space feels stylish, modern, and welcoming, with a comfortable setup that works well for both casual meals and social gatherings. The atmosphere is lively without being overwhelming, creating a pleasant and relaxed dining environment.
The food was excellent, with dishes that were fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. I especially appreciated the creativity of the menu and the quality of the ingredients. The combination of traditional Spanish influences with modern presentation made the dining experience feel refined yet approachable.
The drinks and overall presentation also added positively to the experience, making it a great place not only for dining but also for enjoying the social atmosphere of Madrid. The service was attentive, professional, and friendly throughout the visit. Staff members were welcoming and ensured that everything was handled smoothly.
Another positive aspect was the location, which is convenient and surrounded by the lively atmosphere of central Madrid, making it easy to include as part of an evening out.
Overall, a memorable and satisfying restaurant experience with quality food, modern atmosphere, and excellent service. Arrabal Madrid Restaurante is highly recommended for anyone looking to enjoy stylish dining in Madrid.
Laura was wonderful to invite us in Arrabal! She took our order very nicely, explained everything to our desire! She is a sweet person. Recommend Arrabel to everyone who is visiting Madrid and look for Laura the charming lady who makes the place very lively!
Teapots Madrid tienda y salón de té
| Address | C. de Postas, 26, Centro, 28012 Madrid |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM Thursday: 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM Friday: 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM Saturday: 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM Sunday: 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM |
| Phone | 913 64 21 21 |
What a wonderful discovery. Small, calm, peaceful cafe and shop with highest quality offerings. Tea of many varieties chosen and prepared by knowledgeable owner and staff. Sublime cakes made in house - we had carrot cake and chocolate cake, each delicateand full of flavor. Everything is served with care and attention to esthetic appreciation.
My husband and I haven't yet tried wine or food. The owner is an experienced wine importer and exporter so we look forward to sampling some of his selections.UPDATE: enjoyed wine and a snack.
In nice weather there are a few outdoor seats.
What a treasure! If you are either a tea or fine dessert aficionado, you are in luck. Teapots' tea selection is expertly curated by one of the two founders who is capable of matching the subtleties of your preferences with the perfect tea to either drink on premises or take home to steep at a time of your choosing. The other founder is a professional baker who dedicates many hours/days in optimizing flavor and texture of each delectable dessert prior to offering it to Teapots' customers. I cannot say enough about how truly spectacular the cafe's Basque cheesecake is. I've enjoyed Basque cheesecake on the Northern Coast, but this is something that goes beyond those experiences. A unique melding of 4 different types of cheese produce just the right amount of mild sweetness combined with an unforgettable umami "how did he do that?" taste.
Great experience, would recommend this place. Best matcha and mochi I ate over my stay in Madrid, and I tried a lot😆Quiet, cozy environment and friendly staff. They have a wide variety of teas to choose from with really well made desserts and some savoury options. Besides a great experience to sit and enjoy the well made food and drinks, you could also buy high quality loose tea and matcha from them to take and prepare at home, as well as some tea accessories. If you're still choosing and wondering where to go, just go there, you won't regret it. 😊 🍵 🍡
A nice little tea shop with many dessert selections. I’m gonna comment on two parts: the tea and the mochi.
The reason I’m giving it a five is because the ambiance is decent, the service is great, and everything is very organized. This is a very ideal place for tourists, especially after a long walk around plaza mayor.
That being said, i was tempted to give it a four star as I think the price is at higher end if you are living in Madrid. The mochi(good taste by the way)is a bit dry and as a mochi maker myself, I would recommend other pastries. Plus, it is at a whopping 4 euro plus, for me it doesn’t really add up. The skin has dried up a bit and loose touch on the home-made stickiness.
But overall, I would recommend this place if you want some quiet time for yourself.
AMAZING and authentic matcha, mochi, pastry, and cake experience!!! Hand made desserts and food by chefs- get the queso and jamón croissant, and at least one of the mochi if you want to be happy forever 😊 Amazing service, kind and understanding staff, and clear direction for those with allergies. A MUST visit for those in Madrid, a hidden gem tucked away behind Plaza Mayor!
Loca Obsesión Sol | Brunch Madrid
| Address | C. de Bordadores, 2, Centro, 28013 Madrid |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | 913 19 74 56 |
We went there as a couple only looking for some great cocktails (one of their strongest points) and sweets.
Ainoha who served us was very accommodating and willing to go above and beyond. 5 stars for her.
What we did not appreciate - hence my low rating:
- we had to wait at least 20 minutes. For good restaurants that’s understandable. However there were 4 seats available upstairs (two at the bar, two at a free table). 5 people waiting before us, none of them seated - nor us - at these free seats. When we finally got seated downstairs there were two other free tables with 4 more free seats.
- the cocktail guy (or girl 🤍) was free today. So they had no cocktails. Unacceptable for such a busy place in the middle of Madrid
- we had two of the menu’s stars: the pistachio pancakes and the cinnamon rolls. The pancakes were a disappointment for me - three pancakes, good looking, with a bit of pistachio frosting and icecream on top. But tasteless otherwise. I would not recommend. I appreciated the roll - very sweet for my husband yet ok for me.
- very difficult to drink coffee out of the very nice looking cups
I would definitely not recommend nor come again.
This breakfast spot was absolutely incredible!! We just needed a place that opened early before we left for the airport, and we were very happy for an 8am opening. My daughter had the burger (yes, for breakfast, and she wasn’t the only one!) and I had the French toast. I didn’t get to taste the burger because it was completely gone before I had a chance to ask for a bite. But the French toast, besides the beautiful display, came with a little scoop of ice cream that nicely replaced the need for syrup, plus fresh strawberries and blueberries and a caramelized banana. The details were so nicely done. Even my cappuccino was so beautifully crafted! I cannot recommend this place enough. Every food item that came out to other tables looks delicious and I’m sending my other daughter here when she studies in Madrid next semester!
It’s a popular tourist spot, so it’s usually bustling with visitors, partly because of its reputation and the hype surrounding it. The atmosphere is lively, but it definitely feels quite touristy.
The food is decent overall, although the menu leans heavily toward desserts. One thing I didn’t particularly like is their practice of encouraging customers to leave a five-star review at the end of the meal. When it seems to be a standard part of the experience, it takes away some of the authenticity and usefulness of the reviews when deciding whether to visit. The approach to tipping also felt a bit excessive.
Overall, the food is decent, but considering the crowds and potential wait, I’m not sure the experience is worth the hype.
Brunch here ! Such a good spot. Amazing food, service, and I loved the vibes/ decor.
The salmon Benedict was super fresh, and the potato waffle with truffle mushroom is a must if you love mushrooms. The Pistachio Obsession café was creamy, aesthetic, and honestly so good.
Alejandro gave great service, friendly, attentive, and made the whole experience even better. Would definitely go back.
This place had a bit of a wait, but i think it was worth it. Its very nice and cozy inside. The staff is nice and friendly. The food was excellent. The latte was delicious. The Spanish omelet was super yummy. It basically reminds me of potatoes au gratin wrapped with a thin sheet of egg. I got mine with pork belly and it was delicious and filling for me. We ordered the French toast by mistake but it worked out for us. It was absolutely delicious. The toast was soft, sweet, and flavorful, the ice cream and fresh berries made it all come together nicely. The prices are reasonable. I would definitely come back, and i would make this a must visit.
Tips for Enjoying Cafes Near Plaza Mayor
Navigating the coffee culture in central Madrid requires a bit of local knowledge to ensure you get the best experience without paying inflated tourist prices. The rhythm of the day here is different from other European capitals, and knowing when and how to order will significantly enhance your visit. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind when exploring the coffee scene around the square.
Understand the Bar vs. Table Pricing
In most traditional Spanish cafes, you will notice two price lists. One is for standing at the bar (barra), and the other is for sitting at a table (mesa) or on the terrace (terraza). The difference can be significant, sometimes doubling the price of a simple coffee. If you are on a budget or in a hurry, do as the locals do: order at the bar, drink your coffee standing up, and move on. If you want to sit, you are paying a premium for the real estate and the view.
Mind the Breakfast Hours
Spaniards generally eat a light breakfast, often just a coffee and a pastry, between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM. Cafes near Plaza Mayor can get incredibly crowded during this window, especially on weekends. If you want a quieter experience, visit in the late afternoon, around 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, when the lunch rush has died down but before the evening tapas crawl begins. This is the perfect time for a merienda (afternoon snack) with a coffee.
Know Your Coffee Lingo
While many baristas in central Madrid speak English, knowing a few key terms will make your order smoother. A café solo is an espresso. A cortado is an espresso cut with a splash of milk. A café con leche is half coffee, half hot milk. If you prefer cold milk with your espresso, ask for a café con leche fría or an iced latte. For specialty shops, the terms "flat white" and "cold brew" are universally understood.
Look for the "Tostado" Date
If you are visiting a specialty coffee shop, look for bags of beans that display a roasting date. You want beans that have been roasted within the last two to four weeks. This indicates the cafe takes freshness seriously. If a place is selling beans without a roast date, they are likely not as focused on quality as they claim to be.
Carry Cash for Small Purchases
While most modern cafes accept credit cards, some of the smaller, more traditional bars and roasters near Plaza Mayor have a minimum spend for card transactions, often around 5 to 10 euros. If you are just grabbing a quick espresso for 1.50 euros, they may insist on cash. Always have a few coins or a small bill in your pocket to avoid an awkward situation.
The area around Plaza Mayor is a constant dialogue between the past and the present. One moment you are looking at frescoes from the 17th century, and the next you are sipping a single-origin pour-over brewed with precision. This contrast is what makes the neighborhood so compelling for coffee lovers; you are never far from a piece of history or a perfect cup.
Ultimately, the best cafe is the one that fits your specific needs at that moment. Whether you need a quick jolt of caffeine before hitting the museums or a shaded terrace to rest your feet, the options listed above provide the very best that this historic heart of Madrid has to offer.
