Madrid’s Plaza Mayor is more than just a photogenic square framed by ochre frescoes and wrought-iron balconies. It is the pulsing heart of the old city, a place where history, street performance, and the aroma of sizzling garlic converge. For visitors, the cobblestone streets radiating from this 400-year-old arcade are a labyrinth of culinary opportunity.
However, dining directly on the square often comes with a trade-off: premium prices for tourist menus that rarely reflect the true soul of Spanish cooking. The savvy traveler knows that the magic lies in the narrow side streets just a few minutes’ walk away. Here, you will find where Madrileños actually gather to share plates of jamón, pour vermouth, and argue over the best tortilla.
The area surrounding Plaza Mayor is a gastronomic melting pot. You can find century-old taverns where the walls are stained with the smoke of a thousand meals, standing next to modern gastro-bars reinventing Castilian classics. Whether you are hunting for the crispiest calamari sandwich or a slow-roasted suckling pig, this neighborhood delivers.
Understanding the local dining schedule is essential for your visit. Lunch typically begins late, around 1:30 PM, and dinner rarely starts before 8:30 PM. Many traditional kitchens close between these windows, so planning your sightseeing around meal times is the key to avoiding a disappointing snack of stale tapas.
Price varies wildly within a five-minute walk. You can spend a fortune on a white-tablecloth experience or a few euros on a beer and a tapa at a standing bar. The quality of food is not always tied to the price tag; often, the oldest, most worn-out wooden bar is serving the most memorable flavors.
To help you navigate the maze of options, we have curated a list of the absolute best places to eat near this historic landmark. These selections prioritize authentic flavors, local atmosphere, and the kind of hospitality that makes Madrid unforgettable. You will find options for every budget and craving, from seafood to traditional stews.
These are the spots worth leaving the square for.
Arrabal Madrid
| Address | Pl. Mayor, 23, Centro, 28012 Madrid |
|---|---|
| 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!
Gustos Madrid Plaza Mayor
| Address | Pl. Mayor, 8, Centro, 28012 Madrid |
|---|---|
| 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!
La Chata Mayor
| Address | Pl. Mayor, 7, Centro, 28012 Madrid |
|---|---|
| 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 | — |
Slow service all the way
Good. Very nice
Lovely place and atmosphere, very nice people and amazing food!
Amazing food and service! Highly recommend!
Excellent food
Restaurante DCorazon
| Address | Pl. Mayor, 30, Centro, 28012 Madrid |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 11:30 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 11:30 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 11:30 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 11:30 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 11:30 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 11:30 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | 910 69 57 43 |
The food is phenomenal! We ate the entrecot which was delicious! The employers were very kind, respectful and service-minded. I recommend to everyone to come to DCorazon.
After buying three items from their menu, we were kicked out once they noticed I had a product from another restaurant. It was incredibly embarrassing to be treated that way in front of the other diners. They should have warned us before we ordered, rather than waiting until afterward to throw us out like trash.
The food was nice, and they definitely do not shy out on the portions. But what truly made this spot truly memorable was the incredible service. Set in one of Madrid’s most beautiful squares, the restaurant is full of history and charm, and you can feel its rich heritage the moment you arrive. It has such a welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel genuinely welcome.
The hospitality was exceptional. This is a family establishment and that’s exactly how it feels dining there. I was looked after with such genuine warmth and kindness. I walked in expecting a meal and walked out with some of the nicest Madrid hidden gems, recommendations and tips from someone whose family has been in Madrid for three generations. It was an act of kindness I’ll always remember and something you simply don’t expect.
This is a place that truly reflects the heart of Madrid. If you’re looking for authentic hospitality in a beautiful historic setting, this is somewhere I’d recommend without hesitation.
Stopped in for a quick meal and was very satisfied. I’m used to more seasoning, but the service was amazing! Drinks were great. Entrees left something to be desired, but the cheese sauce, fries, drinks are fantastic!
Overpriced but youre paying for sitting at the square i guess. Food was still nice, just small portions and could get nicer elsewhere. People will come up to you for money and things too.
Restaurant La Campana
| Address | C. de Botoneras, 6, Centro, 28012 Madrid |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | 911 03 49 32 |
I’m going to be so honest, I do not understand what all this hype about this sandwich was. I read all the good reviews and expected to be met with a tasty sandwich but once I sank my teeth into the sub, it told a different story. The bread roll was cold, the calamari was bland and you could tell it was not freshly fried, and to top it all off, the sandwich was dry. I understand that this might be the traditional way to serve the sandwich but I must be honest, it was not that enjoyable. Patatas bravas was alright, a pretty sizable portion, definitely more flavourful than the calamari sandwich 🤷♀️🤷♀️ As a tourist, I’d say try it to say you’ve tried it, but it’s not the end of the world if you don’t, because it’s a mediocre sandwich
A hidden gem. This place does one thing and one thing well. If you want to eat inside. Line up behind the red felt poles. If you want take out go the the door to the right. Once in they will tell you where to sit. You will then need to read the menu on the wall and walk up to the counter and order. Definitely get the El bocadillo de calamares. (Calamary Sandwhich) ask for a lemon wedge and get some olives as well.
I first came across this place in the Spain edition of Lonely Planet, which described it as “a spot worth trying.” So after visiting a museum one afternoon, we decided to check it out. The menu is simple—the most famous item, of course, is their fried calamari sandwich. I also ordered the patatas bravas after noticing almost every table had them. A small portion of olives was served on the side.
Overall, the sandwich that caught our interest truly lived up to its reputation. The calamari rings were fresh and pleasantly chewy. Although it’s called a sandwich, it’s actually closer in size to a small baguette—quite a generous portion for a very affordable price, offering great value. The only catch is that the sandwich doesn’t come with sauce by default; it relies on the seasoning of the calamari itself (salted, and slightly on the salty side). If you’d like extra flavor, you can ask for condiments like fresh lemon, mayo, or the same spicy sauce used on the patatas bravas. The bravas themselves were decent—nothing extraordinary, but they did the job. The olives were a nice touch, helping cut through the oiliness. That said, the sandwich can be a bit dry, so pairing it with a drink is definitely recommended. All in all, a place well worth a visit!
P.S. They also offer takeout service, though the line for that can be a bit long.
An absolute must-visit in Madrid! We arrived around 12:30 PM and were pleasantly surprised that we only had to wait a few minutes to get a spot, which is impressive given how popular this place is.
We ordered the classic fried calamari sandwich (bocadillo de calamares) and the pimientos, and both were fantastic. The calamari was fresh and perfectly fried, and the peppers were a great accompaniment.
Between the excellent food quality and the fair prices, it’s easy to see why this spot is a local favorite. Definitely worth a stop for an authentic taste of the city! 👍
You MUST try the fried squid sandwich from La Campana. This iconic sandwich is typical Madrilenian cuisine, and it’s just so good.
Juicy and perfectly-tender breaded and deep-fried squid rings are packed into a small baguette. It’s served right away, so it’s fresh and warm. Top it with lemon juice and—of course—alioli (delicious Spanish garlic mayonnaise), and it’s just divine.
Know that this place is always packed. Whether you’d like to dine in and enjoy a vintage Spanish bar experience or get it to go, be prepared to wait in line. But, once you order, the sandwiches come super fast.
With fantastic sandwiches that cost less than 5 euros each, you’ll want to come back to this place again and again.
Mesón del Champiñón
| Address | Cava de San Miguel, 17, Centro, 28005 Madrid |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM Friday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM |
| Phone | 915 59 67 90 |
We dropped in for a snack because we heard they had the best mushrooms in Madrid. It's true.
They've een grilling mushrooms since 1964 and now do over a ton per week. The caps are filled with Chorizo, garlic and parsley with some olive oil. They serve each mushrooms with two toothpicks you squeeze together to pick them up to eat.
We also tried their roasted pepper with tuna, like the mushrooms they were excellent.
The restaurant is located in an old building that served an one of Madrid's prisons. It then became a winery before the current restaurant in 1964.
Definitely a great snack opportunity.
A very cozy, family-style café specializing in mushrooms, and they truly do them well. The atmosphere is warm and lively, though moderately loud at times, and the service can be a bit slow — but the food makes it worthwhile.
We tried the mushrooms with ham, their signature dish, and they were absolutely delicious — perfectly cooked, flavorful, and clearly the highlight of the visit. We also ordered Padrón peppers, similar to shishito peppers, which were simple, well-prepared, and very enjoyable.
Overall, a charming spot with tasty food and a welcoming vibe. A great place to visit if you’re a fan of mushrooms and traditional Spanish flavors.
I tried their mushroom dish and it wasn’t really to my taste. The mushrooms seemed fresh, but I found the flavor quite mild and less seasoned than I personally prefer. I can see that others may enjoy this style, but it didn’t quite work for me.
The atmosphere is quite nice
Very fast service, fastest yet in Madrid. We had some mushrooms, squid rings and chorizo. The sausage was really good as well as the muschrooms, and the squid rings not so much. It wasnt expencive tho, we paid 41 euros for all that and one drink. Mushroom portion is kinda small, maybe its for one person, but combined with something else it becomes enough. I would recommend you going here because it isn't your typical food place.
very old and well-known spot right in the heart of Madrid, but overall a bit underwhelming. The food wasn’t bad, but definitely not great—very basic, medium-quality dishes with nothing particularly memorable. Given that, the 4.4 rating feels somewhat overrated.
Service and atmosphere were fine, but nothing stood out there either. It’s one of those places you visit more for the location and history than for the actual culinary experience.
Overall, not a bad stop, but with so many great food options in Madrid, there are definitely better choices around.
Cervecería Jacinta
| Address | Pl. Mayor, 4, Centro, 28012 Madrid |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | 912 53 51 91 |
Had a wonderful time visiting Cervecería Jacinta with my family! The atmosphere was great, and the food was top-notch—the burger in particular was absolutely amazing. Special shoutout to our waiter, Jesús, who was brilliant and made our experience extra special. 5 stars all around, we’ll definitely be back!
We had a good experience at plaza mayor. We ordered a Margarita pizza and a paella marisco ofc w a white wine. It was delicious. We’ve got the best view and a good service from Ate Joy. She is a Filipina and served us with a heart. Love itttt! Look for her! She will give you the best service you could ever receive! ❤️
Reus was our Server and he was very active around us and our orders even though it was very full and he had a lot of tables to attend to. The seafood paella was extremely tasty and I would order it again and would recommend anyone who comes to this place to try it!! Also the menu ist huge and you have alot to choose from.
We came for dinner and had a great time. The food was really good. We order seafood paella and pella mixta along with grilled octopus and calamari. Everything was superb except for the chicken in the paella mixta, so I would avoid that dish.
Also our server Jesus was so helpful, nice and polite.
I would give this place a 4/5 review for it’s atmosphere and ambience during our dinner when we were visiting Madrid. It is conveniently located in the Plaza Mayor so it’s relatively close to the spots you would also want to see while exploring Madrid. The food was okay. I ordered seafood paella. The taste was okay and portion was adequate. I’ll give credit to the service as it was efficient and pleasant during our time.
Los Galayos
| Address | C. de Botoneras, 5, Centro, 28012 Madrid |
|---|---|
| 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 | 913 66 30 28 |
Lovely restaurant just off the bottom right corner of plaza Mayor. We had Torreznos, croquettas, albóndigas and lamb chops followed by torrijas for pudding. We definitely over ordered but it was absolutely delicious. Service was excellent. Would highly recommend this place.
We had an amazing lunch at Los Galayos. The suckling pig and the arroz negro were absolutely delicious. Great selection of wines. Friendly and attentive service. Highly recommend!!!
Tonight we ate at Los Galayos for the second time. The first was for tapas 2 days ago, which were so good that we came back for dinner. Our waiter Cristian was amazing. He made some fantastic suggestions that made for an incredible evening. The food was exceptional and the atmosphere was ideal for us. We would come back if we had more time. You must try the suckling pig. OMG! The house liquor, a mixture of cinnamon, apricots and 2 other liquors is magical.
Today I came to this restaurant and had a very nice experience. The place was clean and comfortable, and the atmosphere felt welcoming. Cristian and Christian the waiters, were very kinds and helpful. They greeted me with a smile, took my order quickly, and made sure everything was good. Their friendly attitude made my visit even more enjoyable. I really appreciated the good service and the pleasant time I spent here.
The grilled steak was tough. the waiter with eyeglasses was rude. But the food except the steak were amazing. The ambiance is wonderful. I still recommend this restaurant. Maybe the waiter was having a bad day.
Bar Zarra
| Address | Pl. Mayor, 13, Centro, 28012 Madrid |
|---|---|
| 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.
Metro Bistro
| Address | C. Imperial, 3, Centro, 28012 Madrid |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 12:00 – 5:00 PM, 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 12:00 – 5:00 PM, 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 12:00 – 5:00 PM, 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM Friday: 12:00 – 5:00 PM, 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 12:00 – 5:00 PM, 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 12:00 – 5:00 PM, 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | 913 66 33 19 |
Best meal we had in Madrid so far. Had the tasting menu and of the 7 courses served, 6 were outstanding and 1 was "only" excellent. Each dish raised the bar.
Great value too. Waitress was nice, in fact all the staff we interacted with seemed nice.
We had lovely dinner at the beginning of the evening. The atmosphere was nice, food was good and prices were friendly for Madrid at this time.
Arrived at noon, and the restaurant has just opened. We were the first customers for lunch, therefor a bit low on the atmosphere. The service was excellent tho, nice and friendly.
The food qas beautifully presented. The cuisson of the cod was good. We also enjoyed the steak tartare. Overall a nice lunch.
Outstanding food quality and a great selection of local wines paired with very friendly service made for a very pleasant dinner experience.
The only thing I did not enjoy was that they lit incense next to the toilets. The smell carried into the dining area and (being a smell sensitive person) that has a negative impact on my experience. There was also a lot of noise from the bar area carrying into the dining area. As this is a very subjective experience which will most likely not affect the majority of people, I am still giving 5 stars overall for the great food and service experience.
Everything was wonderful and perfect. The atmosphere is so smooth and fascinating. The foods are very delicious and the workers are so kind. Also, you should try the Humus in this place. It was so delicious.
Casa Castaña | Restaurant in Plaza Mayor Madrid
| Address | Pl. Mayor, 35, Centro, 28012 Madrid |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Friday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | — |
The staff was nice but heavily overworked. Whoever owns this restaurant needs to get better routines and procedures in. Long wait, annoyed customers, the staff were so friendly but they were understaffed for sure. As an experienced restaurant worker, tables were full of empty plates, empty glasses, cables everywhere loose on the umbrella, broken glasses on the floor, dirt and napkins on the terrace. I hope for the people working there that this review will make the owner getting some routines and procedures in place. Way too expensive for the poor quality of experience and food.
We're so glad that the gentleman outdoors instructed us to have lunch here. He, in fact, was the waiter as well. Truly a very nice gentleman who was very attentive. He brought Papas Fritas to our table, and they were perfectly crunchy with the right amount of salt. Then we ordered both the Txistorra Vasca and Patatas Bravas De La Casa tapas as our lunch entrees. The Txistorra Vasca was meaty, salty and very flavorful, and the Patatas Bravas De La Casa were perfectly fried and the sauces made the potatoes that much more flavorful. Then the waiter brought freshly baked pan to the table which was perfectly crunchy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside. Also, it was perfect for cleaning up the extra sauce on my plate.
Absolutely brilliant meal here. Ari was a fantastic waitress and really looked after us. The only down side was the amount of peddlers coming up to our table but these were mostly dealt with by staff.
I had a terrible experience here, firstly we got ushered in by a member of staff. The food was good however cheaper options that are just as nice, but the service was terrible , for example we waited around 50 minutes for drinks and had to ask 6 different members of staff until we got them and an hour for food. We also ordered another round of drinks that never came. In addition the bill was wrong and they tried to charge us for food we didn’t order. We were also disturbed by people trying to sell us stuff and putting it items on our table and the staff were oblivious to it all.
Avoid this place! First of all the restaurant was empty when we were seated. We waited around 10 min. for the menu. Nobody passed by. We looked behind us and we took a menu that was lying around from a dirty table. After we ordered we had to wait for over 30 min. for the food (we only ordered two Tapas). My shrimps weren't fresh at all and my boyfriends meatballs were still raw inside. Nobody came and checked on us - therefore we could not send the food back! After eating we wanted to pay and we waited 20 min. AGAIN! After that my boyfriend stood up to find a server so he could pay and all of the four servers were at the bar talking and chilling. They did not even notice him. He had to ask them if he could pay.
Try to find another restaurant. This one was not good at all!
Gloria Bendita
| Address | Calle de Santiago, 3, Centro, 28013 Madrid |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM Friday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM |
| Phone | 640 17 04 16 |
We had Catalina as our server and our experience was amazing! She was so knowledgeable about the menu and just a good server overall. The food was also amazing, we got 2 different croquettes, the bao buns, and the steak and it was all delicious. Highly recommend this spot!
The location is really nice and the servers are friendly. The fish was not good. The burger and pork cheeks were good though. The bacalao with beets was really bad. The fish had no seasoning at all, not even salt. The beet puree was a strange pudding texture. The fact that two of us didn’t finish our food should have told them it wasn’t good. Also, we ordered the tartar (mango and avocados) but instead we received the Russian salad. It was good though.
We stopped here for tapas after our tour of the Palace, based on the reviews. Excellent food, good service, and we were seated looking out the window, so we could watch people going by. I highly recommend this location. Food is great!
Menu is available via QR code and in five different languages. Staff easily spoke Spanish and English with us
Delicious food! I ordered the artichokes with jamon and the pork cheek stew. Both of them were exceptional. The stew had a very hearty and homemade feeling.
The portions were quite large, so they can definitely be shared between 2. For those 2+ a bottle of water and bread I paid 43€ (no tip included), but as I said the portions are large enough to share.
I visited solo, so it was easy to find a table, but I wouldn't suggest going at peak hours without a reservation if you have a group of 2+.
The staff speaks English and the dark haired waitress with the glasses was very polite and welcoming.
Gloria Bendita was the first restaurant we chose as we touched down in Madrid. We were looking for a place that we could sit outside, enjoy a nice warm welcoming atmosphere, and have some phenomenal traditional Spanish food. They exceeded our expectations with all of the above. What made it even more special was our waitress, Rocio. She was welcoming, very friendly and accommodating. If you’re looking for a place that has great steak, seafood, and sangria, this is your place.
Tips for Dining Near Plaza Mayor
Navigating the dining scene in a heavily touristed area like this requires a bit of local knowledge. While the restaurants listed above will guarantee a great meal, knowing how to approach the experience will make it even better. Here is how to eat like a local and avoid the common pitfalls of dining near a major tourist attraction.
Skip the Paella on the Square
If a restaurant on the Plaza Mayor itself is displaying large photographs of paella in the window, it is usually a sign of a tourist trap. Paella is a regional dish from Valencia, and while you can find good versions in Madrid, they are rarely found on the main square. Instead, look for Madrileño specialties like cocido madrileño (a hearty chickpea stew) or bocadillo de calamares (fried squid sandwich).
Embrace the Bar Experience
You do not always need a table to eat well. Many of the best places in this area are standing-room-only taverns. Ordering a caña (small draft beer) or a glass of vermouth at the bar and grabbing a tapa is the most authentic way to eat. It is faster, cheaper, and often much more atmospheric than sitting in a dining room.
Look for the Menu del Día at Lunch
If you are eating a large meal between 1:30 PM and 3:30 PM, look for the Menú del Día. This fixed-price lunch menu usually includes a starter, a main course, dessert, and a drink. It is the best value in the city, often costing between 12 and 18 euros, even in the center. It allows you to try high-end cooking at a fraction of the dinner price.
Beware of the "Tapas Tour" Combo
If a restaurant is offering a "Tapas Tour" or "Tourist Menu" with a picture of a bullfighter outside, keep walking. These are often pre-frozen or microwaved meals. The best tapas bars near Plaza Mayor will have a menu in Spanish written on a chalkboard or a glass case showing the fresh ingredients of the day.
Reservations are for Dinner, Not Lunch
If you have your heart set on a specific trendy restaurant for dinner, book ahead. However, if you are just looking for lunch, walking in is usually fine. Locals eat lunch in shifts, and if a place is full, simply wait ten minutes or walk two doors down to the next tavern—chances are it is equally good.
The true pleasure of dining near Plaza Mayor lies in the wandering. Do not be afraid to step away from the main arteries like Calle Mayor and get lost in the smaller alleys, such as those near Cava Baja or the Plaza de la Villa. It is in these tight corners where the noise of the crowds fades and the clinking of glasses takes over.
Whether you are stopping for a quick bite between museum visits or settling in for a long, leisurely dinner, this historic district offers a taste of the real Madrid. Come hungry, be curious, and let the flavors of the old city guide your steps.
