After exploring the masterpieces housed within the Paseo del Prado’s architectural gem, the hunger for a different kind of art often begins. The area surrounding the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum is a gastronomic tapestry as rich and varied as the paintings hanging on its walls. From century-old taverns serving traditional Spanish fare to contemporary bistros pushing culinary boundaries, the neighborhood offers a deep well of dining options.
Navigating the bustling streets of Madrid’s "Golden Triangle of Art" can be overwhelming, especially when time is limited and your feet ache from gallery floors. The last thing a traveler needs is to wander into a generic tourist trap with inflated prices and lackluster paella. You deserve a meal that respects the cultural weight of the neighborhood, offering authenticity and quality in equal measure.
The local dining scene here is heavily influenced by a blend of Madrileño tradition and international sophistication. Given the museum’s location at the intersection of the Barrio de las Letras and the upscale Salamanca district, you are uniquely positioned to access both historic taverns and Michelin-starred kitchens. The key is knowing which doors to walk through.
Whether you are seeking a quick, high-quality tapas crawl or a leisurely multi-course lunch with a robust wine list, this guide is curated to save you time and enhance your visit. We have prioritized restaurants based on consistency, ingredient sourcing, and their ability to cater to both locals and discerning international visitors.
Understanding that museum fatigue often requires immediate gratification, we have focused heavily on locations within a comfortable 10 to 15-minute walk. However, we have also included a few establishments slightly further afield that are absolutely worth the extra steps for a truly memorable dining experience.
We have evaluated the atmosphere, service speed, and price-to-quality ratio to ensure you can find the perfect fit for your itinerary. From the perfect tortilla de patata to innovative seafood rice dishes, the variety here ensures that every palate and dietary requirement is met with enthusiasm.
Below is a curated selection of the finest dining establishments in the vicinity, ranging from historic institutions to modern culinary hotspots. These restaurants have been selected for their dedication to hospitality and their ability to provide a genuine taste of Madrid’s culinary identity.
Bodega de los Secretos
| Address | Calle de San Blas, 4, Centro, 28014 Madrid |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 1:30 PM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 1:30 PM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 1:30 PM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 1:30 PM – 12:00 AM Friday: 1:30 PM – 1:00 AM Saturday: 1:30 PM – 1:00 AM Sunday: 1:30 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | 914 29 03 96 |
Saez Munoz (review prior to mine) said it all. Food was tasty, not particularly special nor memorable, service was lacking in engagement, Atmosphere = you should go.
Service wasn’t bad, but we expect excitement about recommendations and an acknowledging glance whenever they pass. We could feel something lacking, even without any issues. A bit underwhelming. Especially for the price.
Overall a good experience but it lacked excellence because of a couple of minor issues which for the reputation the restaurant has and it’s on the Michelin Guide should not have happened. The welcome was warm and the table was perfect. We ordered our starters and one was the croquettes. Unfortunately these were simply placed on the table in a bowl with no attempt made at decoration etc, felt like we were in a normal Tapas bar rather than a restaurant, they were also served whilst our drinks were being poured. The other starter was presented well though cutlery was also present on the plate despite the table setting. The main course we both chose the sirloin and this dish tasted very good but needed some colour on the plate. The coffee ordered with dessert was missing though we were not charged. Our expectation was high and these minor points bring our rating down which is disappointing so hopefully the team can work with this feedback as we would not hesitate to recommend the restaurant. Also being a fan of history the staff did not make any attempt to offer a tour of the restaurant which I think would appeal to a lot of customers
Bodega de los Secretos is one of the most unique dining experiences in Madrid. From the moment you walk in, it feels like you've stepped into an underground castle, with stunning stone archways and historic vaulted chambers creating an unforgettable atmosphere. The ambiance alone makes this restaurant worth visiting.
The staff was friendly, attentive, and made us feel welcome throughout the entire evening. The wine selection was excellent, perfectly complementing an outstanding meal. Every dish was beautifully prepared and absolutely spectacular.
If you're looking for a memorable restaurant that combines incredible food, great wine, exceptional service, and a truly one-of-a-kind setting, Bodega de los Secretos is a must-visit in Madrid.
Everything we ate here was absolutely amazing. Would highly recommend the duck confit! My husband and I would certainly come back when in Madrid. Alexis, our server, was also a star. He was so helpful in giving us recommendations and providing excellent service!!
What a place!
I booked it months ago for me and my wife, and it was amazing! We had really nice place, the girls were so nice to talk to, the speak english really well. We had some croquetes with Iberico ham and tomato burrata for appetisers, and got some homemade bread with vegetable sauce. I was really amazed because bread is something important in our country, it was really nice and crunchy. For main dish she took rice with sea food, and I had grilled pyrenees entrecote and potatoes. The meat was so soft, so juicy, the flavours were amazing! The seafood risotto was also really good according to my wife, fresh, delitious!
We had some vine and there was no space for desert. The price was just little over 100 euros which is more than fair considering the amount of food we had and the place we went to. We will be returning to Bodega 100%!
Taberna El Sur
| Address | C. de la Torrecilla del Leal, 12, Centro, 28012 Madrid |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Friday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | 915 27 83 40 |
Great restaurant with a bar area at the front and tables at the back. The tables for 2 are tiny and you are very close to the next table, we were lucky in that both neighbouring tables were finishing up as we arrived. Service was very efficient. Food was delicious. We had a bottle of wine (16.50),baby squid with salad, tortilla and a beef dish. The squid was so good we ordered a second portion. The bill came to a reasonable 42.40
We had a wonderful time at Taberna El Sur. The service was amazing as was the food. It was very busy, despite being fairly early on a Monday evening, and the crowd looked to be made up of more locals than tourists, which is always a good sign.
We had the iberico plate, moussaka, pork cheeks, octopus and garlic prawns. The only slight miss was that the prawns had a bit of grit in them, though the flavor was great. We tried a number of Spanish wines, each better than the last. Highly recommend.
we had a fantastic experience dining here! first of all, the restaurant is small but cozy and clean, with the staff welcoming us in as soon as we stepped through the door. the menu is english-friendly, so it was easy for us to order traditional spanish food. my favourite was the Chipirones a la plancha, the squid 🦑was seasoned well and cooked to perfection, happiness in every bite! the mayo paired really well with it, as well as the fresh salad. it was also nice to try the ham/mushroom croquetas and Tortilla de Patatas 🥔. the sweet and refreshing sangria was also the perfect drink alongside the dishes on a hot day. the host also gave us complimentary bailey shots after our meal, which was so nice 🫶 really recommend this place if you're looking to try some traditional, authentic spanish food and tapas!!! 💪🍷
We dined here as a group of three and had a great experience. The food was really delicious, and the prices were very reasonable for the quality. The staff were also very friendly and welcoming, which made our meal even more enjoyable. Definitely a great place to enjoy Spanish food in Madrid. Highly recommended!
This was not our first visit to this restaurant. We have been a number of times before, but I decided it was time for an update. This little bar is not a super deluxe dinning establishment, it is a wonderful Taberna with a good range of drinks including vermont on tap, typical of so many bars in Madrid. The wine list is small with a reasonable selection of good priced wines. A wonderful selection of starter and main dishes to enjoy. Don't over order there isn't the space on your table, service is good even when very busy. Tables are small and the stalls for table eating are smaller than most, but don't let this deter you, there is a bench seat against the wall running both sides of the entire length of the dinning area. It always appears to be busy so it can feel a little cramped, but that all adds to the atmosphere. During our meal we spoke to our neigbouring tables on one side a couple from Canada who first visited with their son and this was their second visit. On another table sat 4 young students they dine here regularly. Considering this the age ranges from young 20's , a couple in their 50's and us two young at hart retired 69 & 73 year oldies. I hope this all helps explain the warm welcome and wonderful atmosphere that makes this restaurant our favouite when visiting Madrid and I do suggest you give it a try, but remember it is a bar not a 5star restaurant, but excellent value for money Our bill may not be typical of others but we did go a little overboard with 4 starters between us, 2 mains and a shared desert not to mentioning bottles of wine, water, beer, liquors and coffees. Our total spend does include our tip for the great service.
Taberna El Rincón de Jose
| Address | C. del Duque de Medinaceli, 12, Centro, 28014 Madrid |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 5:00 PM, 7:30 – 11:30 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 5:00 PM, 7:30 – 11:30 PM Friday: 12:00 – 5:00 PM, 7:30 PM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 12:00 – 5:00 PM, 7:30 PM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 12:00 – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | 680 20 65 84 |
A local shop with friendly staff! They have menu with photos for visitors’ easy reading, but some photos not really exactly the same…
And their table is very close to each other, atmosphere is very good but I like more space…
It is a traditional local one that you should try!
Wonderful fresh food, great drinks, and the service was attentive and very nice.
We somehow stumbled into this tapas bar and it impressed us so much. The owner was very efficient and friendly and everything we ordered was great! Especially pleased with the Galatian octopus as it was flavourful and fantastically tender! The iberico cheek was a rare sight on the menu and was a delight to eat with the potato, Demi glaze sauce and bread!
Omg this was sooo good. We started with beers which have been wonderful on this trip though I have no idea what kind they are serve. Then we tried the sangria... chefs kiss...
For food we tried the gambas al ajillo (sauted shrimp) ... so delicious... then the chuletas lechal (fried lamb chops) and the pulpo à la parrilla (grilled octopus) . Fantastic! We finished with manchego cheese platter. Yum.
Overall it was a fantastic experience and Jose could not have been nicer to us.
Highly recommended. If I could give 6 stars I would.
This is a great little taverna that is away from the crowded tourist streets and restaurants of Madrid.
Be prepared to order in Spanish (which just means reading the menu and pointing when in doubt), as the waitress didn’t speak much English. This is also a plus in my book, since the place was more patronized by locals.
We had the house salad (Ensalate de Casa) which looks s bit daunting, but is delicious. Just be sure to pair the salty bits, like the anchovies and olives, with the tuna and tomatoes. We were honestly surprised by how well the flavors (tuna belly, tomato, anchovies, green olives, and olive oil) went together.
The chorizo is a must. In many places chorizo can get really salty, but this one was not. Very fresh, juicy, and the perfect amount of heat. Like the salad, the fries that came with the chorizo weren’t salty and added even more balance to the dish.
We also tried the tripe. It was not at all what we feared. No weird odor or “funk” to it. Super tender, but unfortunately, way too salty to enjoy even with bread.
We also
La Famiglia se sienta a la mesa
| Address | Pl. de las Cortes, 4, Centro, 28014 Madrid |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 1:00 – 11:30 PM Tuesday: 1:00 – 11:30 PM Wednesday: 1:00 – 11:30 PM Thursday: 1:00 – 11:30 PM Friday: 1:00 PM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 12:30 PM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 12:30 – 11:30 PM |
| Phone | 913 68 51 01 |
Everything was so incredibly delicious that we didn’t even manage to take a photo before we started eating😄
The portions were huge, and every single sauce was absolutely amazing. The drinks were delicious, and the dessert was the perfect ending to a fantastic meal.
A special thank you to our server, Kenny, who made the experience even better. He was friendly, polite, and made sure everything arrived on time. His attentive service created such a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Thank you for the experience!🫶🏻
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Excellent Italian restaurant with high-quality, fresh food, beautifully presented. The Caprese di Burrata salad was outstanding, the lasagna was delicious, and the white wine paired perfectly with the meal. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, the service was professional and attentive, and the prices were fair for the quality. A special thank you to Nicola for his outstanding service, friendly attitude, and excellent recommendations. I will definitely come back the next time I'm in Madrid. 🇮🇹🍷
The food was absolutely delicious, and the atmosphere was lovely. The restaurant has a beautiful style and a very welcoming feel. A special thank you to Jesus for the outstanding service — friendly, attentive, and fast. We truly enjoyed every minute of our time here. Thank you for a wonderful experience! 😊
Simply an amazing restaurant that you’ve got to try! Food was delicious and will be back to try more of their dishes. Our waiter, Kenny, provided us with exemplary service the entire night.
Everything about this place was perfect - huge portions of amazingly cooked food, price-quality is great, the interior is very interesting and flashy, the waiters were welcoming and friendly. Highly recommend
Chez Madrid
| Address | Pl. Canovas del Castillo, 4, Centro, 28014 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 | 919 89 58 96 |
Its been a while since I've written a review, and typically I reserve my reviews for good restaurants. However, this is one of the worst restaurants I've ever been to. Don't come here if you actually like good food.
I had a flavorless salmon. I couldn't eat even 1/4 of it. The picture is how I left my meal. Nobody cared. All they asked was "do you want anything else" 😂. My wife had the duck which was tough as rubber. The croquetas tasted like nothing and came to the table last even though it was our appetizer.
On top of this, several other tables were served before us as well. They try to position themselves as a sort of fine dining but any establishment that sees unfinished food and just ignores it is a joke in my opinion. For the price and service (or lack thereof), this was a complete waste of time and money.
Call this a 4.5. Service was excellent, though my Salmon wasn’t seasoned while the cooked spinach that accompanied it was WAY too salty. My partner’s pork chop was both delicious and huge!
Ambience was a downtown cafe, mixing both French and Spanish roots.
We very much enjoyed this stop after visiting Museu del Prado!
Came in the middle of dinner service without a booking and was met with friendly smiles and offered a table of our choice outside. Jorge was our server and what a delight ! Nothing too much, fast efficient and smiling! Food was EXCELLENT, ( Iberian Ham, croquettes, fresh tomatoes, beef loin with peppercorn and Roquefort sauce , fries and a green salad)the vermut served ice cold . A perfect dinner with my daughter on my last night in the city!
Thank you Jorge! I do hope management takes note of this wonderful young man! He’s a true asset!
The service was impeccable. The drinks came within few minutes. Alejandro the bartender made one of the best sangrias I have ever tried. The manager here is very friendly and good and communicating. The place is beautiful and the general vibe in the restaurant is nice. Overall, the experience was amazing and our group had a good time.
Arianna was an absolutely fantastic server! It was my husband’s and my first time in Madrid, so we had quite a few questions about the menu and local dishes. Arianna was incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and helpful, taking the time to answer all of our questions and make great recommendations. Her friendly attitude and excellent service made our dining experience even more enjoyable. We truly felt welcomed and well taken care of. Thank you, Arianna, for helping make our first visit to Madrid so memorable!
La Malontina
| Address | C. de la Verónica, 4, Centro, 28014 Madrid |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:30 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 12:30 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 12:30 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 12:30 – 10:00 PM Friday: 12:30 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 12:30 – 11:00 PM Sunday: 1:30 – 9:30 PM |
| Phone | 914 20 31 08 |
We absolutely loved La Malontina!
It was, without a doubt, our favorite restaurant in Madrid and the best meal we had during our entire visit.
Everything was exceptional. From the delicious, authentic food to the warm and welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant is cozy, beautiful, and full of charm, making you feel like you’re experiencing the real Madrid.
The service was outstanding. Roberto took wonderful care of us, and all of the ladies on the service team were incredibly kind, friendly, attentive, and genuinely happy to help. Their hospitality made our lunch even more memorable.
Thank you for such a wonderful experience. We will definitely recommend La Malontina to anyone visiting Madrid, and we can’t wait to come back on our next trip! Muchas Gracias!
Our best meal in Spain let alone Madrid. We’d eaten here for years ago and remembered it as we entered. Only 8 tables, can seat no more than 20 so you need a reservation. They brought amazing bread with roasted peppers to start. We had the Galician clams special in green sauce that was superb redolent with garlic and herbs. Then the whole monkfish baked simply with oil salt and herbs with potatoes. Dessert was a chocolate cookie, think brownie, with salted caramel gelato washed down with espresso. The white wine was their recommendation from Galicia and was fantastic. Could not recommend this place more. And listen to the mailers recommendations. We didn’t have it but the pasta with prawn looked amazing also.
After being turned away yesterday because they were full, we made sure to have a reservation today - and it was worth it! La Malontina is a very intimate, small space, so booking is essential.
The food was outstanding and beautifully presented.
High-quality ingredients and a cozy atmosphere. Definitely one of our highlight of our trip!
The kindest server ever - they saw that I didn’t enjoy the leek and took it off the check without me even asking for it. The rest of seafood I ordered are all super fresh and amazing - highly recommend the clams and scallops.
We stumbled upon this amazing local Spanish restaurant with a hint of Asian fusion. We ordered the octopus stew and seared scallops, which were absolutely delicious and flavourful. My husband had the leeks and monkfish, both fresh and tasty. The attentive service and fantastic recommendations for our dishes made the experience even better. For desserts, the carrot cake is a must try. Highly recommend trying it if you’re in Madrid, and it is good value for money as we did have 3 glasses of wine as well. Points to note, better book a table in advance as it is a cozy restaurant with around 20 seats only.
Restaurante Casa Suecia
| Address | y roof top, C. del Marqués de Casa Riera, 4, Planta baja, Centro, 28014 Madrid |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM Friday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | 910 51 35 92 |
Absolutely a fantastic experience. We came here to celebrate a special occasion with the family. The food quality was very good and plenty, including bottomless cava. Although it was hard to top the food the service was superb. Santos was the best host, and Andrea our server. Both very elegant, skillful and so nice and warm! The ambiance is super chic and easy elegant, with live DJ on Sunday brunch. He had the appropriate music selection, at the right volume and took our suggestions. It was truly a beautiful and memorable experience. Totally recommend!!
Beautiful rooftop bar with roof if it rains. The food was plentiful and very good. They also made special arrangements for our vegetarians. The view is great and our waiter Hektor was very accommodating. Overall a great experience, especially for the money paid and free flow Cava.
We booked reservation for our friend’s birthday, and when we came to check in, we were greeted with one of the hotel staff taking a photo of us, which was a group of women. We then notified the hostess, and she said that it will be dealt with and she would tell management because it made us felt uncomfortable. They seem to be short of staff and our waiter was nice, however not very attentive and it took forever to get our order in. However, the table that came after us was able to place their food order before us and we don’t want to jump to conclusions, but it was a group of Americans, who were Brown skinned, and I don’t wanna say that’s the reason why but it did feel like we were getting different treatment. Also they took our menus to give to a different table and left us (a party of 7) with two menus and gave them all menus. I ordered the Beef tenderloin well done, and it came out rare. It looked like it wasn’t even cooked in the middle and this happened to somebody else at our table as well. We sent it back and When we got it back, it was better, but still not cooked to the right temperature and lacked a lot of flavor. As four members of our party, finished their drinks, they realize the raspberries had mold on them, which was not OK and the waiter did fix it by removing the drinks from the check, but that is still not something that should be served to customers. Overall, we left, not very satisfied and had wished that we picked a different restaurant to celebrate our friends’s birthday.
This is one of the most disgusting restaurants I have ever ate at! The service was horrible (a guy working at the bar with a black shirt and short hair had some attitude!!! His is Chema), the food was of very low quality. I ordered Zamburiñas with garlic they brought me cold ones without ajillo o salsita. I also asked for a solomillo with salsa Roquefort, they said ok and than brought me a solomillo without any salsa. What an experience. Horrible place and I am saying it as somebody who’s staying at the hotel for 3 nights and checked in just 1 hour ago. I will add a picture of my access card for the room and a pictures of the Zamburiñas so everybody can understand how genuine my review is. I would give it a 0 star rating if I could. Only the atmosphere was “ok”. Ps: I would like however to thank Hasna, a genuine waitress who did her job properly.
Had a nice time for brunch. The bubble brunch is rich and fullfilling. There's a DJ and sparkling wine open bar. The service was ok, Diego and Daniela made sure we had everything we needed. Will come back with friends. The sauce from the Benedict eggs has room for improvements though.
Murillo Café - Restaurante
| Address | C. de Ruiz de Alarcón, 27, Retiro, 28014 Madrid |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Friday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 12:00 – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | 913 69 36 89 |
The food was absolutely delicious, especially the sea bass ，onion soup, huevos rotos with Iberian ham and truffle risotto. Sebastian was friendly, attentive, and provided excellent service. We had a wonderful experience and would definitely come back!
When we arrived they didn't serve coffee because their coffee machine was broken. But we stayed to drink a lemonade. It's very nice inside, they have many tables. Avara has a few tables for 2 people near the place.
We had:
Tuna tartar - it was awesome with all the sides
Some steak - meat was really good, but side was not enough, and not so tasty (some kind of deep fried potato)
Desert - Carrot cake and Pavlova, perfect 😍
Service was okay, but their English wasn't, at the end we manage to comunicate.
For sure it's place with really good food and that's what matters.
Walk in customers on a cold afternoon after visit to Prado museum. Was happy that food was being served from 1230pm onwards. Enjoyed the hearty chicken soup and the flavourful pumpkin soup.
Murillo Café feels like one of those places you don’t expect to find outside Venezuela. I tried several things and everything was on point, but the polvorosa de pollo really stood out. It instantly took me back to Venezuela, where I had it many times growing up, pure comfort food, the kind that brings memories with every bite.
The tequeños were light and crispy, not oily, and clearly made with care. The numpias were another favorite, crunchy, flavorful, and even better dipped in soy sauce, which adds a subtle Asian twist without taking away from what makes them special.
The sliders were kind of normal, nothing special.
What truly completes the experience is the attention. It’s warm, natural, and welcoming, making you feel at home without trying too hard. Murillo Café delivers authenticity, nostalgia, and genuinely good food.
Lamucca de Prado
| Address | C. del Prado, 16, Centro, 28014 Madrid |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 1:00 PM – 12:30 AM Tuesday: 1:00 PM – 12:30 AM Wednesday: 1:00 PM – 12:30 AM Thursday: 1:00 PM – 1:00 AM Friday: 1:00 PM – 2:30 AM Saturday: 1:00 PM – 2:30 AM Sunday: 1:00 PM – 12:30 AM |
| Phone | 915 21 00 00 |
This place is amazing. We ordered a normal burger and salmon with mashed potatoes. The burger was perfect, the pickles were fresh and firm all the sauces were great. The salmon was light and full of flavor, the mashed potatoes were very fluffy and paired very nicely with the salmon. The lime pie was superb. The service was very fast and attentive, and the atmosphere was extremely good. Definitely recommend.
Super great experience!
Price quality the best you can find in Madrid.
I got the daily Menu for 15€ that includes first and second dish, drink, dessert or coffee and bread.
Food was very tasty, specially the meat. Rations where pretty good for a menu of this price.
Definitely will recommend it and come back again!
Great service from the stuff, Raul and the rest of the team.
Best lunch in Madrid since I arrived. Great service, excellent food, quality is all over the place. Highly recommended!
Raul took care of me with Maria and they both were kind and attentive.
Thanks for the experience!
The food was so good we came back a few days later. Both the Cury Chicken and Rice and the Pad Thai were excellent. Loved the Turkish ice tea!
Excellent experience. The food is good and the menu is very modern, perfect for trying new things. The place is cozy, perfect for going on a date or with friends. Price is ok, matches the quality and service. Food came quickly and the drinks were good. A safe option to try something different when traveling Madrid.
Brisket Restaurante
| Address | C. de Moreto, 7, Retiro, 28014 Madrid |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM, 8:00 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM, 8:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Phone | 696 38 92 75 |
We arrived just before 4 in the afternoon and had some iberico pluma steak. It was perfectly cooked and served on a hot stone. The more I left it on the better the flavours got. Then we shared a apple tart with icecream which was one of the best deserts I had in a while. The prices are on the steeper side but well worth it.
Absolutely fantastic food! Everything we ordered was full of flavour and cooked to perfection. The brisket was incredibly tender, juicy, and easily some of the best I’ve ever tasted. The portions were generous, the atmosphere was great, and the staff were friendly and attentive. You can really tell that a lot of care goes into the food here. If you’re a fan of good barbecue and delicious comfort food, this place is a must-visit. I would happily come back again!
Great little restaurant just a few steps from El Retiro Park. We booked a table for lunch thankfully as the place was full. It was busy and initially the service seemed a little rushed but it got better as the meal went on. The food was excellent, I ordered the brisket for a main course but it came out with the starters so maybe worth clarifying this when ordering. It was delicious but not huge. The other mains were very good and the fillet steak excellent. The deserts are also worth a try, all in all a great restaurant
Everything about this place is perfect. It’s close to El Prado and El Retiro; the food is delicious; and the service is wonderful. We highly recommend visiting this restaurant. We got the Caesar salad, brisket with potatoes, and caramel and white chocolate cheesecake… and it might be some of the best we’ve ever eaten - not just in Madrid. I miss it already.
We had a dinner to celebrate our anniversary here. It’s a small, cozy and very friendly restaurant. Service and explanations were great. We had artichoke, tomato salad, Brisket and pistachio cheesecake. Everything was great including the wine.
El Sur de Moratín
| Address | C. de Moratín, 19, Centro, 28014 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 | 911 63 03 24 |
We visited this restaurant three times during our week in Madrid that’s how much we loved it! Great food, fun music, and excellent service. Steve took especially good care of us. Don’t miss the jamon croquetas, garlic shrimp, or the secreto de tenera - all fantastic. Reasonable prices and great sangria too. We always left happy! Highly recommend!
As a solo traveller I was very worried that I could not have paella because most places require 2 ppl minimum. This lovely tavern solved my problem with friendly service and an amazing seafood paella for one person. The shrimp on the paella was a little bit too soft for my taste, but the shrimp in olive oil & garlic more than made up for it. Would recommend!
Cozy restaurant and the food was tasty with reasonable price. I had Jamon Iberico and garlic shrimp and both were good but not really surprising while the Caesar salad was impressive. Staff were friendly and attentive. Would recommend to try if you stay in Madrid.
Food is good, wine is good also. Paella is so tasty even has not so much seafood. We were a little bit sad that in the end of our lunch the waiter didn’t give us their welcome gift (because he gave it to all other guests) but we decided that it was because half of our company didn’t order any alcohol 😅
I brought my friend to Madrid for a trip. This was our first day here, and we casually searched for this restaurant on Google. The food is delicious and the prices are reasonable. All the staff are especially friendly, especially a gentleman from Venezuela 🇻🇪, who has been attentive to our dining experience and helped us. He is very friendly. We hope everyone will come to this small tavern and have a pleasant experience
La Filomena
| Address | C. de Lope de Vega, 15, Centro, 28014 Madrid |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 1:00 – 6:00 PM Thursday: 1:00 – 11:00 PM Friday: 1:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 1:00 – 11:00 PM Sunday: 1:00 – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | 634 15 28 47 |
Delightful little restaurant in a charming neighborhood. We were greeted with smiles and warmth. The server was extremely kind. The food was amazing. Please get the meatballs!! Everything tasted incredibly. The highlight was the tiramisu!!! Served in a jar, the cream was light and perfect. I would go here multiple times if I lived in Madrid. Lovely experience.
Fantastic small family run tapas and sandwich bistro near the Thyssen Museum. We tried the tuna sandwich (bocadillo), the melt and the crepes were very good. The tapas and beer is reasonably priced and the sangria is very nice. Recommended!
Arranged a birthday surprise here... The ambience is beautiful. Very Italian, very warming, like an extension of the family..
Amazing meatballs, good wine and smiles 😁 🍝😁 🇮🇹🎂🍻😁😍🥳
Thanks for making it a special evening.
See you again soon 🍝
I wish I had done a bit more research, but I saw the high rating, good reviews and some pictures of the food and thought this was like a cute little traditional Spanish place, that was rustic but would have excellent bites. Instead the interior was a cold white box with a mix of warm and cold white lights bulbs, creating a non symbiotic depressing atmosphere on entry. There was no one there for lunch, making a small place feel incredibly empty, music was from a tiny speaker in the corner that had aux noise for half the time there. The staff were nice- but we were reduced to a lunch menu that only had a very basic salad or scrambled eggs, and the most processed meatballs or an overcooked and under salted pasta alla Norma. I don’t want to fault the restaurant because this is what they do, but the people who are raving about this place as a 5* restaurant please make sure you write accurate and detailed reviews so that people can make educated choices!
This cozy Mediterranean restaurant is a hidden gem in Madrid city center. The decor is cheerful and festive and the owners are lovely. If you are looking for the best Aperol Spritz in Madrid, look no further!
Essential Tips for Dining Near the Museum
To make the most of your culinary journey in this historic district, a bit of local knowledge goes a long way. The dining culture in Madrid operates on a different clock than much of Europe, and understanding the local rhythm will greatly enhance your experience. Here are some expert tips to help you navigate the scene like a local.
Adjust to Spanish Meal Times
Lunch (la comida) is typically served between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM, while dinner (la cena) rarely starts before 8:30 PM or 9:00 PM. If you are hungry at 6:00 PM, you will find many kitchens closed between services. Opt for a late-afternoon snack of churros or a bocadillo (sandwich) to tide you over until dinner.
Check for the Menú del Día
If you are visiting on a weekday, look for the "Menú del Día" (Menu of the Day). This fixed-price lunch menu usually includes a starter, main course, dessert, and a drink. It is the most economical and authentic way to experience Spanish dining, often costing between €15 and €25 at high-quality restaurants.
Look Beyond Paella
While paella is delicious, it is largely a Valencian dish often reserved for weekends in Madrid. To eat like a local, focus on Madrileño specialties such as Cocido Madrileño (a hearty chickpea stew), Callos (tripe), or a simple plate of Jamón Ibérico de Bellota. For tapas, order a "caña" (small beer) and a "pincho de tortilla."
Book Ahead for Dinner
The restaurants near the museum are popular with both tourists and locals, especially those in the Barrio de las Letras. While lunch can sometimes be accommodated on a walk-in basis, dinner reservations are essential for the better establishments, particularly from Thursday through Saturday.
Don’t Skip the Vermouth
For a true local pre-lunch ritual, ask for a "vermú de grifo" (vermouth on tap). Served over ice with an orange slice and an olive, it is the traditional aperitif in Madrid. Many taverns near the museum offer this alongside a small tapa, making it the perfect bridge between your museum visit and your main meal.
The area surrounding the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum is not just a place to eat; it is a continuation of the cultural experience. The historic walls of these taverns have hosted writers, artists, and thinkers for centuries, and the food served today honors that legacy while embracing modern innovation.
Whether you choose a quick bite standing at a marble bar or settle in for a long, laughter-filled lunch over a bottle of Rioja, the culinary landscape here offers the perfect finale to a day of artistic immersion. Take your time, order something you have never tried before, and savor the flavors of Madrid.
