After a morning spent wandering the ornate halls of the Palacio Real or strolling through the geometric perfection of the Jardines de Sabatini, a sudden craving for something sweet is practically inevitable. Madrid’s historic center is not just a treasure trove of art and architecture; it is also a vibrant hub for traditional baking and modern pastry innovation. You do not need to wander far from the royal gates to find flaky croissants, sugar-dusted pastries, or rich, dark chocolate treats.
The area surrounding the Royal Palace, stretching into the winding streets of the Austrias neighborhood, offers a dense concentration of culinary history. Here, time-honored recipes passed down through generations sit comfortably alongside contemporary cafés pushing the boundaries of dessert design. Whether you need a quick breakfast before a walking tour or a leisurely afternoon coffee break, the options are remarkably varied.
Understanding the local bakery culture is key to enjoying it fully. In Madrid, a pastelería often focuses on cakes and delicate sweets, while a panadería is your go-to for bread, though the lines often blur beautifully. Many of the best establishments serve both, offering a complete sensory experience from the smell of baking dough to the sight of glossy fruit tarts.
The proximity to such a major tourist landmark often raises concerns about quality and authenticity, with visitors fearing overpriced, mass-produced fare. However, the neighborhoods surrounding the palace, including the area near the Ópera metro station, have fiercely maintained their local character. Here, you will find artisans who still wake before dawn to knead dough and temper chocolate.
Choosing the perfect spot involves considering your mood and the time of day. Are you looking for a crisp, buttery napolitana to pair with a café con leche? Or perhaps you are searching for a beautifully boxed selection of tejas and mantecados to take home as an edible souvenir of your trip.
To help you navigate the sweet landscape of this regal district, we have curated a list of the finest spots within walking distance of the palace. These bakeries have been selected for their consistency, use of quality ingredients, and their ability to deliver a true taste of Madrid’s baking heritage. Prepare your palate for a journey through sugar, butter, and flour.
Santa Eulalia
| Address | C. del Espejo, 12, Centro, 28013 Madrid |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | 911 38 58 75 |
An excellent bakery near Plaza del Opera on a quiet street. Chef Trabanco is a true craftsman. His creations are beautiful and expertly prepared. So good with the perfect balance of flavors and texture. And he's a super nice guy! The bakery itself is a nice quiet spot away from the tourist spots (and the tourists).
Inside Santa Eulalia gives you the feeling like being in “little Paris”, with cozy old-world decor, books, plants, and exposed brick walls. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and you can really feel the care behind the place.
The pastries and breads are clearly top quality, made with great ingredients and a lot of attention to detail.
I had an excellent cortado with a DELICIOUS hazelnuts bun, the cakes and the breads looked incredible.
Service was very friendly and English speaking. The space is quite spacious and with WiFi so you can enjoy the coffee and the pastries and also work there.
Excellent place to enjoy a sweet and also they have brunch with eggs!
The sweets are just incredible! (Especially pain au chocolates with pistachio and chocolate)
Also coffee was good and eggs were really good portion!
Totally recommended!
Loved the sweets, but not the coffee. The cappuccino didn’t taste like a proper cappuccino—it was more like instant coffee and lacked foam.
The coffee bar could be more organized and cleaner, especially since the main seating area is right in front of it.
On the positive side, the staff are sweet, kind, and provide good service. The decoration and overall vibe of the place are authentic, and the location is great.
Beautiful selection of pastries, breads, small sandwiches. Coffee was exceptional. Lovely inside and friendly and helpful staff.
Santo Bakehouse
| Address | C. del Espíritu Santo, 25, Centro, 28004 Madrid |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
Santo has quietly become part of my routine. The bread is easily the best you’ll find in town. I already have my favorites (the cardamom bun and the canelé), but honestly, the best thing you can do is let yourself try something new each time. Walk in, breathe in the smell of fresh bread, pick something you’ve never had before, and enjoy it slowly. The staff are lovely and there’s a real warmth here, not just from the ovens. And the pastries… truly to die for.
This Panadería is a Hidden Gem in Madrid. Employees were truly kind and had better words that I have encountered for understanding their food. Quality is so invaluable. Texture was Crispy and buttery but not greasy and lean.
I’ve been here 3 times and every time the service has been absolutely lovely. I appreciate that they take their time with each customer to answer questions, give recommendations, and make comfortable conversation. Besides the amazing workers, their pastries and bread are top tier. I’m writing this after eating the Za’atar, Feta, and Sesame roll and I’m stunned. The coquito with the coconut and coffee combination also pleasantly surprised me. I don’t think you can go wrong with anything here.
incredible pastries!! croissant was the best ive ever had. dont get me started on the canelés!!! will visit again definitely next time i am here
Lovely tiny bakery in Malasaña district. Loved their pain au chocolat more than those we tried in Paris! Very friendly attentive service too!
La Duquesita
| Address | C. de Fernando VI, 2, Centro, 28004 Madrid |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 8:30 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 8:30 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 8:30 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:30 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 8:30 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 8:30 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 8:30 PM |
| Phone | 913 08 02 31 |
Maison Kayser Fernando VI | Pastelería Madrid
| Address | C. de Fernando VI, 21, Centro, 28004 Madrid |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PM |
| Phone | 911 08 80 90 |
Subpar pastries despite the above average price point. Their signature almond crossiant tastes like it’s a reheated microwave supermarket variant, and costs €4. For the same price I’d recommend going just down the road to La Duquesita where you’d get a much better almond crossing for the same price
Very cute coffee and brunch spot filled with delicious sandwiches, pastries and all sorts of lattes and coffee options. Love this cafe! A must visit for anyone visiting Madrid.
Nice bakery for a quick breakfast. The pan au chocolate were very good! The cappuccino was okay. We stopped there around 10am and we were hoping for more options with their pastries. They have a few tables inside with internet WiFi available for customers. The service was fast. They have some menu options with coffee and pastries for their breakfast.
We stopped in for coffee and a pastry while visiting the area. It was late in the afternoon so the place was relatively quiet.
We ordered a cup of coffee and a cookie. The coffee was nice and hot and the cookie was nice, soft and delicious.
The staff was very friendly. The café is small with limited seating but nice and cozy for coffee and conversation.
I loved this place, the croissants taste like France 🥰. I'm always looking for a great french cafe and this is definitely one of them. Please try the ice cream in a croissant, it's perfection, and if you have a little space on your belly try the croissant roll - cause you cannot get enough of croissants 😅
Brown Bear Bakery
| Address | C. del León, 10, Centro, 28014 Madrid |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | 913 69 05 87 |
It looks cute. However, the experience was not good. The waiters seem stressed even though the place was half empty. I requested a table for one and I was ignored while they accommodated people that arrived after (they take no reservations and the whole lower floor was empty).
The food was ok but forgettable. Very lame flat white, eggs and bacon were like in any ordinary cafeteria.
Made it before it got really busy. Food was out very quickly. The Andalusian breakfast with Iberian ham on whole wheat with grated tomato was incredibly delicious. The natural breakfast of yogurt with fruits and seeds was so tasty. Cappuccino was piled high with foamy milk. Loved it.
Great breakfast spot in Madrid! Excellent coffee, delicious pastries, and a cozy atmosphere. Highly recommend🥰
Very affordable price with good breakfast, simple and makes you full! It’s a hidden gem in the city center if you want to have some
traditional breakfast without paying 20 euros
Maybe I came on a bad day, but the food was terrible. I ordered the Desayuno Americano and it was barely edible. The “bacon” was just heated up slices of ham, so salty it was inedible for me. The scrambled eggs were just ok. The toast was tough and over toasted. The coffee was burnt and again barely drinkable. The juice was fine. The bacon/ham was actually barely cooked at first and I had to send it back. (Attached picture is of the bacon AFTER they refried it, still looks terrible). No apology. Overall very disappointing. Do not recommend at all.
El Riojano
| Address | Calle Mayor, 10, Centro, 28013 Madrid |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | 913 66 44 82 |
It’s a lovely, traditional Spanish patisserie. From the outside, you wouldn’t realise they have seating inside, so it was a pleasant surprise as we were hoping to sit down and enjoy our desserts.
There’s a great variety to choose from, and everything we tried was fresh and delicious. The staff were polite and efficient, even though the place was very busy. Despite the constant flow of customers, it was impressively clean and well maintained.
A perfect spot to take a break and enjoy something sweet.
04/04
路過門口很多西班牙老人排隊，是傳統甜點老店
The El Riojano is a historic pastry shop and bakery in Madrid, located near the city’s old town and close to landmarks such as the Plaza Mayor.
Founded in the late 19th century (1888), it is known for preserving traditional Madrid pastry-making techniques. The interior still retains much of its original decoration, including carved wood details, glass display cases, and an old-fashioned café atmosphere that reflects its long history.
El Riojano is especially famous for classic Spanish sweets such as roscones de reyes (Three Kings’ cake), ensaimadas, yemas, and a wide range of handmade pastries and cakes. Many of its recipes follow traditional Madrid and Castilian confectionery styles, emphasizing butter-rich doughs, sugar glazing, and simple but precise craftsmanship.
Today, it functions both as a bakery and a small café space, where visitors can enjoy pastries on-site or take them away. It remains one of the most authentic historic pastry shops in Madrid, valued for its continuity, heritage, and artisanal quality rather than modern reinterpretation.
Fantastic steeped in tradition institution of Madrid. Have to stop for a hot chocolate and a pastry.
The old world charm is very much alive. Incredibly busy, constant flow of people at breakfast time but we did not wait for long to be seated and we saw the same with other customers.
The service is tip top, they are friendly and super efficient.
Generally older local generation all dressed immaculately with a few tourists - great indication if locals frequent then it is trustworthy and good 👍
We loved this traditional bakery. The “bizcocho de manzana” was definitely a highlight — it was super fresh, soft and not overly sweet. The croissants and the assorted cookies were spectacular as well.
We went right when they opened for breakfast, so the service was quick and very good.
In the afternoon it was quite busy. The take-away area can feel a bit chaotic when there are a lot of people and the order of service gets a little mixed up, but the staff are very friendly and kind.
El Riojano is my favorite spot for desayunos in Madrid ☕🥐 I ended up coming back around 4 times during my week in Madrid, that’s how good it is.
Classic, simple, and consistently satisfying. The place that just feels right every morning.
Viena Capellanes
| Address | Calle de Goya, 37, Salamanca, 28001 Madrid |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 8:30 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 8:30 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | 915 75 00 42 |
Nice shop full of pastries and other snacks..Their coffee is on point! Loves the street vibes.
I just got to Madrid and found this place with really great service from Andrea. She was super nice and helpful. The brunch is so worth it, trust. I am satisfied. A billion stars 😸
Amazing cafe with high quality products. The cafe is decorated with old furniture that lets you feel like you’re in the old days. They serve breakfast and sandwiches and different types of coffee. Everything was delicious and tasty. The staff were friendly and very helpful. I asked for special croissant which was not available and they have been ready to make it for me. The atmosphere is very nice and the prices are very good. Highly recommended
This place feels more like a bakery, with a good selection of tasty food and nice coffee options. The atmosphere is okay and the service is decent.
Great food and even better service. The meals were tasty and well-prepared, and the staff were welcoming, helpful, and attentive throughout our visit. Highly recommended!
Horno La Santiaguesa
| Address | Calle Mayor, 73, Centro, 28013 Madrid |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:30 AM – 9:30 PM Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 9:30 PM Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 9:30 PM Thursday: 8:30 AM – 9:30 PM Friday: 8:30 AM – 9:30 PM Saturday: 8:30 AM – 9:30 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | 915 59 62 14 |
There are nice cakes but only one seller, so it makes the waiting time extremly long and the seller itself is very slow.
There are many cakes where the price is not shown. Ingredients are also not listed.
For that high price I would aquire those things.
The pastries in this shop will blow your mind! They have the authentic tarta de santiago & more. The sweet is balanced , fluffy & super fresh
Quaint little bakery that has everything you could imagine to eat in Spain. Stop by and get yourself a treat like we did. There is no seating, but you can stand at their little bar (6ft in length) and enjoy a dessert or croissant or beverage. It is on a main street from the Cathedral to the Plaza Mayor.
The most delicious and authentic pastries made fresh in house every day. And the staff is magnificent.
Authentic bakery in a wonderful area (not touristy). Not far from Plaza Mayor. We tried three small things…2 that were cookies and one that looked like a small donut. Wow…they were delicious and apparently only made at this time of year for a religious celebration. The woman at the counter was very kind even though I speak little Spanish. We’ll be going back for sure. Highly recommend!
Pum Pum Bakery
| Address | C. de la Esgrima, 1, Centro, 28012 Madrid |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 7:30 PM Thursday: 8:30 AM – 7:30 PM Friday: 8:30 AM – 7:30 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM |
| Phone | — |
This place is right next to where we stayed, and we were lucky to discover it for some really good coffee and delicious bakery items.
They offer a nice brunch menu with eggs benedict, croissant, granola, fresh orange juice, and coffee, which all looked very appealing. Since we weren’t too hungry, we tried simpler options like croissants with cheese and a few pastries, and everything we had was tasty.
Service was a bit mixed, not everyone was very warm or smiling, but the friendly staff definitely balanced that out.
On weekends it can get quite busy, so you may need to wait in line. Overall, a nice and convenient spot for breakfast or brunch.
I was lucky enough to stumble on Pum Pum visiting my daughter in Madrid. If you are in the area it's a must for everything. Reuben, and everyone is so friendly and helpful. After a few days they actually remembered me and had batch brews ready, which was the perfect coffee to pair with their Bacon Egg and Cheese roll. I'm not lying when I say this is the best breakfast sandwich I've ever eaten!
Thank you to everyone at Pum Pum, I hope to make it back soon and sit in the sun in your beautiful cafe. Thank you so much from me and my family, Vale Vale!!!!!!
Lovely little bakery in the center of Madrid. The staff were really nice and accommodating ( me and my friend didn’t speak much Spanish ). The pastries and coffee are amazing. Only thing I would bare in mind is that it says on Google maps that they open at 8:30 but when we went they weren’t and told us that they don’t usually ( maybe they need to update the timings? ) but other than that I would recommend for a cute little cafe spot! 🙂
Tried two pastries in different mornings. Were both very nice. Saturday was busy, but not noisy, and you don’t really need to wait for a table.
Delicious and fresh bakes, which tend to finish quite early in the day. Head here for breakfast and coffee. Fantastic..we may have found out favourite cafe in Madrid!
Alma Nomad Bakery
| Address | C. de Sta. Feliciana, 10, Chamberí, 28010 Madrid |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Phone | 613 02 68 88 |
Maybe the best almond croissant I’ve had in my life so far. There were literally almond slices falling out of the bag—it was that packed and that good.
We waited in line for about 10 minutes before getting to the counter, which felt reasonable given how popular the spot is.
What we ordered (and recommend):
• Almond croissant
• Chocolate chip cookie
• Cardamom bun
Everything was so, so good. The almond croissant is a must—rich, flaky, and loaded with flavor. The cookie and cardamom bun were just as satisfying.
I had the matcha latte, and it was fine, but nothing special. I’d probably try something else to drink next time.
Honestly, I wanted to try more items, but I had to show some restraint.
It was definitely worth the Uber ride. There’s limited seating inside, but there’s a park right down the street with plenty of benches, which makes for a great spot to sit and enjoy everything.
Delicious pastries (the best ham and cheese croissant I have ever had) after being burnt by a bakery we tried to eat at on the first morning that wouldn’t serve food until 10 despite being “open” from 8am and gave us the most horrible coffee, we tried Alma Norma which we’d already scoped out on our pre Madrid guide map. Thank goodness we did, exceptional food, perfect coffee, cute decor and vibe with ambience music, cool interior (decor and temperature) with a couple little high table benches inside and a couple benches outside.
We returned every morning during our stay, never had to queue more than a couple people as we were relatively early each morning although Sunday seemed to be busier didn’t mind the wait as the neighbourhood view is pretty and it wasn’t hot yet. On the last day we bought a number of items to take home on the train with us to freeze some and enjoy later! They were accommodating, with helpful recommendations and friendly.
Tried ham and cheddar (best ham and cheese croissant ever tasted), almond (enormous, delicious), pan au chocolate (disappointing compared to the rest as pastry is amazing and big and there’s two sticks of chocolate but the ratio feels off balance especially compared to the others), blackberry danish (amazing), chocolate orange pan suisse (phenomenal, don’t bother with pan au chocolate if this is available, so decadent, unique and delicious real orange flavour), ricotta bun (interesting but not my kind of thing, wasn’t expecting a dense cake with ricotta centre) and a quiche Lorraine (amazing pastry, tasty filling, too big for one person also needs eating right away or refrigerating which I couldn’t do so had to eat all).
Amazing bakery! Three of our four choices were sublime - some of the best baked goods we’ve ever had. The lemon poppy cake was a tad dry though. My Americano was very flavorful. Definitely the best coffee I had in Madrid. Unfortunately the staff didn’t notice that another customer claimed my daughter’s iced coffee, but the chai she ended up with was fine. The shop is adorable but very small so limited room to stay and eat. Plenty of outdoor seating in the neighborhood park nearby.
I love this bakery. Sometimes I walk 20 minutes from my flat just to come here! The bread quality is exceptional and the prices are very cheap for an independent bakery in Madrid! Sometimes it gets busy, but standing and waiting in queue feels enjoyable rather than irritating in such a warm and welcoming area and amongst such vibrant decor! The staff are always helpful, happy, and quick, and I could go on about this place forever. If you’re in Madrid and looking for a bakery to try, this is the one for you!
Tucked into the heart of Chamberí, this quaint little bakery was exactly where I needed to be on a Saturday morning. Honestly, I’m not sure what more anyone could ask for—the pastries are exquisite. I’ve never tasted anything quite like them. There is little seating but just down the street is a gorgeous square to enjoy the delicious delicacies and watch all the local dogs enjoy their day too!
It’s absolutely worth a stop if you’re in Madrid. Just have a little patience, and enjoy the experience. And despite what some people say, the line isn’t just full of tourists—but even if it were, who cares? Good pastries are for everyone.
La Mallorquina
| Address | Prta del Sol, 8, Centro, 28013 Madrid |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | 915 21 12 01 |
A pastry lovers delight. I was pretty sure I wanted to get only their famous chocolate napolitana and it did not disappoint.. decadent chocolate cake (ish) inside a buttery airy puff pastry. Heaven in a bite. Not too sweet and perfect for some one like me who doesnot have a sweet tooth.
They have huge lines but they move pretty fast. So dont give up. Also there is no chance of them being sold out since they keep bringing out freshly baked goods. Good place to even bring back baked gifts for friends and family. Centrally located at Puerta del Sol. Highly recommend this spot.
La Mallorquina is a lovely café with delicious cakes, especially the Ensaimada. The staff are very friendly and welcoming. Definitely a nice place to enjoy a sweet treat.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Visiting La Mallorquina is stepping into a living piece of Madrid’s culinary history.
Located in the heart of Puerta del Sol, this iconic pastry shop delivers not only exceptional quality but also tradition and charm that have endured for generations. Their pastries are simply outstanding, fresh, delicate, and crafted with precision. The napolitanas, ensaimadas, and classic Spanish pastries are rich in flavor, perfectly balanced, and absolutely unforgettable.
The aroma alone invites you in, and every bite confirms why this place has remained a beloved institution for so long. Whether paired with a coffee or enjoyed on their own, their creations reflect true mastery of traditional Spanish pastry.
The service is efficient despite the constant flow of visitors, a testament to its popularity and reputation.
La Mallorquina is more than a pastry shop, it is part of Madrid’s identity.
A must-visit for anyone who appreciates tradition, authenticity, and exceptional sweets.
04/04
西班牙人擠爆的麵包店，點了一個可頌，點餐要直接跟店員喊
The Pastelería La Mallorquina - Sol is one of the most famous traditional pastry shops in Madrid, located directly at the Puerta del Sol, one of the city’s busiest and most central squares.
Founded in 1894, La Mallorquina has become an iconic stop for both locals and visitors seeking classic Spanish pastries in a historic setting. It is especially known for its elegant ground-floor pastry counter and its upstairs café, where customers can sit and enjoy views over the bustling Puerta del Sol.
Signature items include napolitanas de chocolate (chocolate-filled pastries), palmeras, milhojas, and a variety of traditional cakes and baked goods. The pastries are typically rich, buttery, and made in the classic Madrid confectionery style.
Today, La Mallorquina remains one of Madrid’s most recognizable pastry institutions, valued for its central location, long history, and consistent quality, making it a popular stop for a quick breakfast, afternoon coffee, or sweet break while exploring the city center.
Loved La Mallorquina 🎀 Such a cute bakery with a cozy vibe. We had breakfast here and everything was amazing. The croissants were huge, soft, and slightly sweet, and the Napolitana (especially the cream and chocolate one) was a highlight. Definitely one of my favorite spots in Madrid!
Casto - Bakery and Specialty Coffee
| Address | C. de las Infantas, 19, Centro, 28004 Madrid |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 7:30 AM – 8:30 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 8:30 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 8:30 PM |
| Phone | 640 12 38 26 |
The tiramisú cinnamon roll... Omg, it was so good?! Not overly sweet which makes it actually enjoyable to eat but I will say it didn't taste much like tiramisú (better for me as I'm not a fan of coffee).
Also the wait was not that long, given how full and busy it was, and the staff was nice and friendly.
Excellent bakery with lovely pastries. It has an international vibe as a speciality coffee-bakery, with the quality of the world's capitals. The coffee was delicious. You can feel the ingredients are fresh, and lots of care has been put into making the pastries top quality. We had the pistachio croissant, which was super flaky and buttery, and the pistachio cinnamon roll, which was soft and moist with a lovely cinnamon flavour and the pistachio topping was absolutely delicious! The café con leche was also delicious; it seemed like a softer flat white.
We stopped by Casto and ordered an Americano. Honestly, the coffee was just okay and pretty standard, but the tiramisu cinnamon roll was absolutely spectacular! It was incredibly delicious and easily the highlight of our visit. The pastry alone makes this a place well worth returning to.
Amazingly cool and tasty baked goods! Kind service. Had to repeat it during our stay in Madrid. The pistachio roll is out of this world! Keep on rocking!
We tried the iced latte, tiramisu latte, tiramisu cinnamon roll, and the vegan cookie, everything was incredibly delicious. They bake everything fresh on-site. The staff was super friendly and answered all our questions in English without any hesitation. 5/5 stars, highly recommend!
Essential Tips for Visiting Madrid Bakeries
Navigating the bakery scene in Madrid comes with its own set of unwritten rules and local customs. While the city is welcoming to tourists, knowing a little about how to order and when to visit can significantly enhance your experience. Here are some practical tips to ensure you get the freshest pastries and the most authentic service during your visit.
Go Early for the Best Selection
Unlike some cities where pastries sit in cases all day, Madrid’s best bakeries often sell out of their star items by noon. If you have your heart set on a specific specialty or the freshest bread, plan your visit for the morning hours. This is when the ovens are still warm and the display cases are fully stocked.
Learn Basic Spanish Ordering Phrases
While many staff in central Madrid speak some English, a little Spanish goes a long way. Knowing how to say "para llevar" (to take away) or "para tomar aquí" (to have here) will make the transaction smoother. A polite "por favor" and "gracias" are always appreciated and often result in friendlier service.
Embrace the Seasonal Specials
Spanish bakeries are deeply tied to the calendar. Depending on when you visit, you might encounter Roscón de Reyes at Christmas, torrijas during Easter, or huesos de santo for All Saints’ Day. Do not stick to the familiar croissant if a seasonal local treat is available; it is often the best thing on the menu.
Look for the "Obrador" Sign
If you want to ensure you are eating something made on the premises rather than brought in frozen from a factory, look for the word obrador. This indicates that the establishment has its own workshop or kitchen where the baking actually happens. It is a hallmark of quality and craftsmanship.
Pair Sweets with a Proper Coffee
Madrid takes its coffee seriously, and a pastry is rarely eaten dry. Order a café con leche (coffee with milk) or a cortado (espresso with a splash of milk) to accompany your treat. The bitterness of the Spanish roast perfectly balances the sweetness of the desserts.
As you plan your itinerary around the majestic Royal Palace, leaving room for a bakery stop is essential to experiencing the local lifestyle. These establishments are more than just places to buy food; they are community anchors where families gather on weekends and workers grab their morning fuel. Taking the time to sit down with a pastry allows you to observe the rhythm of the city.
Ultimately, the best souvenir from Madrid might not be a postcard or a keychain, but the memory of a perfectly executed pastry enjoyed in the shadow of history. Whether you choose a traditional spot that has been serving royalty for decades or a modern bakery redefining Spanish desserts, you are participating in a delicious cultural tradition. Enjoy every bite of your exploration.
