Gastronomía De España: Madrid’s Best Cultural Restaurants And Markets
Food is a way of life in Madrid. The city’s ubiquitous cervercerías, packed full of locals every hour of the day, are a testament to the Madrileños’ passion for eating. From modern organic cafes to quintessentially Spanish tabernas and bustling Sunday markets, Madrid promises a culinary experience that will open your mind to true Spanish dining.
Madrid’s Cultural Eateries
1. Cafè el Mar (Tiendita Organica)
Cafè el Mar (Tiendita Organica)
Were it not for the original tiling of a Salon de Peluqueria that continues to adorn the entrance, you could easily walk past the Café el Mar. But if you peer inside, you will discover a quaint haven of organic eating. Since its opening a year ago, the Café el Mar has been promoting its ecological culture, offering a predominantly vegetarian menu along with speciality teas and home baked goods. Tucked away in the corner of the shop you will find the Tiendita Organica selling organic produce including the vegetarian hamburgers that feature on the menu, and rustic crates cradling locally grown fruit and vegetables. Glowing with a love for all things natural, the café transports its guests to the countryside with the odd sound effects of cows mooing and birds chirping. This is the ultimate farm kitchen in the heart of the city.
Cafè el Mar (Tiendita Organica), Calle de Embajadores, 31, 28012 Madrid, Near Lavapìes or La Latina Metro station
2. D’Ch (D’Churros)
D’Ch (D’Churros)
To visit Spain without indulging in a cup of hot churros would be like going to Italy without having a gelato. And there are plenty of churrerias in Madrid to help you find Spain’s sweet staple, including the newly opened D’Ch. This tiny modern vendor is solely dedicated to serving freshly made churros twenty-four hours a day. With various options ranging from a cup of five churros with chocolate sauce or D’Churro Rellano (filled with chocolate) for €1, and the D’Ch Nata with ice cream for €2, the guests are truly spoilt for choice.
Plaza Emperador Carlos V, 10 28012 Madrid, Near Atocha Metro station
4. Casa Álvarez
Bar, Spanish
5. Taberna Tirso de Molina
Taberna Tirso de Molina
Sharing its name with its very home, the Taberna Tirso de Molina certainly stands out as the heart of the plaza. Brimming full of Madrileños, its outside terrace makes for a perfect backdrop against the evening sun, and conversation surrounding the ritual of tomar. Despite the French-inspired façade, which makes it easily mistaken for a Parisian-style tavern, the taberna’s menu couldn’t be more Spanish. The Choriza a la sidra available as a tapa for €5, is a speciality to savour alongside a chilled glass of tinto verano for €2,40.
Plaza de Tirso de Molina, 9, 28012, Madrid, Near La Latina Metro Station.
6. Las Chicas
Las Chicas
Rarely in Madrid can you follow your nose from half way down a street, the succulent scent of pollo asado gripping the senses, and be lead to the city’s many rotisseries. But with its rotisserie in full motion early in the morning, Las Chicas is certainly the exception that fills Madrid’s streets with the comforting aroma of its famous roast chicken dish, available from €3,55 for half a chicken por llevar. One of the liveliest culinary hubs of the city, Las Chicas is unbeatable for value and the best pollo asado experience Madrid has to offer.
Calle de Santa Isabel, 1, 28012, Madrid, Near Antón Martín metro station.
Madrid’s Sunday Markets
Spain‘s capital never sleeps – not even on Sunday mornings. A morning stroll around Madrid will lead you to the city’s markets, where local crafts and delicious fresh produce at bargain prices are sure to sweep you off your feet. Here are our favourite weekend markets in Madrid.
7. Ciento y pico (Mercado de diseño y artesanía y creatividad)
Ciento y pico (Mercado de diseño y artesanía y creatividad)
Whilst hordes of tourists flock to El Rastro Mercado every Sunday, divert in the opposite direction towards Malasaña barrio instead and explore the Ciento y Pico Mercado de diseño y artesanía y creatividad. Ever since its launch in July, this quirky collection of stalls has been thriving with artisan goods and crafts every weekend. As you roam through this mini maze of local creativity, look out for Afri’s Cookies; scrumptious petite treats freshly made to order. Also among the array of artisan designers are Delia Cruz whose ingenious handbag design is inspired by DNA, and Tes Bijoux’s unique accessories.
Ciento y pico (Mercado de diseño y artesanía y creatividad), Calle de Velarde/14, 20084, Madrid. Near Tribunal and Bilbao Metro station.
From Friday to Sunday once a month, but check dates on the website.
8. El Rastro
Market
Open Sundays and Public Holidays from 8:00-15:00.
By Esha Chaman
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.