Where To Find The Best Tapas In Madrid

Tapas are a traditional way of eating in Spain; locals go to bars and order a drink and several snacks in the form of tapas to start the night off with friends. To act like a Spaniard and get to know the country’s culinary heritage, going on a tapas bar crawl is a must when in Madrid. Below we explore the bars where visitors will be able to find some of the capital’s best tapas.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Vi Cool

Restaurant, Spanish, $
Managed by famous chef Sergi Arola – who is also in charge of one of the best Michelin-starred restaurants in Madrid, Sergi Arola Gastro – and his wife Sara, Vi Cool serves tantalizing tapas at pretty modest prices, considering the quality and fame behind the locale.Considered one of the best bars in Madrid, this establishment will not disappoint visitors, as their tasty cocas, delicious drinks and modern décor all blend together to create the perfect tapas bar in Madrid’s historic center.

Casa Gonzalez

Deli, Restaurant, Bar, Spanish, $
Casa Gonzalez represents a true, traditional Spanish bar, with its simple exterior and crowded interior, covered in tiles, posters and food. The bar was opened in 1931, and now the original owner’s grandson runs the place, making visitors feel at home right away. Jamón ibérico de bellota and queso manchego are some of the musts at this bar; the most typical Spanish charcuterie and cheese can be enjoyed here in an authentic setting.

Mercado de San Miguel

Cheesemonger, Market, Spanish
Not only is this one of the best markets in Madrid, the Mercado de San Miguel is also one of the best places to eat in the Puerta del Sol area and one of the go-tos for locals who are in search of delicious tapas in a cosmopolitan location. The gourmet tapas stalls located inside this 20th-century iron structure offer hundreds of possibilities: ranging from oysters and champagne to Spanish omelets, the tapas that are served here are without a doubt some of the best in the city. It is best to visit this market throughout the week, as it gets extremely busy on weekends.

La Musa Latina

Restaurant, Fusion, Spanish, European, $
Managed by the same team that is in charge of one of the best restaurants in Malasaña, everything about this locale screams out to the world that they serve quality food in a fun atmosphere. The interior is divided into two different dining areas: the informal bar area, where visitors will be able to order a refreshing cocktail, beer or glass of wine while chatting to the people around them, and the more formal sit-down area where the locale’s exquisite tapas are served.

Celso y Manolo

Restaurant, Spanish, Mediterranean, European, Vegetarian, $

Celso y Manolo is the ideal bar for a night out eating tapas with friends, family or loved ones. The cheery interior is charming and a refreshing change from all the dark, tiny bars in the capital, and the friendly service brightens the mood even further. The possibilities at this bar are nearly endless: with a menu that lists over 80 different tapas everyone is bound to find something lovely, new and exciting to try. Their fresh and organic ingredients ensure that everything is as tasty and healthy as possible, so visitors can sit down, order a wine and enjoy the great food.

Taberna Tempranillo

Bar, Restaurant, Wine Bar, Spanish, Tapas, Mediterranean, $
Located on Cava Baja Street, which is known for its many bars, the Taberna Tempranillo is always at the top of the list when it comes to eating out in the capital. During the weekend this bar is buzzing with people who flock here from all parts of the city to relax and unwind with some great wine (only Spanish wine is served here) and even better pinchos, which are a type of tapas consisting of a slice of baguette with a variety of different toppings. There are not many tables, so visitors who want a seat should get to the bar early.

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.