The Most Romantic Restaurants in Madrid

View from Tartán Roof
View from Tartán Roof | ©Felipe Gabaldón/Flickr
Jessica Jones

Madrid is a romantic destination, from the winding cobbled streets of its historic centre to its world-famous art galleries, architecture and, perhaps best of all, its gastronomy. Follow our guide to discover the most romantic restaurants Madrid has to offer.

1. Poncelet Cheese Bar

Restaurant, Spanish, French

1. Poncelet Cheese Bar
© Poncelet Cheese Bar

Cheese fans, bow down at the altar of Poncelet Cheese Bar – your guaranteed new favourite spot in Madrid. The restaurant comprises a front of house bar where you can have a drink and tapas and the modern, stylish restaurant at the back, where the real magic happens. Peruse the extensive cheese menu and construct your own cheese board, or order a cheesy classic like a fondue or raclette, which make excellent sharing options. And make sure to leave room for their mouth-wateringly good cheesecake for dessert.

2. Tartán Roof

Restaurant, Spanish, Tapas

Tartán Roof is the restaurant on top of the Círculo de Bellas Artes, a thriving cultural centre in the heart of Madrid. The rooftop affords guests incredible views over Madrid; a 360-degree panorama that sweeps from the city’s iconic Gran Vía below, to the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range north of Madrid. You come to Tartán for the views, but the food is pretty good too: small tapas dishes and raciones (bigger sharing plates) designed by chef Javier Muñoz-Calero include Iberico Steak, Marinated Tuna with a Vermouth and Herb Crumb and Paella.

3. La Terraza del Casino

Restaurant, Spanish

The restaurant at the top of Madrid’s Casino (not the gambling kind but an exclusive social club that was founded in 1836; it moved into this building in 1910) is an exclusive enclave in the centre of Madrid, close to the Puerta del Sol. La Terraza del Casino has two Michelin stars and is run by Spanish chef Paco Roncero. The cuisine, as you might expect, is excellent, a fresh take on classic Spanish flavours. Diners can opt for a la carte or choose the tasting menu. In summer, you can enjoy your meal on the restaurant’s terrace, with amazing views over Madrid.

5. The Ritz

Boutique Hotel, Spa Hotel, Hotel

Double bed, sofa and two armchairs under a chandelier in a classically styled, white-painted room at Hotel Ritz, Madrid
Courtesy of Hotel Ritz Madrid / Hotels.com

If you’re looking for a fancy dining option with a big dollop of sophistication then Afternoon Tea at the Ritz, Madrid is for you. It might be a British institution but this Spanish take on the classic Afternoon Tea is excellent. It is held in The Hall, a lavishly decorated lounge, or, in summer, on the beautiful outdoor terrace, between 4pm-8pm and includes freshly prepared sandwiches, scones and pastries. You meal will be serenaded by a classical Spanish guitarist, harpist or pianist.

6. Platea

Bar, Cocktail Bar, Food Court, Market, Restaurant, Italian, Japanese

Platea Madrid Market. Calle de Goya 6. Madrid, Spain
© Lucas Vallecillos / Alamy Stock Photo

This converted 1950s cinema is a beautiful location for a date night, the wings of the old theatre have been preserved but instead of holding a popcorn-touting audience today they are home to a cocktail bar and restaurant. The lower floors hold a range of food stalls, selling both Spanish and international fare and the old stage now hosts performers, from DJs to acrobats.

7. El Jardín Secreto

Bar, Restaurant, Spanish, Mediterranean, European

The dimmed lighting, fragrant candles and rich fabrics give this little bar/restaurant an Arabian flavour and it is a cosy, romantic option for drinks and dessert. While the restaurant does serve savoury food, it is the chocolate-heavy dessert menu that is really worth a browse. There are a good range of cocktails, making El Jardín Secreto an ideal spot for a late night snack to satisfy your sweet tooth.

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.

Culture Trip Spring Sale

Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

X
close-ad
Edit article