Madrid
Where to Eat & Drink in Spain’s Capital City.
Andy and I spent a weekend in the Spanish capital city, Madrid. I had spent time here years ago during a short stint working as an au pair in a nearby town called Segovia, but hadn’t been back in my adult years. I was sure from other people’s words, from my own fond memories, and from the research I had done that we were going to fall in love with this city before we had even touched down.
We spent 4 days exploring Madrid through its food & drinks culture. Always of the upmost importance to both of us whilst travelling, we had sifted through the various lists sent by our community. Andy was on a mission to be inspired in the kitchen, connect with local food traditions and get a deeper sense of Spanish hospitality. I was most looking forward to reconnecting with the Spanish way of live I fall in love with time and time again with every extended trip in this country. So, what is it that evokes this deep sense of connection and love to Spain in me? I can’t think of another country (other than perhaps rivalled by Italy) where the appreciation and ritual of hospitality is so paramount to everyone’s daily lives. The way the day is centred around what to eat, when and where, in the most casual yet appreciative way imaginable. In the UK, I often come across people who see food as fuel, it’s sole purpose being to curb your hunger and allow you to continue with your day. The Spaniards, in my opinion, are the best example of connection to the community aspect of food: how it brings people together not only physically but emotionally.
When I worked as an au pair in Segovia, I vividly remember the home I was working in had a circular dinner table in the centre of the ground floor, which was always a hive of activity. Delicious smells wafting through the house at all ours, onions and garlic a certified part of the bloodstream of most Spanish families. The children asking questions about flavour, ingredients, method, helping the mother prepare the feast of that day, and best of all, once everyone came together to be seated, much of the conversation during the meal would be centred around food.
Our time in Madrid was no different. It’s a city that has so much: the effortlessly chique locals, the plethora of top quality restaurants at affordable prices, the major city energy, whilst also maintaining that feel of connection, of community through both its residents and tourists flooding the streets.
A few highlights:
Icy cold vermouth on tap
I always love a local tradition, and this one has to be one of my favourites to date. All bars and restaurants alongside their beer taps towering ontop of the bar, will have a “VERMUT” tap, serving sweet vermouth in a rocks glass over ice, usually served with a fresh orange slice and a juicy green olive. The combination of sweet, salty and citrus makes for the perfect afternoon aperitif, sure to awaken the palette for the main show of the evening meal ahead
The reasonable prices
Often when you travel to these cities, you find yourself spending more than you think to eat and drink out. We found that most of these local joints are €2-3 for a caña, the standard pour of beer (just under a half pint.) The culture surrounding alcohol is also civilised and appreciative - you’re served smaller beers, which stay colder, and create a more relaxed drinking atmosphere.Option for alcohol free beer everywhere!
Whilst most places in London have FINALLY cottoned on to the trend, Spain’s been doing it for years!PINTXOS.
The fact that every drink comes accompanied by salty pintxos like patatas bravas, anchovies or olives. Need I say more?
Stilllll thinking about most of the dishes listed here. I hope some of these tips help you navigate as epic a food holiday as we enjoyed!
🥘 Los Arroces de Ségis
20 min metro ride out of the city and worth every second. Sunday lunch here was the best value meal I’ve had in a long time, and hard to put into words how delicious that crunchy corner of the paella was.
🦐 Mercato de La Cebada
My favourite of the many markets. Pick your seafood from the dude in the corner as he cooks it in front of you. 6 buttery scallops + 12 juicy red prawns for €12, washed down with an icy cold €1 cerveza.
🥩 Bodegas el Maño
The kind of place we all dream about finding on a city break. Out of the way traditional Madrileño dinner, full of flavour and people basking in the pleasure of true Spanish cuisine. & these artichokes with jamón pictured above were just incredible.
🇪🇸 Casa Macareno
A bit like the above, full of locals stopping for lunch / afternoon / dinner. I absolutely loved it here. These boquerones in oil & lemon with pickled chillies were to die for !!
🐠 El Señor Martin
If you’re into seafood this place is doing things right! Clever, conceptual, pricey but worth every bit. Request booking at the bar.
🍽️ La Burlona
Modern sharing - Spanish classics with Asian flavours. Highlight for me was the scallop with tiger milk.
🥐 Café Comercial
Classic breakfast spot. Sit outside, order pan con tomate and tortilla with your coffee of choice & watch the world go by. If you have space (or just a sweet tooth like me) they also do epic churros con chocolate.
Where to Drink
We also enjoyed some of the incredible drinks hospitality in the city, which I was equally as impressed with. There are iconic and new age watering holes dotted all over the city, serving well-balanced, tasty drinks at affordable prices. See the list below for inspiration:
🍸 Museo Chicote (pictured right)
Iconic 1930’s cocktail bar where celebs have enjoyed many a tipple throughout history. Nowhere better for a classic cocktail and often has live music in the evenings.
🍹 Salmon Guru
Recently in the World’s Top 50 Bars. Artistic interior, flavourful and innovative drinks list, good vibes all round.
🍷 Calle de la Cava Baja
Vbrant street lined with bars & restaurants, enjoy an icy cold vermouth on tap and pinxtos at them all!
🍹 La Esperanza
This place is a vibe! Cheap and cheerful cocktails in a busy neighbourhood feel good venue.
🥂 Picalagartos
If it’s sunny there’s many a rooftop bar in Madrid, we chose this one and it did not disappoint. Tasty beverages & 360 degree views across the city.
🧊 Bad Company 1920
Atmospheric speakeasy cocktail bar, open late.
