In many tapas bars in Madrid you’ll be invited to a small snack when you order your drink. Visitors to Spain often assume that these ‘tapas’ are a nationwide tradition, however, this is not the case. Originally from Andalucia, the idea of giving a small snacks (a tapa) with a drink is still strong in the south though you will probably have to pay for them unless you’re in Granada Province. In the north (Bilbao, San Sebastian and Barcelona) you’ll discover excellent tapas though you’ll have to buy them with your drink.
A novelty tour which is very popular is an evening walking tour led by a local foodie who will show you around some of the best tapas bars hidden away in the backstreets of Old Madrid. These are places where the locals hang out which you’d be unlikely to find on your own.
Recommended Tapas Bars in Madrid
La Casa del Abuelo
Address: Calle Núñez de Arce, 5
In 1906, the founders of La Casa del Abuelo had an inkling that prawns and sweet wine could captivate Madrid’s palates – and captivate they did. In the post-war era, their signature dish of grilled prawns paired with a small glass of wine for just 1.60 pesetas became an instant smash, once selling a staggering 306 kg in a single day. Word of their succulent fare spread far and wide and the venue remains a Madrid institution which continues to serve its iconic prawns and wine combination which cemented its fame decades ago.
Mesón del Champiñón
Address: Cava de San Miguel, 17
Dating back to 1964, this atmospheric cave bar located below Plaza Mayor is highly recommended for visitors to Madrid. Whilst they do offer other tapas, their signature dish is a plate of mushrooms fried in olive oil with diced chorizo, garlic, parsley, lemon and salt. Such is the popularity of Mesón del Champiñon that they get through somewhere in the region of four tons of mushrooms per year.
Museo del Jamón
Address: Calle Mayor, 7
Francisco Muñoz and his brother Luis opened their first Museo del Jamón on Paseo del Prado in 1978. Their cured ham-themed tapas bar/restaurants has been a huge success and there are now seven such establishments in Madrid. In each of the ‘ham museums’ there are Serrano and Ibérico hams hanging above the bar and visitors can order plates of different qualities of this national delicacy accompanied by a few glasses of Spanish wines.
Casa Labra
Address: Calle Tetuán, 12
An institution since 1860, Casa Labra has garnered a reputation for its distinctive pintxos. Step inside and be transported to its founding era, surrounded by intricately carved wood moldings, glittering chandeliers, wood-paneled walls, and the metal bar that witnessed the birth of the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party. For over 160 years, Casa Labra has been a living, breathing museum of history complemented by its exquisite culinary offerings, exquisitely preserved for modern-day guests.
Ordering Tapas or Raciónes?
Remember that a ‘tapa’ is a small taster and will probably not be enough to keep you going all night so you’ll want to order a ración or a ‘media-ración’ which are plates full of your chosen dishes. Buying a selection of ‘media-raciónes’ is a great way for a small group of people to try a wide range of local specialities.
Las Bravas
Address: Calle Espoz y Mina 13
This is one of the best places in Madrid to try patatas bravas, it’s so good that they’ve patented their spicy tomato sauce. The menu at Las Bravas also features other “bravas” style dishes like a delicious Spanish tortilla or cuttlefish in three sauces. Other standouts include the garlic prawns, fried calamari, Galician-style octopus, and baby squid. They also have venues on Pasaje Matheu and Calle Álvarez Gato.
El Anciano Rey de los Vinos
Address: Calle de la Paz 4
Established in 1909, El Anciano Rey de los Vinos is a quintessential Madrid tavern located in the historic Austrias neighbourhood facing the Almudena Cathedral and Royal Palace. Its wonderful tiled interior is typical of Madrid’s classic taverns where guests can order tapas at the spacious bar or take a seat in the dining room. The star attraction, however, is the terrace boasting unparalleled views of Madrid’s regal landmarks. The menu features classic Madrid cuisine together with inventive tapas dishes and an impressive wine selection.
La Taberna de Antonio Sánchez
Address: Calle Mesón de Paredes, 13
Laying claim to being Madrid’s oldest tavern, La Taberna de Antonio Sánchez has stood proudly since 1787, welcoming historical figures including Pío Baroja, Gregorio Marañón and Joaquín Sorolla to its bar over the centuries. This historic establishment has preserved its timeless charm in the weathered wood doors, antique signage, and intricately carved bar. The menu remains a tribute to traditional Spanish cuisine, with hearty stews of tripe and oxtail reigning supreme.
Bodega de la Ardosa
Address: Calle de Colón, 13
This small bar dates back to the late 19th century when it was founded by Rafael Fernández Bagena as a grocery store which sold wines produced on his lands in Toledo. Today, Bar de la Ardosa is renowned for serving one of the best Spanish omelettes in Madrid. The cook, Doña Concha, stays faithful to the recipe she has followed for over three decades for her ever-growing legion of loyal patrons who religiously visit for her legendary tortilla de patatas.
Casa Alberto
Address: Calle Huertas, 18
With its distinctive red doors on Calle Huertas, Casa Alberto is an eatery steeped in nearly 200 years of history, having hosted politicians, artists, actors, and the vibrancy of the Movida Madrileña cultural renaissance. While the decor remains untouched by time, the kitchen has embraced modernity and is well known for reinterpreting classic dishes whilst still paying homage to Madrid’s culinary roots.
Bodegas Rosell
Address: Calle General Lacy, 14
The artfully painted Talavera tiles by Alfonso Romero hint at the storied history of Bodegas Rosell, which has stood the test of time since the 1920s. What began as a bulk winery has evolved into a beloved gastronomic destination, its very essence inextricably tied to its origins. Today, Bodegas Rosell beckons with the promise of a soul-satisfying experience – a crisp vermouth, velvety wine, or frothy beer alongside iconic dishes like cod in oil, “grandma’s potatoes”, succulent ham croquettes, or the refreshing salmorejo.
Bodegas Ricla
Address: Calle Cuchilleros, 6
Don’t let its diminutive size fool you – Bodegas Ricla packs centuries of charm into its compact space, having served wines since 1867. The distinctive green door along Calle Cuchilleros beckons guests inside to admire the brass taps, tiled baseboards, and enormous clay jars still used to serve sherry and wine. At the bar, feast on fresh anchovies, charcuterie, Cabrales bleu cheese with cider, salt cod in oil, and hearty stews that change daily – perhaps even the legendary callos (tripe) will make an appearance. For Madrileños, this historic bodega doubled as a bomb shelter during the Spanish Civil War, its cave offering refuge from the turmoil above.
Taberna Ángel Sierra
Address: Calle Gravina, 11
Long before Chueca transformed into a pulsating nightlife hub, Taberna Ángel Sierra opened its doors in 1908, passing into the eponymous owner’s hands nearly a decade later. As the neighborhood’s grit gave way to glamour, this stalwart corner bodega remained a cherished tapas haunt for locals and visitors alike. Step inside and experience over a century of stories lingering in the aged barrels and antique bottles as you sip draft vermouth accompanied by pickled nibbles, cured meats, saltcod, and fresh anchovies.
Restaurante Oliveros
Address: Calle San Millán, 4
Step through the doors of Restaurante Oliveros and be transported back to 19th century Madrid. The zinc bar, handcrafted tile facade, and walls adorned with vintage photographs offer a glimpse into this centuries-old culinary institution. The menu, too, is a living artifact of the city’s gastronomic heritage, paying homage to the iconic cocido madrileño stew. Customers can feast on robust guisos and quintessentially local dishes, or graze on tapas brimming with tradition – cod fritters, ham croquettes, or even a tapa-sized tasting of that fabled cocido.
Taberna La Dolores
Address: Plaza Jesús, 4
Originally founded as a humble eatery in 1908, Taberna La Dolores has reinvented itself as a lively tapas bar famed for its pintxos served in an informal yet lively atmosphere. From the street, the ornately tiled facade hints at the artistry awaiting inside – a trove of aged wood, vintage signage, and immaculately preserved architectural details. Customers at the bar can enjoy a great selection of traditional and modern tapas complemented by ice-cold beers.