Explore the heart of Spanish cuisine with our guide to the Best Tapas Restaurants in Madrid. Nestled in the bustling city center, these culinary gems offer an authentic taste of Madrid’s rich gastronomic heritage. The tapas from this list cover sizzling garlic shrimp, cold Spanish soups like Salmorejo to perfectly fried cod. Each tapas restaurant is celebrated for its quality, service, and the unique ambiance that only Madrid can provide. Ideal places to enjoy tapas for aficionado or curious travelers. You can also choose private guided tapas tours in Madrid.
1. Casa Revuelta Foodies Tapas Bar
- Hot Tapas: Their star dish is the soldaditos de Pavía, which are battered and fried cod pieces, crispy outside with tender cod inside. Also famous for its callos a la madrileña (tripe stew) and albóndigas (meatballs in a rich tomato sauce).
- Cold Tapas: Boquerones en vinagre (vinegar-marinated anchovies).
- Drinks: Accompany these with a cold beer, especially a caña (small draft beer), or a glass of vermouth, which is a traditional pairing for the cod.
The fried cod is the most ordered tapa here, drawing in both locals and visitors. Inside the bar, the interior decor is of a timeless bar with historic photos and vintage tiles, nostalgic of an old Madrid vibe.
- Address: Calle Latoneros, 3, 28005 Madrid (4-minute walk from Plaza Mayor)
- Website: https://www.casarevuelta.com/
2. La Casa del Abuelo Traditional Tapas Bar
- Hot Tapas: The signature gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp). Olive oil, garlic, and chili normally accompany these shrimps. Also, try their croquetas de jamón (ham croquettes) and calamares en su tinta (squid in its ink).
- Cold Tapas: Not a specialty, but you might find simple canapés or slices of cheese.
- Drinks: Pair your tapas with a glass of sweet Spanish wine or a refreshing beer. In addition, try their house wine for the best local experience.
The best tapas that most locals order is garlic shrimp. It often accompanied by their wine. On the other hand, La Revuelta tapas bar’s decor is an intimate setting with an aged wooden bar and walls lined with wine bottles.
- Address: Calle de la Victoria, 9 OR 12, 28012 Madrid (Less than 10minute-walk from Plaza Mayor )
- Website: www.lacasadelabuelo.es
3. Casa Lucio Tapas Bar for the Famous
Casa Lucio has been a favorite tapas bar of King Juan Carlos I of Spain, who was often seen dining there. Regarded by many as one of the best tapas restaurants in Madrid, Casa Lucio has also welcomed numerous celebrities and politicians, including Bill Clinton, Penélope Cruz, Tommy Lee Jones and various Spanish prime ministers. As a result of its fame for attracting such high-profile guests that adds to its allure, Casa Lucio is not just a culinary destination but a cultural landmark in Madrid.
- Popular Tapa is the scrambled eggs with truffles and their roast lamb
- Interior Decor: Elegant with wooden beams and white tablecloths, exuding a rich, rustic charm.
- Address: Cava Baja, 35, 28005 Madrid
- Website: www.casalucio.es
4. Bodega de la Ardosa for Tapas and Vermouth
- Hot Tapas: Their tortilla española (Spanish omelet) is legendary, served with caramelized onions, and alcachofas fritas (fried artichokes) are a seasonal treat.
- Cold Tapas: Cheese, olives, and salmorejo (cold tomato soup) are available.
- Drinks: Famous for its vermouth on tap, which pairs wonderfully with the tapas. They also have a variety of beers and wines.
- Popular and best tapas are the tortilla and salmorejo.
- Interior Decor: Located in the Malasaña neighborhood, the interior Bodega de la Ardosa has antique mirrors and old barrels create a nostalgic, 19th-century bar atmosphere.
Bodega de la Ardosa Bar is one of the best tapas restaurants in Madrid. Moreover, it has been graced by the presence of many famous figures, including Frank Sinatra, world famous chefs like Ferran Adria and Jose among others.
Address: Calle de Colón, 13, 28004 Madrid
Website: https://grupoardosa.es/la-ardosa/
Casa Labra Cod Tapas Bar near Puerta del Sol
- Hot Tapas: The highlight is the tajada de bacalao, which is fried cod served with a special sauce. Their croquetas de bacalao (cod croquettes) are also a hit.
- Cold Tapas: While they focus on hot tapas, you can find boquerones en vinagre (marinated anchovies).
- Drinks: A glass of vermouth or a beer often accompanies the tapas, with some opting for a glass of wine.
- Best tapa to eat here is the fried cod.
- Interior/Exterior Eating: Indoor seating is limited, so arriving early to avoid queues. There’s also an outdoor terrace for those who prefer to dine al fresco.
Address: Calle de Tetuán, 12, 28013 Madrid
Website: http://www.casalabra.es/taperia
For more traditional typical Spanish tapas in Madrid, discover the Best Calamar Bars in Madrid.