f you visit Madrid, there is no excuse for not trying one of those classic bocatas de calamares. Let’s say that it’s like going to New York and not trying the bagel.
Calamar bocadillos, also known as “bocadillo de calamares,” are a quintessential Madrid street food. There is a whole world behind this simple sandwich, which can be eaten at breakfast at dinner or at any time during the day. Even though the sea is far from Madrid, this article will leave you no doubt that the Spanish capital, in addition to numerous other city attractions, is the best place to get the real taste of this delicacy.
Calamar Feast at Palatial Bar Manero
Bar Manero is a sophisticated establishment located in the heart of Madrid’s upmarket Barrio Salamanca neighborhood in the vicinity of luxury shops. The bar is known for its elegant and stylish atmosphere, as well as its delicious and innovative tapas menu. The menu at Bar Manero features a wide variety of tapas, including traditional Spanish dishes as well as more modern creations. The calamares a la andaluza are a popular dish, and are made with fresh squid that is lightly battered and fried. The squid is then served with a lemon-mayonnaise sauce. In addition to the tapas menu, Bar Manero also has a wide selection of wines and cocktails. The bar is a great place to enjoy a drink with friends or to have a romantic dinner.
Website: https://barmanero.es/bar-manero-en-madrid/
Address: Claudio Coello, 3
Phone: +34 911 042 760
El Brillante Calamar Bar
This bar opened its doors in 1952 and it’s very close to Atocha station and the Reina Sofia Museum. This is the best place to stop before catching the train. El Brillante offers a wide list of types of bread and bocadillos, which are around 6,50 euros- There is no doubt that they are worth it!
Website: https://barelbrillante.es/
Address: Glorieta Emperador Carlos V.
Phone: +34 91 539 28 06
Celso y Manolo Bar with Charm
Celso y Manolo, is a tavern full of personality in the vibrant Chueca district. Here you will encounter a modern tavern boasts a marble bar and offers a creative menu of tapas, porrones, craft beer, and vermouth. Their extensive menu features around 80 dishes, ensuring there’s something for everyone. From fried calamari starters to Cantabrian steak tacos, each item is cooked to perfection and presented with noticeable attention to detail.
Website: https://celsoymanolo.es/la-carta/
Address: Calle Libertad 1, Madrid
Phone: +34 91 531 80 79
Plaza Mayor views from Galayos RestoBar
Los Galayos is a great choice whether you fancy a quick tapa by the bar or a proper meal in the dining area. This bar-restaurant is based in Plaza Mayor so don’t be surprised if you are not able to find a table outside, bistro style. In the meantime, enjoy a glass of Rioja at the bar with calamares while mingling with locals and tourists alike. Ideal if you are sightseeing in the center of Madrid.
Website: https://www.losgalayos.net/en/our-menu
Address: Botoneras, 5, Madrid
Phone: +34 91 366 30 28
Bar Postas Traditional Bar
Bar Postas is one of those old Spanish bars where you can find a metallic counter, which is always busy. Don’t waste your energy by searching for chairs and instead get the menu and order one of the delicious sandwiches. Here, the combination of tapa & caña*(small beer) only costs 4,80 euros. Just the calamar bocadillos are 3.50 euros each.
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/BarPostas/
Address: Postas, 13.
Phone: +34 91 364 29 84
Bar La Ideal close to Main Square
Located a short walking distance from Plaza Mayor (Main Square) and the Royal Palace of Spain, La Ideal is a very convenient option to visit whilst exploring the classic “Madrid de los Austrias”. Its fresh bread will encourage you to stay there for hours. If you are still hungry, you can always try the Spanish omelette or the delicious potato salads as tapas.
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/bar.la.ideal
Address: Botoneras, 4.
Phone: +34 91 521 72 18
La Campana Classic Calamares
La Campana, just off one of the 9 Plaza Mayor “arched gates” is a renowned tapas bar in Madrid, particularly famous for its delicious and affordable calamares (fried squid) sandwiches. They’ve established a strong reputation for their consistent quality and traditional approach, making them a popular spot for both locals and tourists. In addition, La Campana also offers a variety of traditional Spanish tapas dishes, allowing you to sample other favorites alongside the calamares.
Website: https://www.instagram.com/lacampana.oficial/
Address: Calle Botoneras 6
Casa Rúa Calamares Calamar Delights
Casa Rúa, is a delightful spot near Plaza Mayor. This lively bar is renowned for its bocadillo de calamares, a traditional Madrilenian treat that draws locals and visitors alike. The fried calamari sandwich steals the show. Patrons often queue up for this mouthwatering delight, which offers great value for money. Besides calamari, you can choose from other fillings such as pork belly, chorizo sausage, blood pudding sausage, or cheese.
Address: Calle de Ciudad. Rodrigo, 3
Phone: 915 42 70 74
Los Bocadillos in Madrid’s French Neighborhood
Los Bocadillos is located in the vibrant neighborhood of Argüelles or in Madrid’s French named district Chamberi. This place is an open secret and classic spot known for its delicious calamar sandwiches. Avariety of tasty sandwiches are offered, but their calamar sandwich remains the star of the establishment.If you are in the neighborhood there is no better place to devour this quintessential Madrid street food.
Address: C. Marques de Urquijo, 1
Phone: +34 915 48 20 45
Casa Maria Calamar Bar
Casa María is a modern bar based in Plaza Mayor. Visited by locals, bocadillos de calamares cost here 2,90 euros. In addition to this delicatessen, don´t hesitate to try the delicious French omelette which comes with chistorra, a fast-cure sausage typical from the North of Spain.
Website: https://casamariamadrid.es/
Address: Plaza Mayor, 23.
Phone: +34 91 559 10 00
