Top Rated Paella 🥘Restaurants in Madrid ($30 or less)

Is Madrid a good place for paella?

While Madrid is not on the coast, it boasts Mercamadrid, the second-largest fish market in the world. This means you can find incredibly fresh seafood catches delivered daily, which can enhance the flavor of seafood paella. Historical Fun Fact of Paella🥘: Paella originated in the Valencia region on the eastern coast of Spain, where rice cultivation thrived. The name “paella” itself comes from the Valencian word for the pan (“paella”) used to cook the dish. Now that we have settled the argument, let’s delve into restaurants in Madrid to enjoy this famous Valencian dish.

Taberna Más Al Sur

Taberna Más Al Sur is a charming and welcoming establishment that serves up authentic Spanish cuisine with a Mediterranean twist. Their menu features a variety of tapas, raciones, and paellas, all prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The seafood paella is particularly popular, and diners rave about its generous portion size and flavorful broth. Other popular paella varieties include the Valencian paella with chicken and rabbit, and the black paella with squid and ink.

Images Source: https://www.facebook.com/Masalsurlavapies

Address: Calle Santa Isabel Nº 35, Madrid, España

Telephone: +34 910 24 99 36 (Consider calling them for reservations or to confirm paella availability)

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Masalsurlavapies

La Paella Real

La Paella Real (or The Royal Paella) invites you to embark on a culinary journey through the vibrant flavors of Spain. This classic restaurant has garnered a reputation as a haven for paella enthusiasts, offering an enticing array of rice dishes and traditional Spanish cuisine. While paella takes center stage, La Paella Real’s culinary repertoire extends far beyond. Their menu boasts an array of traditional Spanish tapas and entrees, each showcasing the rich culinary heritage of the region. Complement your meal with La Paella Real’s selection of fine Spanish wines, sangria, and refreshing beverages. Their knowledgeable staff is always happy to guide you in selecting the perfect pairing to enhance your dining experience.

Paella Dishes at La Paella Real:

Image Source: https://www.lapaellareal.es/

• Paella de Mariscos: Seafood paella, priced at €19 (about $20).
• Paella Valenciana: Traditional Valencian paella with chicken and vegetables, priced at €18 (about $19).
• Paella Mixta: Combination of chicken, vegetables, and shellfish, priced at €19 (about $20).

Useful Info:

• Address: Calle Arrieta No. 2, Madrid, 28013.
• Website: https://www.lapaellareal.es/
• Phone: +34 915 42 09 42.
• Hours: Open daily from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM.

La Paella de la Reina

The restaurant was established in 1991. The 30 plus years of experience serving delicious Spanish food, makes La Paella de la Reina a renowned eatery When you step inside you will be greeted by a classic and welcoming atmosphere, with details like wainscoting, mirrors, and wall art. Their signature dish is the paella Valenciana, a traditional recipe featuring rabbit, chicken, and vegetables. However, they offer a wide variety to choose from other variations like black paella with squid ink.(see image below). In particular, vegans will be pleased to know they have excellent vegan paellas. All in all, while the focus is on paella, there are options for vegetarians and those seeking other Mediterranean dishes. Moreover, you will be in the heart of Madrid close to emblematic monument like Cibeles Fountain, the free entrance exhibit center Centro Centro and the Telefonica Flagship Store which also hosts free and fascinating exhibitions around technology.

Images Source: https://lapaelladelareina.com/

Useful Info:

Address: Calle Gran Vía, 1, 28013 Madrid, España

Website: https://lapaelladelareina.com/

Telephone Number: +34 91 532 70 56

La Barraca Restaurant

La Barraca is a renowned restaurant in Madrid, celebrated for its traditional Spanish cuisine, particularly its paella dishes. Established in 1935, it has garnered a reputation for maintaining high standards in culinary excellence and offering an authentic taste of Spain’s iconic dishes. La Barraca is famed for its extensive range of paellas, prepared with traditional recipes and fresh ingredients. The menu includes several variations, such as:

Black Rice (Arroz Negro): A unique variation made with squid ink, giving the rice a distinctive black color and a rich, savory flavor.

Paella Valenciana: The classic version, featuring chicken, rabbit, and sometimes snails, along with green beans and garrofó (a type of large white bean).

Seafood Paella: A favorite among many, this paella is rich with an assortment of seafood like prawns, mussels, clams, and squid.

Mixed Paella (Paella Mixta): A combination of meats and seafood, often including chicken, pork, and various shellfish.

Vegetarian Paella: Catering to vegetarians, this dish is loaded with a variety of fresh vegetables and often features artichokes, peppers, and green beans.

We recommend  gazpacho as a starter and the shellfish paella accompanied by a Rioja wine.

Images Source: https://www.labarraca.es/en/

Useful Info:

Address: Calle Reina, 29, 28004 Madrid, España

Website: https://www.labarraca.es/en/

Telephone Number: +34 91 532 71 54 / +34 664 215 103

What to do on a day’s visit in Madrid?

Morning:

• 9:00 AM: Kick off your day with a convenient and informative Hop-on Hop-off bus tour. This allows you to see the major sights of Madrid at your own pace while listening to commentary. Enjoy the iconic landmarks and avenues from the comfort of an open-air double-decker bus.
• 11:00 AM: Immerse yourself in the world of football (soccer) with a visit to the newly-renovated Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, the majestic home of Real Madrid, one of the most celebrated football clubs globally. With its recent Champions League win, the atmosphere is sure to be electric! You can take a self-guided audio tour or a guided tour to learn about the stadium’s history, see the players’ locker rooms, and even walk through the players’ tunnel.
• Afternoon:
  1:00 PM: Enjoy a delicious Spanish lunch at one of the paella restaurants mentioned above! Remember, to book ahead to avoid disappointment as the stated restaurants are highly sought and popular.
  3:00 PM: Head to the world-renowned Prado Museum, a treasure trove of Spanish and European art. Explore masterpieces by legendary artists like Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, and Titian. The museum is vast, so prioritize the collections that most interest you.
• Evening:
  6:00 PM: Take a break and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the Buen Retiro Park, a sprawling oasis in the heart of Madrid. Rent a rowboat on the lake, wander through the rose gardens, or simply relax amidst the lush greenery. Recall, that the Metro of Madrid, as a public transport choice, is world class because of its cleanliness, punctuality and safety of use!