Restaurants

Traditional Castilian since the 1940s, third-generation family. The cocido madrileño is the reason to come — a three-course chickpea stew served Sept–May (you're in luck). Ask for the bar seat if you're solo. One of the most genuinely Madrid experiences you can have.

Your bar, your street. Two minutes from the apartment. Perfect for a solo lunch at the bar — no reservation needed, no ceremony, just honest food and a glass of wine. On Good Friday look for potaje de garbanzos, the traditional chickpea stew with cod.

Since 1887. Traditional Castilian cooking that hasn't changed in years, market-fresh every day. Oxtail, callos, gallina en pepitoria, squid in ink. Go back. Pair with Sunday Rastro for the perfect La Latina Sunday.

One of the few places near Plaza Mayor where locals actually eat. The Infatuation pick. Leisurely lunches — meatballs, stewed beef cheek, cured lomo, Spanish cheeses on olive oil with picos. Jamón and queso treated with proper seriousness.

Since 1931. Over 40 wines by the glass, 200 references. Antique shopfront, tiled interior. One of Madrid's most genuinely inviting spaces. Go for 30 minutes or stay two hours — both work. Ask Paco for cheese recommendations.

Basque restaurant by chef Nagore Irazuegi. Time Out top 30 Madrid. Pintxos bar is perfect for solo dining — stand at the bar, graze your way through the menu. Black pudding talo and Stilton croquettes are the standouts.

Time Out top 30 Madrid 2025. Your one seafood splurge dinner. Book well ahead — this is the place you've been saving for the end of the trip, or for the last full evening with your best friend.

Michelin recommended Chinese restaurant. The Infatuation pick. This is what you remembered. Closed Mondays; reserve Thursday–Sunday evenings. ~€10/dish. Shenjianbao (soup dumplings), spicy wonton, Sichuan pepper chicken.

Peruvian restaurant inside Mercado Vallehermoso. Time Out top 30. Bar and communal seating — made for solo diners. Non-Spanish dinner option that will surprise you.

Neighborhood staple. Bar walk-in — no reservation needed at the bar or terrace. Nice for sunny afternoons on the terrace in Salamanca.

Eastern Mediterranean by chef Heba Kharouf. Terrace, lamb kebab, mezze, knafé dessert. Intimate and beautiful. A strong dinner option during best friend week.

Healthy bowls, multiple Salamanca locations. ~€12–15. Great for Day 1 dinner or any day you need something fresh and light.

Modern Spanish, well-loved by locals. Friend recommendation.

Creative contemporary. Friend recommendation.

Cantabrian seafood, very good. Friend recommendation.

Mediterranean, olive-forward. Friend recommendation.

Classic old-Madrid feel. Friend recommendation.

French-Spanish hybrid, charming. Friend recommendation.

Modern bar-restaurant, lively. Friend recommendation.

Casual lunch spot, solid. Friend recommendation.

Inside Mercado de la Paz on your street. Arguably the best tortilla española in Madrid. A genuine local institution. Friend recommendation.

Specialty coffee, local favorite. Friend recommendation.

Natural, easy vibe. Friend recommendation.

Brunch / light bites. Friend recommendation.

Café + vinyl vibes. Friend recommendation.

Workspace café with fresh pastries. Friend recommendation.

Modern, feminine energy, good wine. Friend recommendation.