Choosing the best restaurants in Madrid is not easy, given the dazzling choice of venues boasting Michelin stars, creative tapas, and traditional recipes, with a restaurant or bar on practically every corner. Spain's capital is the country's most visited city and a true cultural hub, famous for its world-class museums, theatres, festivals, monuments, parks, and clubs. It's virtually impossible not to have anything interesting to see or do in Madrid; the problem is just the opposite: being spoiled for choice. Among all those spectacular offerings, the creative cuisine prepared by the city's top chefs has grown to become one of the main attractions both for tourists and locals.
The capital's food scene has experienced a true culinary revolution that has entirely changed the dining experience for “madrileños” (natives of Madrid), whose life revolves heavily around food. Our focus has also been on the Madrid food scene so that we can provide you with a curated and precise list of the best restaurants in Madrid.
Read more: Our selection of the best Michelin Star restaurants in Barcelona
Our top picks
- Our best pick for special occasions: Quintoelemento
- Best for dinner: Terracotta
- Best for friend groups: Amazonico
- Best for vegetarians/vegans: Invernadero
- Best local cuisine: Bibo
- Best tapas: Platea
How we selected these restaurants
Each minute is precious, and we know you will need enough time to enjoy your meal in some of the best restaurants in Madrid.
Drawing from diner reviews, chef interviews, the Michelin guide, and our personal experiences, we have curated a list of the highest-rated restaurants in Madrid, focusing on food quality, taste, service, design, and location. Our guide offers a diverse selection of top restaurants encompassing various styles, flavours, and cuisines, ensuring that every reader can discover their ideal dining destination.
We also researched online reviews, awards, and local recommendations to provide a holistic view. Ultimately, the restaurants offer exceptional cuisine, outstanding service, and an overall memorable dining experience.
Check our editorial policy to learn more about our process.
Related: The best hotels in Madrid for your next city break in 2024
What food is Madrid famous for?
Madrid is one of the best places to try all the traditional and experimental food that Spanish cuisine can offer. However, the capital is widely known for its popular calamari and patatas bravas. We have dug in a bit more to offer you the most sophisticated versions of Spanish dishes, so you are ready to enjoy your next culinary experience.
Best Dinner Restaurants in Madrid
If you’re looking for a special place for dinner, something elegant, discrete and sophisticated, head to one of the places listed below. We assure you, you won’t be disappointed!
1. Fismuler
Fismuler Madrid Restaurant's menu changes almost daily, with a stamp that proves the day it was made. Variations on a generous-portions menu are dictated by the best fresh produce available.
Fismuler Madrid (and a Fismuler Barcelona as well) focuses on traditional dishes with a surprising touch and intense flavour. The restaurant has a thoroughly studied industrial feel. Famous for one of the best cheesecakes in the capital.
Address: C. de Sagasta, 29, Chamberí, 28004 Madrid
Phone: +34 91 827 75 81
2. Terracotta
Terracotta warrants three concepts: innovation, atmosphere, and cuisine. There's a difference between the discreet outside in the bustling Barrio Salamanca's Velázquez and the elaborate and fascinating inside design of lights and dark shadows. However, the craftsmanship displayed in the design is present in all other vital concerns.
In the traditional Spanish kitchen, proper cooking techniques and times are implemented to extol seasonal, freshly sourced ingredients. The atmosphere of the restaurant is ideal for dinner with your partner.
Address: C. de Velázquez, 80, Salamanca, 28001 Madrid
Phone: +34 91 485 63 46
3. Cannibal
This venue in the Justicia neighbourhood presents a “raw food” concept with dishes such as ceviches, tartars, and carpaccios, where Madrid's raw food gourmets can enjoy elegant and sophisticated creations. The fish is extraordinarily prepared, and oysters (natural or with ponzu sauce) are also offered.
The sourcing team is focused on getting the best product on the market, which is crucial when raw food is involved. The cooked food is also served, inspired by Mediterranean and Spanish cuisines — a new tasting experience in a cosy and romantic place with dim lights.
Address: Calle del Almirante, 12, Centro, 28004 Madrid
Phone: +34 91 026 87 94
4. Amazonico
Suppose you search for a jungle in the middle of the city, or at least an Amazon-inspired deco. In that case, the gastronomic proposal at Amazonico is inspired by tropical cuisine, travelling through Argentina, China, Japan, India and Peru, with particular references to Brazilian gastronomy due to the owner Sandro Silva.
The Jungle Jazz Club, situated on the ground floor, offers live music every day, so it’s a place to be for music and gastronomy fans.
Lately, it has been a place to see and be seen, frequented by the entire upper class of Madrid and celebrities of all sorts.
Address: C. de Jorge Juan, 20, Salamanca, 28001 Madrid
Phone: +34 91 515 43 32
5. Quintoelemento
You won't be able to look away from the monumental and imposing vault in this 800 m2 “sky Restaurant”. The Fifth Element is the perfect name for the futuristic experience of contemplating the stars all over Madrid's sky or video art, interactive LED screens, and video mapping projected on one of the most giant European retractable concave screens over the trademark vault.
The restaurant is on the seventh (and the last) floor in the well-known Kapital nightclub on the famous Atocha Street. The sophisticated menu in this adults-only venue is focused on superb quality products, with elaborations equally based on Mediterranean, Asian, and Latin American cuisine. In addition, it’s acclaimed for its cocktails.
Address: C. de Atocha, 125, 7º, Centro, 28012 Madrid
Phone: +34 91 853 26 28
6. El Club Allard
Enjoy elegant and exclusive meals inside the classic-style restaurant located in Gallardo House, an emblematic modernist building from the beginning of the 20th century. Before it opened to the general public, it was founded as an exclusive space for members (hence the name club). This restaurant is one of the “gastronomic temples” of Madrid, both as gastronomy heaven and in a space that can be rented for business meetings.
Their olive oil is house-made by the restaurant, along with their bread, for which they use their sourdough. Try the tasting menus, formed by 10 or 12 plates, and satisfy all your senses!
Address: C. de Ferraz, 2, Moncloa – Aravaca, 28008 Madrid
Phone: +34 91 559 09 39
7. Santerra
Meals based on La Mancha products reins in this sophisticated and exclusive venue in the Salamanca district. Miguel Carretero, a renowned chef, offers a tasting menu that bears the chef's origin mark: the mountains around Ciudad Real, where he spent his childhood.
Santerra is distinguished by a profound understanding of the products of the country and the land. Homemade marinades and pickles add a homelike sensation to the exquisite dishes. The Iberico Ham croquettes are almost too good to be true, with a slightly crunchy exterior that splits open to reveal a silky and creamy texture interior.
Address: Calle del Gral. Pardiñas, 56, Salamanca, 28001 Madrid
Phone: +34 91 401 35 80
Best Spanish restaurants in Madrid
Spanish cuisine is recognized as one of the best in the world, thanks to its variety, the curated products, the seafood from the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, and the olive oil. Whenever you’re a fish, meat or veggie lover, Spain has a perfect dish for your tastes.
8. Desencaja (DSNCJ)
Desencaja offers haute cuisine with a special dedication to the game and other wild products of exquisite quality-based dishes. The main star is the tasting menu that varies each season, well-balanced so as not to have any feeling of heaviness, with a careful presentation.
The deer loin is spectacular, and the croquettes are among the best in the capital. Each dish is taken care of to the maximum, with perfect cooking points and mixtures of original flavours.
Address: Ctra. Castilla, Km 2, Moncloa – Aravaca, 28023 Madrid
Phone: +34 91 898 22 40
9. Rocacho
Rocacho vaunts a contemporary oak charcoal grill specializing in meat cult and Spanish cuisine. The Time Magazine considered “the best red meat in the world,” they produce from their farms in Jiménez de Jamuz (León).
The venue constantly tries to adjust prices as much as possible, considering the product's quality. A 90-day maturation steak will leave you wanting to return. It's an excellent option to go with friends or family.
Address: C. del Padre Damián, 38, Chamartín, 28036 Madrid
Phone: +34 91 421 97 70
10. Casa Benigna
Casa Benigna specializes in Levante sublime rice dishes, which can be rounded and read as “paellas” for English-speaking. In Spain, the only rice dish named “paella” is the Valencian paella (rabbit and chicken meat-based); all the rest are “arroces” (rice dishes).
As the tradition obliges, all of them are cooked and served in patella at the centre of the table – a type of copper skillet without handles that preserves the temperature. In this case, the restaurant patented its model. In addition, the venue provides options for celiac and lactose intolerance.
Address: C. de Benigno Soto, 9, Chamartín, 28002 Madrid
Phone: +34 91 413 33 56
11. Angelita Madrid
Angelita Madrid is designed as a 360º bar mixed with a bistro, an eatery, a wine & cocktail bar, and a tapas bar. If it seems like a lot to take, brothers Villalón mixed it all into a coherent, warm and charming space. The venue offers different seasonal meals daily.
It's proud of a fresh and high-quality product, spectacular tomatoes (in a tomato salad out of this world) direct from the family garden in Zamora, and outstanding and well-disposed service. A very elaborate short menu has some authentic hallmarks: cheese, cured meat boards, and ratatouille with egg.
Address: C. de la Reina, 4, Centro, 28004 Madrid
Phone: +34 91 521 66 78
12. El Paraguas
El Paraguas is an Asturian restaurant located in the Salamanca district, which has been the flag bearer of quality unsung Asturian cuisine for almost two decades. The quality of all products is excellent: vegetables, meat, and always fresh fish, well treated, well presented and served in a classic and elegant set. It's a true essential classic in the Spanish capital.
Address: C. de Jorge Juan, 16, Salamanca, 28001 Madrid
Phone: +34 91 431 59 50
13. Gofio
You may want to read this twice: a Canarian restaurant with a Michelin Star. Their three tasting menus contain some signature and creative meals made from products from the different islands, offering the very essence, flavours, and traditions of the Canary Archipelago. The winery has a careful selection of outstanding Canarian wines, hard to find. The desserts are spectacular.
Address: C. de Lope de Vega, 9, Centro, 28014 Madrid
Phone: +34 91 599 44 04
14. Los Montes de Galicia
An unassuming Galician cuisine restaurant has won the “Travellers Choice Awards” on TripAdvisor in Madrid for five consecutive years with an average score of five points out of a possible five based on more than 10,000 comments. How is it possible? In the words of the restaurant owner, José Espasandín: “A lot of work and listening to the customer.”
The raw material is of the highest quality, with excellent attention from the staff that completes the classic but sublime tasting menu experience. The variety, the elaboration process and the taste are excellent.
Address: C. de Azcona, 46, Salamanca, 28028 Madrid
Phone: +34 91 355 27 86
15. Bibo
The decoration is the star of the show in this Andalusian restaurant. Modern facilities are inspired by the traditional Malaga Fair, including the fair-like illumination of 7,000 bulbs and the hot-air balloon as the main protagonist.
The cuisine with the seal of famous chef Dani García, with whom we already had a candid conversation, relies on Andalusian roots in fusion with international flavours. The menu is varied, with the basic idea of sharing and trying a bit of everything.
Address: P.º de la Castellana, 52, Salamanca, 28046 Madrid
Phone: +34 91 805 25 56
16. Elkar
Located on the 33rd floor of the Emperor Tower Castellana, this venue offers fantastic views of the entire Castellana or the mountains of Madrid and Guadalajara.
Elkar's interpretation of world-famous Basque cuisine is based on mastery of cooking fish. The highest quality is paramount in each dish, with creativity in execution combined with a well-balanced wine list.
Address: Torre Emperador Castellana, P.º de la Castellana, 259D, Planta 33, 28046 Madrid
Phone: +34 639 184 558
17. Amós
The 3 Michelin stars chef Jesús Sánchez invites you on a journey through Cantabrian culinary remembrance and modern interpretation of traditional Cantabrian cuisine flavours. The tasting menu called Esencia (“essence”) is the show's hero.
Located in the luxury hotel Rosewood Villa Magna, the venue boasts a charming terrace and an elegant, spacious, bright interior space. A valet parking service at the Hotel is provided with the food.
Address: C. de José Ortega y Gasset, 2, Salamanca, 28001 Madrid
Phone: +34 91 587 19 91
Best Tapas Restaurants in Madrid
The Spanish tapas are not merely a meal, they are a part of the culture. Those tiny dishes, traditionally served as a small bit of beer or wine, are now elevated to elaborate creations. Many restaurants serve only tapas!
18. Santancha
Santancha is the new restaurant in a time-honoured Plaza de Chamberí. It is ideal for pecking Mediterranean-inspired small portions specially designed to share, whether exclusive house-made creations like ‘tiradito de salmon’ and false risotto or traditional tapas such as the bravas potatoes or the ham croquettes.
Rich in aromas, fast-served, and some surprises in terms of flavours. This cosy place's reasonable price for the heavenly tapas experience is a bonus.
Address: Calle de Sta Engracia, 41, Chamberí, 28010 Madrid
Phone: +34 91 219 06 30
19. Platea
You can live different gastronomic experiences on different Platea’s floors while marvelling at acrobat performances or listening to live bands on stage that somehow have the perfect volume to allow you to talk. If tapas is your thing, enjoy them downstairs. If you prefer to sip a cocktail (or two… or three…), go to the bar on the roof overlooking the whole space.
This old cinema and nightclub, located on the Plaza de Colón, has been converted into a revolutionary gourmet spot with an original and different atmosphere, already a benchmark of the gastro-concept in Madrid. So eat and drink, but above all, savour the complete experience.
Address: Calle de Goya, 5, 7, Salamanca, 28001 Madrid
Phone: +34 91 993 00 57
Best Seafood Restaurants in Madrid
Seafood in Spain forms an important part of the diet. Having access to the warm Mediterranean and the cold Atlantic, the country possesses a vast offer of produce and the elaboration is different in the regions.
20. La Bien Aparecida
There's no way you can confound this Cantabrian restaurant for any other: it bears the name of the patron saint of Cantabria. The two floor venue is located in the Salamanca quarter.
It offers culinary traditions, classic products like fresh fish, especially anchovies or croquettes, and modern preparations like a mussel cake and Boeuf Bourguignon. Excellent atmosphere, a cosy place, and a good menu.
Address: C. de Jorge Juan, 8, Salamanca, 28001 Madrid
Phone: +34 91 159 39 39
21. Alabaster
Alabaster is a Madrid branch of the Micheline-starred restaurant from La Coruña “Alborada.” So, your hunch is correct: Galician seafood of the highest quality is served in an Elegant atmosphere. Amazing sea products are treated with exquisiteness, and professional and unbeatable service is an obvious plus.
A tasting menu is very well conceived, the venue is even better decorated, and the quantities are to your measure in the best Galician tradition.
Address: C. de Montalbán, 9, Retiro, 28014 Madrid
Phone: +34 91 512 11 31
22. Desde 1911
This northern seas seafood restaurant, a project of Pescaderías Coruñesas, is a “dream-come-true” of the four-generation fisherman family from A Coruña that extended the business to Madrid, and the legendary fish temple was born. Extreme measures are taken to source only the best fish and shellfish from the national fish markets so that the daily tasting menu can always be at least slightly different.
Spacious and bright premises, a very exclusive minimalist environment but with a cosy touch, and a lovely terrace, perfect for long summer evenings in the capital.
Address: C. del Vivero, 3, Moncloa – Aravaca, 28040 Madrid
Phone: +34 91 545 72 86
Best steak restaurants in Madrid
This section is dedicated to meat lovers, the ones who appreciate a high-quality piece of meat on their plate. Of course, if you love grilled vegetables, you will also find them on the menu!
23. La Vaca Argentina
The classical Argentinian steak house has to master two concepts: the Argentine grill with its delicious cuts and sourcing pieces of meat of the highest quality. La Vaca Argentina pairs what's taken for granted with candlelight and piano music as protagonists to create a romantic and elegant atmosphere. It's one of the best options for a romantic date.
With a classic and sleek design, this restaurant has a privileged location, occupying the heart of national politics, near the Palacio de Las Cortes.
Address: C. de Ventura de la Vega, 3, Centro, 28014 Madrid
Phone: +34 91 128 81 60
24. Leña
The first thing you see when you enter the restaurant is a massive fridge of meats. Recently famous for being the only restaurant to accommodate Kylian Mbappé on his visit to Madrid, the renowned chef Dani Garcia's venue is not a typical Castilian grill house nor an American-style steakhouse. In Leña (“Firewood”), they focus on the fusion of flavours from around the world with classic meat products for barbecue.
There's much more here than a slice of spectacular meat: accompaniments such as grilled Malaga avocado, piquillo peppers, smoked Caprese salad, or onion garnish. And the croquettes that have already made a name for themselves as irresistible. Leña has valet parking (they park it in the area because it does not have parking).
Address: Hotel Hyatt Regency Hesperia, P.º de la Castellana, 57, Chamberí, 28046 Madrid
Phone: +34 91 108 55 66
Best Italian Restaurants in Madrid
Is there anyone who doesn’t like to bite a piece of pizza from time to time? Try those best Italians in Madrid, some of them are the best in the world!
25. Totó
This classical Italian restaurant is a homage to the protagonist of Cinema Paradiso both in name and aesthetics. It has some illustrious partners, such as Rafa Nadal, Pau Gasol, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The mission is to revive the splendour of Italian movies and the post-war life of the 50s and 60s — starting with a traditional menu with a careful selection of pasta and raw materials based on ecological and sustainable products. The 600-square-meter venue comprises several private rooms and a central stage where live piano music is performed, but at a volume that allows you to talk without shouting.
Address: P.º de la Castellana, 36, Salamanca, 28046 Madrid
Phone: +34 91 005 38 84
26. Arrogante
The warning is in the restaurant's name: you will dine in surreal surroundings, eyeing a show that's a bit of the circus, a bit of the opera, and please keep in mind, some juggling. Waiters with tenor singing voices, a master of ceremonies, dancers, and clowns turn dinners into Madrid's biggest show.
Oh, yes, those merry-go-round horses that hang from the ceiling have just started moving. But all this extravagancy doesn't diminish the remarkably classic Italian cookbook, with delicious food, good pairings of flavours, and excellent presentation.
Address: C. de Velázquez, 96, Salamanca, 28006 Madrid
Phone: +34 91 737 69 70
27. Grosso Napoletano (Senza Glutine)
Grosso Napoletano has risen to one of the world's best 50 artisanal pizzeria chains, making completely Gluten-Free pizzas in Madrid and Barcelona. It is a fantasy world for gourmet celiacs since their entire menu, including drinks, is gluten-free. This doesn't mean it's not an authentic Neapolitan pizza, with thick edges and very thin dough.
The origin is distinguished by ingredients shipped from Naples and made in two stone and wood ovens whose fires don’t stop burning. Its aesthetics is inspired by the industrial designs of New York's Italian pizza parlours, with an unmistakably Neapolitan essence.
Address: Calle de Sta Engracia, 48, Chamberí, 28010 Madrid
Phone: +34 91 005 36 83
28. Pizza Natura (gluten free)
The Pizza Natura restaurant has an official collaboration agreement with the Spanish national association of celiacs and those sensitive to gluten. Their 100% gluten-free vegetarian pizzas are based on unprocessed products without artificial preservatives and added sugars.
The restaurant believes in a healthy world and implements that message with something as a priority, contrary to the credo of pizzas. The dough is very thin and corn-free (from quinoa and millet). The flavour of each ingredient is noticeable, and any changes to them the clients want are carried out without a problem.
Address: C/ de Francisco Silvela, 78, Salamanca, 28028 Madrid
Phone: +34 91 385 51 33
29. Bel Mondo
If you fancy a voyage to the beautiful Amalfi Coast without leaving Madrid, Bel Mondo Trattoria is your best bet. An Italian summer villa inspires the beautiful restaurant's decoration with a charming terrace full of vegetation and with a flower tunnel. The whole Italian classic menu is present in its most exquisite interpretation.
We recommend the striking carbo mamma and the spectacular burrata. It’s good to know Bel Mondo has some tables without reservation that are in high demand.
Address: C. de Velázquez, 39, Salamanca, 28001 Madrid
Phone: +34 91 167 94 08
Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Madrid
Healthy food is super important. We all know it, and that’s why we also include veggie restaurants here. Those chefs take a modern twist on fresh produce and convert it into healthy and incredibly tasty dishes.
30. El Invernadero
The famous chef Rodrigo de la Calle, one of the fathers of “gastrobotany“, defines his creations in his green haute cuisine Michelin-stared restaurant as “vegetable taming.” Only seasonal fresh vegetables are used for crafting a spectacular tasting menu, often described as pure magic.
All the dishes lead to a true explosion of flavours in your mouth, and the combinations with the fermented kombucha and kefir elevate them into another dimension. Turning “simple” vegetables into something extraordinary is one of the mysteries worth discovering each season in El Invernadero (“The Greenhouse”).
Address: C/ de Ponzano, 85, Chamberí, 28003 Madrid
Phone: +34 628 939 367
31. Levél
Levél Veggie Bistro is focused on Vegetarian, Vegan and Raw-vegan Haute Cuisine, offering a wide variety of the highest quality dishes in which the proper treatment of the ingredients is respected. Raw vegan lasagna is the house's speciality, and rightly so because it is out of this world.
It also has dishes designed for those allergic and intolerant to nuts and gluten. Levél demonstrates that tasty and healthy can go hand in hand. The restaurant has a closed terrace overlooking Retiro Park.
Address: Av. de Menéndez Pelayo, 61, Retiro, 28009 Madrid
Phone: +34 91 127 57 52
32. Distrito Vegano
Distrito Vegano became famous in 2017 by winning its barrio Lavapies tapas contest (“Tapapiés”) with a vegan tapa, for the first time in that prestigious competition history.
This vegan venue boasts a kitchen based fundamentally on vegetables, based on a mix of self-made artisan products with fresh local ones of the highest quality. All of that leads to original and tasteful dishes, supremely done and in good quantity. Pets are allowed.
Address: Calle del Conde de Romanones, 10, Centro, 28012 Madrid
Phone: +34 91 210 82 73
Best Trendy Restaurants in Madrid
If you are looking for a stylish spot with original interior design, visit one of those places. You will eat well and be surrounded by art!
33. Torcuato
Located on the top floor of ABC de Serrano Mall, the restaurant is divided into a fascinating interior with surprising rooms and a roof terrace overlooking Madrid's most famous avenue Paseo de la Castellana.
The gastronomic proposal is the fusion of tradition with modernity, with influences from different cuisines of the world, experimenting with many varied and refined flavours with a unique touch. In the summer, they have some holders with crushed ice to keep your drink cool.
Address: C. de Serrano, 61, Salamanca, 28006 Madrid
Phone: +34 91 088 15 41
34. Caluana
Caluana is both an Italian and Spanish-inspired restaurant inside an old chapel of an XVI-century church. Its heavenly cuisine (pun intended) provides a modern touch to the fusion of these two classical cooking schools, with a menu full of revelations like fabulous potato omelette croquettes.
The restaurant has three different environments: the greenhouse, the olive grove, and the “Maldita (damned) Gioconda” (the bar). The in-house night show is terrific, professional, and with perfect taste, adding to the experience.
Address: Calle de la Bolsa, 12, Centro, 28012 Madrid
Phone: +34 689 533 349
35. Papúa
Papúa focuses on the fusion of modern Spanish cuisine with global trends and with the liberal touch of the exotic. Not only tables with velvety seats but just every detail is planned with utmost precision to highlight the unique venue's personality.
The beautifully decorated jungle-themed place boasts good service, stylish music, and spectacular cocktails. However, not everything here is innovative; the classic ham croquettes have become well-known by word of mouth. Make sure to leave some room for a scrumptious Pavlova cake.
Address: Pl. de Colón, 4, Salamanca, 28001 Madrid
Phone: +34 91 576 68 97
Final words
We hope you've now decided on the right restaurant for your next Madrid dining adventure.
While we stand by our picks for 2024, the city's ever-evolving food culture means there will always be new restaurants to explore. So, if you have any other restaurant suggestions or want to include your restaurant in this list, contact our editorial team.
Last Updated on May 27, 2024 by Editorial Team
