La Campana Madrid

The Quintessential Squid Sandwich

Cesar from Madrid

""La Campana" is my favorite central place for bocadillo de calamares in Madrid: the bread is OK, but the fried squid is tender and it tastes great."

A visit to Madrid isn't truly complete without indulging in its iconic bocadillo de calamares, deep-fried squid sandwiches that have become emblematic of the city's culinary scene. Plaza Mayor, a historic square thrumming with activity, stands as the epicenter for this beloved dish, with countless bars and eateries boasting their version.

However, amidst the bustling tourist hub of Plaza Mayor, discerning a genuinely delectable squid sandwich from the mediocre ones can be a challenge. Many establishments, seeking to capitalize on the tourist influx, serve sandwiches with overused oil, rendering the squid chewy and the bread soggy. Such lackluster offerings hardly do justice to Madrid's gastronomic pride.

Enter La Campana, a beacon of authenticity in the midst of tourist traps. Their bocadillo de calamares stands out, with perfectly tender squid that neither tastes nor smells off-putting, all nestled within adequately crispy bread. Whether you choose to savor it at the bar, soaking in the ambiance, or grab one to go and immerse in Plaza Mayor's vibrant tableau, it promises to be a delightful experience.

For those seeking variety, La Campana's pork belly or fried chorizo sandwiches, complemented by fried Italian peppers, are equally tantalizing.

Snacks

Buy one, Give one!

Share your 💚 this December

*on all products

Madrid Spotter Cesar

About me I was born in Madrid, but I've lived here and there due to my job in the tech industry, having spent half my life traveling the world. Thanks to that, I've had the chance to meet people from all sorts of cultures and with diverse tastes. This sparked my curiosity to learn more about how people live in their own countries. Eventually, I left the tech industry and spent more than a decade traveling the world, camera in hand, exploring cuisines that were new to me - I'm that friend who always gets asked for restaurant recommendations. My passion for gastronomy l...

About this spot

Calle Botoneras, 6

Squid sandwich:

€

+34

913642984

Nov 7, 2025

Our Madrid City Guide

Find your way with 266 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Madrid guide.

Loved it? Join us!

Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Madrid

Formaje

Madrid’s award-winning cheesery

During the quarantine, we people in Madrid discovered how to splurge on foodie goodies at home. "Formaje" is my choice regarding cheese...

Shopping

Snacks

Andrea

Roberts

Dec 11, 2025

Bô Coffee

Madrid’s most Instagram-able brekkie

"Bô Coffee" in Madrid is a new coffee shop with a 'healthy not healthy' menu - from avo toast w/ nutritional yeast to incredibly decadent cookies...

Coffee & tea

Restaurants

Snacks

Andrea

Roberts

Dec 11, 2025

Cafés Tornasol

Breakfast in the market

At first glance, "Cafés Tornasol" in Madrid is not very different from other specialty coffee shops, but what makes them special is their savory dishes...

Coffee & tea

Snacks

Cesar

Gonzalez

Dec 11, 2025

Fundación Mapfre

An art jewel in Madrid

"Fundación Mapfre" in Madrid is an excellently curated exhibition that's very well lit & hung. At a reasonable 3 euros, a great way to spend an hour or so.

Art & culture

Shopping

Andrea

Roberts

Dec 11, 2025

Plaza de Olavide

My favourite Madrid square

"Plaza de Olavide" is one of most laid-back squares you'll find in Madrid, and a place I like spending some time with friends without spending a fortune.

Bars

Relaxing

Restaurants

Andrea

Roberts

Dec 11, 2025

Museo Lázaro Galdiano

Madrid, heir to art palace

"Museo Lázaro Galdiano" in Madrid comprises almost 5,000 pieces on display. Here you'll find well-known names and pieces. Free entrance for the last hour.

Art & culture

Andrea

Roberts

Dec 9, 2025

Delish Vegan Donuts

Madrid’s donut heaven

Delish Vegan Doughnuts Madrid makes donuts so popular they sell out every day! All their 12 varieties look sinful, like you need confession afterwards.

Coffee & tea

Shopping

Snacks

Andrea

Roberts

Dec 9, 2025

Rosaleda del Retiro

A rose is a rose is a rose

The Rosaleda del Retiro gardens in Madrid has such a happy atmosphere - I challenge anyone not to be charmed by its flowery abundance in May & June...

Relaxing

Andrea

Roberts

Dec 5, 2025

La Mejor Tarta de Chocolate del Mundo

Chocolate!

"La Mejor Tarta de Chocolate del Mundo" in Madrid doesn't just make the best chocolate cake in the world because the names says so. It's not joking around.

Snacks

María José

Morr

Dec 3, 2025

Club Alma Sensai

Chic divine

"Club Alma Sensai" in Madrid is a private club for women but also open to a few good men. It is a concept in exclusive leisure, fun and elegance...

Art & culture

María José

Morr

Dec 3, 2025

Cafe Berlin

Dance for real

"Cafe Berlin" in Madrid is a legendary club that has concerts and music until the early hours in the morning! It is a mix of cinema, theater & 20s bar...

Music

Daniel

Ramirez-Escudero

Dec 3, 2025

El Doble

The legend of the best doble in town

"El Doble" in Madrid features the caña's bigger brother -- 330ml of beer. The lights here are bright, so forget about the ambience, though I still love it!

Bars