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.

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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

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