If you want to enjoy great tapas, you either need to head south to Andalucia or find a really good Andaluz restaurant. Let me introduce you to my favourite, La Cazorla. It’s a little corner of the South in the heart of Madrid!
In the bar section, every drink you order is accompanied by a different tapa. Please don't ask for tapas; they are complimentary and the whole point of tapeo is to be surprised each time. At La Cazorla you may be given clams cooked with garlic and white wine, stewed beef, some well-dressed beef tomatoes or potato salad.
La Cazorla is my little family's favourite restaurant for a celebration - I went there on my birthday this year! The raciones (portions) are huge and great for sharing - we usually order a few starters between us. The two large dining rooms are attended by white-jacketed waiters; very old-school Spanish. Bread, olives and fried almonds keep you entertained while you are waiting for your food - warning: there's a cover charge of for this.
It’s minutes away from the Fundación Juan March too, so you can combine some culture with a delicious lunch!
Calle Castelló, 99
Large fish fry:
€
11
915627194
Find your way with 255 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
VETA is the biggest contemporary art gallery in the city, so once you’ve had your fill of the Old Masters at the Prado, why not get off the beaten track?
by
Don’t worry about collecting and counting plates - there’s an “all you can eat” lunchtime menu, you can fill your boots for a very reasonable fixed price.
by
His favourite time seemed to be that magic hour when the sun is sinking low in the West and turns everything a golden pinky hue.
by
Each covered market has its own flavour; Chamberí I would say is high quality and traditional but also one that has adapted successfully to the times.
by
Sip a cold beer in Casa Julio, share plates, and feel like part of the city. Come hungry, curious and patient, it fills up fast!
by
"La Hummuseria" is a vegetarian restaurant in Madrid made for hummus fans like me! My favourite's the one with mushrooms. Protip: say yes to the egg...
by
"Konnichiwa" is a Japanese street food restaurant in Madrid. Their specialty is the ramen with the egg, which they cook with a blowtorch at your table!
by
"Quesería Cultivo" is a cheese shop in Madrid where you can find a wide artisanal selection. My protip: do get some bread from two numbers down the street.
by
"Sala de Despiece" Madrid defines itself as "a bar with a kitchen and a great tasting of raw materials". Once I was there I understood.
by
"Harvey's Cocktail Bar" in Madrid makes me feel as if I've entered an American vintage speakeasy. Unlike new hip retro chains, this one feels authentic...
by
"Bodega de la Ardosa" in Madrid is 'castizo' -- pure, genuine. This kind of bar is in danger of extinction, so enjoy it while it's still alive!
by
"Bosco de Lobos" in Madrid is 'a bar that serves Italian food in a garden. It's a brunch and meeting place...' My favorite though, is their 'library'...
by
255 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 255 Insider Tips