Madrid is well served when it comes to bakeries, but cakes and cheesecakes aren't usually the best thing on offer - La Merendona is an exception.
This small, welcoming Colombian-owned cafe-bakery has fresh homemade cakes every day and the most tempting window display I've seen in a long time! Lemon merengue pies, orange angel cake with cream cheese frosting, cheesecakes with chocolate, forest fruits and dulce de leche toppings, carrot cakes and chocolate cakes all beautifully decorated with fresh fruit and flowers stop passersby in their tracks!
You can eat in and have breakfast (they have great coffee!) with croissant or some other pastry, cereal bowls and fresh juice, or enjoy a light lunch - they have a very good sandwich selection as well as quiche, Argentinian empanadas and savoury pies. They also have cookies, brownies and bread.
For me though, these all play a supporting role in what's on offer - the stars of the show are the cakes!
Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Madrid guide.
"Casa Dani" in my opinion makes the best Spanish omelette in Madrid, and this is coming from a passionate Spaniard himself!
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
"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
"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
"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
"Tapería La Pequeña Graná" in Madrid is still holding on to the proper tradition of tapas -- more and more difficult to find. Also, they have great beer!
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
"Fellina" in Madrid's Chamberí is an Italian restaurant that's really exceptional. Everything tastes like 'nonna' cuisine. Oh, the burrata with tomato...
By
"Banibanoo" Madrid is an Iranian restaurant that's just fabulous if you like new & exotic sorts of flavors. I like their combination dishes and desserts.
By
"Mama Campo" in Madrid is one of my favourite places to have lunch: top ingredients, amazing desserts and a very nice location on Plaza Olavide...
By
241 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌
✓ 241 Insider Tips from our local Spotters