La Pentola Mágica Madrid

Real Italian food

Daniel from Madrid

About me Since my childhood, almost since birth (in Bilbao) I've lived abroad. I have lived in London, Belgium, Santiago de Chile, Haarlem, Amsterdam, Barcelona, and my hometown Madrid. Therefore, my DNA makes me curious about different cultures. I have lived in Madrid as a child, teenager and university student. I left during my adulthood and returned as a father, and as a resu...
""La Pentola Mágica" in Madrid makes the best Italian food I ever had. The chef's a character, the food's amazing... I can't stress it enough. Just go."

Oh lord! This place makes the best Italian food I've ever had. Even better than what I had on a trip to Sicily. Absolutely delicious! Food, food, food: La Pentola Mágica in Madrid is all about food. The venue is hard to find, with its childish, tiny, almost non-existent decoration. I work close-by and never knew it was there until somebody spoke me about it. Simply put, it seems like the Italian owner doesn't give a crap about the ambience. That said, I think that is because his only goal and focus is to create delicious food.

The chef is a bit odd, in a positive sense. He may close the restaurant any given day, only offer pasta and no pizza or only offer grappa (Italian liquor) and no other strong alcohol. He is a classic proud Italian who only follows his traditions & his will. La Pentola Mágica seems to not have as a priority growing as a business; you can feel that he loves to cook and that's pretty much it -- take it or leave it. Personally, I love it!

He seems to make all dishes with an equally excellent quality, so I guess there are no specialities. The melanze is a delight -- so tender it seems to melt in your mouth -- pizzas that are paper-thin and topped with high-quality Italian ingredients; the stuffed pasta with nut sauce, or the truffle sauce is an orgy of pleasure. I can't stress it more: if you love Italian food, just go.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

This week 25% off

with the code fall25

*on our yearly membership

Madrid Spotter Daniel

About me Since my childhood, almost since birth (in Bilbao) I've lived abroad. I have lived in London, Belgium, Santiago de Chile, Haarlem, Amsterdam, Barcelona, and my hometown Madrid. Therefore, my DNA makes me curious about different cultures. I have lived in Madrid as a child, teenager and university student. I left during my adulthood and returned as a father, and as a result I have observed the city from different points of view. I love exploring and sharing Madrid's lifestyle and what it has to offer. I consider myself to be a multifaceted person who is i...

About this spot

Avenida de la Ciudad de Barcelona 7

Pizza:

12

+34

615874273

Oct 29, 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

Julián López

Handmade in Madrid, by you!

It’s a TARDIS-like Aladdin’s cave of colour and creativity for anyone, but also a great place to find some peculiarly Spanish items...

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Andrea

Roberts

Nov 30, 2025

Don Panko

Madrid’s first katsu house

The Spanish owner, David, honed his knowledge in Japan of this tasty curry, which is served with rice and crunchy panko-covered meat, seafood or veg.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Andrea

Roberts

Nov 29, 2025

Casa de la Arquitectura

An ambitious proposal

Housed in Nuevos Ministerios, this museum has an ambitious aim - to raise awareness of how architecture impacts the quality of our lives.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Andrea

Roberts

Nov 28, 2025

CASA PEI+

Madrid’s first dumpling house

This little Korean place, has a exquisitely concise menu - 6 different dumplings, steamed or fried, plus a couple of specials and sides and that’s it.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Andrea

Roberts

Nov 28, 2025

Fun House

Live Music and Early Nights

Fun House is a teeny hole-in-the-wall music club tucked away on Calle de Palafox, adorned with band posters & a papier-mâché Elvis strapped to the ceiling.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

by

Catherine

Driver

Nov 28, 2025

Mauthausen Memorial

Republican Victims remembered

The largest piece represents the Liberty Gate; three large columns, inscribed with the names of all the deportees, are 'the trees of dreams.'

002-building
Art & culture

by

Andrea

Roberts

Nov 27, 2025

FMCMP

Spanish art in a brand new space

FMCMP in Madrid is a quiet, elegant space that still feels fresh. It is a fantastic museum and I can't think of a better place to spend an hour!

002-building
Art & culture

by

Andrea

Roberts

Nov 27, 2025

Slow Café

A standout coffee spot

It’s really cosy but airy at the same time - there’s room enough between the variety of seating arrangements for one not to feel boxed in.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
017-plant-1
Relaxing
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Andrea

Roberts

Nov 26, 2025

Monument to Victims of Terrorism

Lest we forget

The monument, named “Recuerdo Vivo” (living memory) honours all 1429 victims of terrorism in Madrid and was installed in 2023.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Andrea

Roberts

Nov 26, 2025

Caravan Serai

Where cocktails become works of art

This hidden gem, located in the Malasaña neighborhood, is a testament to the art of mixology and offers an experience that transcends the ordinary.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Álvaro

Martínez Ponce

Nov 26, 2025

Vino y Compañía

Wine a bit – why not!

This fantastic wine shop, Vino y Compañía is the place to discover the wonderful variety and quality of wine on offer in Spain. Come with an open mind!

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Andrea

Roberts

Nov 25, 2025

La Mina

Family tradition in Chamberi

La Mina Madrid is a bar I've been visiting since 1990 for its speciality — grilled prawns. It's a spot to enjoy a caña and a chat with the locals...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Andrea

Roberts

Nov 24, 2025

Heading to Madrid?

266 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Madrid app Home
Madrid app Home
Madrid app Map
Madrid app Home

Heading to Madrid?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

266 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Madrid

Our team loves Madrid

Get to know our other Spotters from Madrid

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
[paywall_activator]
false
0
false
26
Made with the 💚 of 497 Spotters.
Filters