As Madrid has historically been a crossroads, the city has many influences from all parts of Spain. Food has also been influenced by this, as you can find all kinds of regional Spanish food in Madrid. So you might ask -- what is Madrid's regional food? It does exist, of course: Cocido madrileño is Madrid's emblematic dish. It's a chickpea-based stew with substantial meat and vegetables. It is most popular during the winter, but is served throughout the year. You will find many tourist traps and restaurants offering this dish, so beware. You might thus ask yourself where you should go. I personally recommend Taberna La Daniela.
The restaurant is a well known restaurant among madrileños due to their more than two decades of history. Taberna La Daniela has been very successful with this traditional dish and many locals visit this restaurant frequently. For many, this place also represents tradition -- they may go at least once a year. Taberna La Daniela is an institution for the people of Madrid.
The restaurant has tried to maintain this traditional feeling since 1992. They've been so popular they already have four restaurants in Madrid: you can find them in Goya, cuchilleros (Plaza Mayor), Medinacelli (Huertas) or beside the stadium Santiago Bernabeu. Therefore, you have no excuse not to go.
Apart from Cocido, I personally recommend ordering ropa vieja and their tender tortilla de patata. Que aproveche!
Find your way with 241 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
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"Taberna Antonio Sanchez" is one of the oldest, if not the oldest bar in Madrid. Come here to try some classic Madrileño dishes, it's a good place to start
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"La Carbonera" is an exceptional cheese bar in Madrid which places importance both on the interior design and the cheese selection. What a delicious smell!
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"Cervecería Alonso" is a wonderful traditional bar in Madrid that's off the tourist trail. Go with an appetite and share all the Spanish goodies!
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"La Cazorla Castelló" is one of the best Andalucian tapas (plus-sized!) & wine bar in Madrid, and my family's favourite restaurant for a celebration!
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"Casa de Diego" in Madrid is a specialty shop for fans and umbrellas. They make the fans themselves and have been doing so since the 1800s...
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"Casa Alvarez" serves cocido completo, Madrid's most typical dish. Eating it involves some ceremony & you should come discover it if only to tell the tale!
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"Casa Labra" is just off Plaza del Sol in Madrid and has remained almost unchanged since 1860. I like getting a vermut de grifo and a couple of croquetas.
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