Madrid Tapas | 5 Must-try Bars & Restaurants

June 25, 2021

Scanning a kaleidoscope of plates and deliberating which delectable dish is your next victim – nothing screams Madrid quite like tapas. Enjoying these little plates of wonder is an essential activity when visiting this beautiful city. It is, after all, home to some of the best tapas in Spain.

Whether you prefer local bars,  family-friendly restaurants, or participating in an informative Madrid Tapas Tour, one thing is for sure… Tapas are for everyone.

While it might seem daunting to navigate the ever-growing tapas eateries in Madrid, the experience will create unforgettable and cherished memories. And these will be sure to linger on your tastebuds.

Best Tapas Bars and Restaurants in Madrid

Feeling hungry yet? To equip you for your long journey into the rich tapestry of tapas, here are some of the finest establishments featuring the best tapas Madrid has to offer.

Docamar

This two-story establishment has an authentic, bustling atmosphere and serves a variety of the most amazing tapas Madrid is known for.

But how does a bar situated approximately 25 minutes from the city centre become so popular? It’s just that good!

Established in 1963, this bar has a rich family-owned history embedded in its walls. They are also well-known for their chilli Salsa Secreta (you guessed it, a ‘secret sauce’) which is a surefire way to give any dish that extra oomph.

tapas-patatas-bravas

Tapa to try: Patatas bravas is easily one of the most commonly recognized Spanish tapas on any list and no one serves it quite like this. Docamar proudly proclaims to have the “best bravas in Madrid since 1963” and we can see why. These fried potato pieces, smothered in a special secret chilli sauce, are enough to make any foodie swoon.

Address: Calle de Alcalá, 337, 28027 Madrid, Spain
Contact number: +34 913 67 83 17
Email: docamar@docamar.com

Fide

Beyond the glitz and glam of the tapas bar scene Madrid is known for, lies the offbeat gems hidden in the cracks. This restaurant may lack a sense of bravado in their simplistic environment, but their real character lies in the quality of the dishes they have to offer.

Best known for its tasty seafood options, Fide is the ultimate place to experience the famed seafood specialties of Madrid in a budget-friendly way. This is also the perfect place to rest your aching feet after a long day of exploring.

clams-spanish-tapas

Tapa to try: The almejas (clams) are a must if you want to experience the sheer quality and freshness of the seafood they have to offer. Simple, yet elegant – how can you go wrong?

Address: Calle de Bretón de los Herreros 17, 28003 Madrid, Spain
Contact number: +34 914 422 089

Taberna La Carmencita

If you’re looking to have a quintessential tapas in Madrid experience, look no further. Taberna La Carmencita is rich in history and famous as the second-oldest tavern in Madrid (it opened in 1854, to be exact).

The interior walls are adorned with beautiful traditional Spanish tiles fitted with a modern refinement. This tapas restaurant provides a perfect balance between the old and the new. The mouth-watering smells wafting in the air will be sure to lure you into the doors of this eatery.

fried-squid-madrid-tapas

Tapa to try: Eat like a local by ordering a portion of Rabas de Santander (fried squid strips) for the table. Don’t blink, these will quickly disappear off the plate!

Address: Calle de la Libertad, 16, 28004 Madrid, Spain
Contact number: +34 915 310 911
Email: hola@tabernalacarmencita.es

Vi Cool

This vibey social hub, nestled close to the picturesque Plaza de Santa Ana, is known for its creative take on conventional tapas. Home to some of Madrid’s best tapas, be sure to add this innovative bar to your list to experience tapas with a twist.

Although this restaurant is more in the pricey range, the artfully crafted plates encapsulate the very essence of Madrid in every bite. Along with the ever-expanding and inventive menus. To get more bang for your buck, we recommend having a look at the tasting menu to experience a variety of different flavours in one sitting.

albondigas-madrid-tapa

Tapa to try: A fresh take on the traditional albóndigas – these flavourful glazed meatballs topped with melted Manchego cheese are definitely the way to go.

Address: Calle de las Huertas, 12, 28012 Madrid, Spain
Contact number: +34 914 294 913
Email: info@vi-cool.com

Casa Julio

Tucked in the trendy Malasaña neighborhood, this popular tavern is hard to miss. Walk through magnificent red doors to the inviting embrace of a unique culinary experience that is capable of satisfying any hearty appetite.

This intimate space is loved by locals and tourists alike, which produces a lively and wholesome atmosphere. This establishment is certainly one of the top tapas bars Madrid has produced.

croquette-best-tapas-madrid

Tapa to try: Make sure to indulge in some tasty Croquetas de jamón (or ham croquettes). This dish is a real staple on any Spanish tapas menu. These cured ham bundles of fried delights are sure to leave you craving more.

Address: Calle de la Madera, 37, 28004 Madrid, Spain
Contact number: +34 915 227 274

Ready to Try the Best Tapas in Madrid?

The act of enjoying food is an immersive experience. When you look back at your travels which will evoke more memories: a picture or a sensory indulgence? The lingering taste of salt on your tongue after a quick bite at Fide, the satisfying feeling after a meatball too many at Vi Cool – these are the memories that stick with you.

Not prepared to leave these tasty treats behind? Consider attending a cooking class to learn how to make them. Experience the taste, texture, and aroma of the city life compressed into one (or a few) bite-sized treasures of Spain.

Table for one, please!

 

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