Traditional Food in Madrid

Traditional food in Madrid is an essential part of life in the Spanish capital and one of the best ways to get to know the city better. Madrid’s cuisine reflects the city’s history, but for travelers, food is often the most memorable way to experience local culture.

As you stroll through Madrid from one attraction to another, it’s impossible not to notice the tempting aromas coming from bars and taverns. Sooner or later, the question arises: what food should you try in Madrid, and which dishes are truly considered traditional for the capital?

Madrid’s cuisine was shaped by influences from different regions of Spain, but over time it developed its own distinct character. Today, the capital offers simple yet hearty dishes that have been served for generations and are regarded as true gastronomic symbols of the city.

Below, we’ll tell you which traditional dishes are worth trying in Madrid, and a little later we’ll suggest the best places to experience the local food.

Traditional Food of Madrid: Typical Local Dishes

As in many other countries, the selection of dishes in Madrid’s restaurants depends on the season. However, there are recipes you can find in almost any establishment all year round. These are the dishes most often recommended to those who want to get acquainted with Madrid’s cuisine.

Cocido Madrileño

This is one of the most popular dishes during the colder months.

Cocido madrileño is a hearty stew made with meat, chickpeas, and vegetables, slowly cooked in a rich broth. Traditionally, it is prepared in large quantities at home and served in a very particular way.

First, meat on the bone (usually pork, beef, or chicken, often a mix), sausages such as chorizo and morcilla (blood sausage), a piece of bacon, chickpeas, and vegetables are simmered for a long time in a large pot. Some people also add cabbage and potatoes, while others prefer to make it without them.

Once everything is ready, the broth is strained and used to prepare a soup by cooking thin noodles in it. The remaining ingredients are then arranged on a large serving platter placed in the center of the table, so everyone can add whatever they like to their bowl of soup.

Callos a la Madrileña

Another slow-cooked hot dish, usually served during the cooler seasons. It consists of stewed offal (most commonly beef tripe) with pieces of chorizo, morcilla, and meat.

The dish is prepared with red chili peppers, tomato sauce, spices, and garlic, and is traditionally served in clay dishes accompanied by bread.

Personally, I really enjoy this dish, while my husband does not — so it’s definitely an acquired taste.

Bocadillo de Calamares

Simple, yet incredibly tasty: battered and fried squid rings are placed between two slices of bread.

You can try this sandwich almost anywhere food is served — in food trucks, cafés, tapas bars, and restaurants.

A must-do tradition when visiting Madrid’s main square, Plaza Mayor, is to order a bocadillo de calamares in one of the many nearby cafés.

Caracoles a la Madrileña

This dish is also not for everyone — some people love snails, while others don’t. You can try them in traditional bars and taverns around Madrid.

It is a flavorful hot appetizer in which snails are, of course, the main ingredient. They are stewed in a sauce made with sautéed onions, garlic, spices, and always include chorizo, tomatoes, broth, and wine.

Gambas al Ajillo

Garlic shrimp originated in Madrid, but over time became popular throughout many regions of Spain.

This hot appetizer is best enjoyed with a glass of good wine and some fresh, crusty bread.

The recipe is very simple, just like much of Mediterranean cuisine: peeled shrimp are added to garlic sautéed in olive oil and served immediately. Sometimes wine or sherry is added, creating a flavorful sauce that is perfect for dipping bread into. Delicious!

Rabo de Toro

Although the recipe for oxtail originates from Córdoba, this dish is considered typical in many restaurants in Madrid.

It is especially popular in May, during the celebrations of San Isidro, the local festival honoring Madrid’s patron saint.

The name speaks for itself: oxtail (often replaced with veal tail) is slowly braised with vegetables in wine until the meat becomes incredibly tender and juicy, practically melting in your mouth. A dish that’s hard not to love.

Huevos Estrellados

This hearty, simple, yet very tasty dish is extremely popular in Madrid.

It consists of fried potatoes, to which usually two eggs are cracked directly into the pan near the end of cooking. They are quickly fried and served with jamón or another type of meat. There are also variations, where mushrooms or vegetables are used instead.

Where to Eat in Madrid: Bars, Taverns, and Markets

In Madrid, food is an essential part of everyday life — it’s not just about eating, but about enjoying the moment, meeting friends, and discovering local flavors step by step.
To truly experience the local cuisine, it’s important to know not only what to order, but also where to eat.

Taverns and Bars Serving Traditional Cuisine

If you want to truly feel the character of Madrid and try dishes such as cocido madrileño, callos a la madrileña, or huevos estrellados, head to classic taverns.
These places are often located in historic neighborhoods like La Latina, Lavapiés, Chueca, and around Plaza Mayor.

In these areas, you’ll find establishments with real soul: wooden bars, a family-style atmosphere, and regulars who come back time and time again.
Locals themselves gather here for lunch or after work, and such places rarely disappoint visitors.

Tapas Bars and a Food Walk Through the City Center

Tapas are not just food — they are a way of spending time in Madrid. In bars around Sol, Gran Vía, and Malasaña, it’s common to stand at the counter and move from one place to another, tasting small portions of different snacks: fried calamari, garlic shrimp, small servings of meat, and cheese.

Tapas bars are often located literally next door to each other, so this kind of “gastronomic route” turns into an enjoyable walk that allows you to discover the city’s cuisine in a relaxed and informal atmosphere.

Gastronomic Markets — Everything at Once

If you want to try a wide variety of dishes at a glance, be sure to visit the gastronomic markets of Madrid.
These places are true culinary hubs, where under one roof you can find traditional Madrid dishes, modern interpretations of classics, and fresh local products.

Food markets are perfect for a relaxed lunch or dinner: you can sample small portions from different vendors, chat with people, and watch dishes being prepared right in front of you.

Markets become especially lively in the evenings and on weekends, when locals come with friends to enjoy good food and a glass of wine.

Restaurants Serving Traditional Madrid Cuisine

If you’re looking for a full dinner in a cozy setting, Madrid offers plenty of restaurants that serve classic local dishes as complete menus. In the Salamanca district and around the Prado area, you can find establishments that preserve local traditions while offering a more refined presentation.

In winter, many restaurants offer hearty, warming dishes, while in summer they add lighter and fresher options to their menus.
A great way to experience the full range of traditional food in Madrid is to choose a place with a wide selection of traditional dishes and local wines.

Tips for Choosing Where to Eat

• If a bar is full of locals, that’s always a very good sign.
• Small places with a simple interior often serve the most authentic food.
• Even in tourist areas around Plaza Mayor, you can find excellent spots — just look for places where not only the menu is multilingual, but the tables are filled with locals.
• The best time to eat is lunch from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, and dinner from 8:30 pm to 11:00 pm.

Wherever you decide to eat — in an old tavern, a lively tapas bar, or at a gastronomic market — Madrid’s cuisine will reward you with bold flavours, a friendly atmosphere, and a true enjoyment of food.

Other Articles About Spanish Gastronomy

If you are interested in Spanish gastronomic culture, we also recommend reading the following articles:

• Traditional Spanish dishes — the most famous dishes and gastronomic symbols from different regions of the country.
• Traditional Andalusian cuisine — what to try in southern Spain and which dishes are considered regional classics.
• Catalan cuisine — the gastronomic traditions of Catalonia and dishes typical of Barcelona and the region.
• Traditional Valencian cuisine — paella, rice dishes, and the gastronomy of Spain’s eastern coast.
• Traditional drinks of Spain — wine, sangria, cider, and non-alcoholic beverages worth trying in the country.