Madrid’s Dining Scene Does It All
Madrid is a big, bold city with a dining scene to match. You might be in Spain, but this place also serves the world. You can savour the flavours of Italy, Mexico, Japan—the list goes on. However, when booking flights to Madrid, you’re probably not craving sushi but something a little more authentic.
Fortunately, there are countless ways to bless your taste buds the Madrileño way. Spain’s capital brings together flavours from every corner of the country, always serving something new and exciting at the table. Whether you’re looking at flights from London to Madrid for business or pleasure, one thing’s for sure—you’re also in for a culinary adventure like no other. So, let’s take a look at a few spots you simply can’t miss.
Serious Meat Lovers Can’t Skip Las Brasas de Vulcano
Tucked right into the heart of this bustling city, Las Brasas de Vulcano is a carnivore’s dream come true. This cosy grill house is renowned for its expertly prepared meats, and you really can’t go wrong with ordering anything off the menu.
T-bone steak, Creole chorizo, and even octopus with blue potato cream—this is a place where you can let all your culinary dreams run wild. Stop by on a Tuesday or Thursday evening, and you’ll even receive a complimentary bottle of traditional red wine with your steak. One bite in, and you’ll understand why this is a must-visit restaurant for anyone who believes the grill is sacred.
Swim in Seafood Flavours at Estimar
Estimar is a charming dining spot in the centre, not far from the city’s renowned museums, including the Museo Nacional del Prado. It’s a love letter to the sea, the kind you read one delicious bite at a time.
Each day, the freshest catches arrive from Costa Brava, Cádiz, Galicia, and even across the border from France. The menu is essentially a crash course in the many ways seafood can be enjoyed—whether raw, boiled, steamed, grilled, or sizzled in olive oil to perfection.
If you’re looking for a standout dish, you really can’t go wrong with the signature Estimar bikini: a toasted sandwich with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and a touch of caviar. Here, even a simple sandwich is a five-star experience.
Botín Serves History With Every Bite
Officially known as Sobrino de Botín, this iconic establishment is not just a restaurant but a true piece of history. It has been serving meals since 1725, making Botín the world’s oldest restaurant still in operation. They’ve just celebrated their 300th anniversary! As if that weren’t enough, the place has hosted some famous visitors over the years, including Ernest Hemingway, who mentioned it in The Sun Also Rises and A Moveable Feast.
Aside from an immersive history lesson, what can you expect from Botín? The restaurant specialises in traditional Castilian cuisine, with roast lamb and suckling pig as the signature dishes. Try one of these, and you’ll quickly understand why diners have been returning for three centuries.
You Can Be Plant-Based and Still Enjoy the Tapas Experience
Who says tapas are only for meat lovers? At spots like the B13 bar near the Calle Gran Vía, you can still enjoy all the Spanish favourites, such as croquetas and chorizo, without a single animal product in sight.
It’s the perfect place to have a drink (or two), snack on a few bites, and fuel up before diving into whatever Madrid has in store for you next.
Don’t Forget to Check Out the Food Markets
To truly feel like a local, tapas and shopping should go hand in hand—and for this, the best place to be is at one of Madrid’s buzzing food markets.
The iconic Mercado de San Miguel near the Plaza Mayor should be on everyone’s travel itinerary, but true foodies should also check out places like Mercado de Antón Martín and Vallehermoso. You’ll go in for a snack and come out with a full stomach and a bag of goodies as fresh as the morning churros.
Madrid Tastes as Good as It Looks
Madrid has so much to offer, and for some of us, it’s the food that will steal the show. No matter your dietary preferences or the type of dining experience you’re after, there’s something for everyone.
Every bite will make you fall a little harder for this remarkable city—so let your taste buds lead the way.