Where to Eat and Drink in Madrid (2025)
After spending a full month eating our way through Spain’s capital—from rooftop cava tastings to crispy churros and historic dinners—we’ve narrowed down our absolute favorite spots in Madrid for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks.
Whether you’re here for Madrid Pride, soaking up the sun in Retiro Park, or hopping museums in the Golden Triangle of Art, this guide is for foodies, cocktail lovers, and anyone who enjoys dining with a side of sexy Spanish charm.
Whether you’re here for Madrid Pride, soaking up the sun in Retiro Park, or hopping museums in the Golden Triangle of Art, this guide is for foodies, cocktail lovers, and anyone who enjoys dining with a side of sexy Spanish charm.
Breakfast & Lunch
Bô Coffee (Chamberí) – Best for Coffee & Breakfast. This charming café in the upscale Chamberí neighborhood remains our top spot for breakfast. We’re obsessed with their house-made açaí bowls, piled high with fresh berries, bananas, and crunchy granola. The coffee? Smooth and flavorful. The crowd? Chic and cozy. Get here early—especially on weekends—as the line wraps down the block.
Honest Greens (Various Locations) – Best Healthy Eats. Our go-to for a healthy, quick breakfast or lunch that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Think avocado toast, falafel bowls, roasted veggies, and grilled chicken with a side of refreshing IPAs. They’ve even got a coffee and juice bar for early risers. Bonus: the loyalty program scores you free meals and €3 discounts—so sign up and refer your travel buddy!
MADRID TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
Planning your trip to Madrid? These travel tools and services will save you money and make your visit stress-free:
🌟 Pro tip – Some links on this post are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you book through them—at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting our travels and helping us create more content like this!
Planning your trip to Madrid? These travel tools and services will save you money and make your visit stress-free:
- Travel Insurance – Don’t leave home without it! SafetyWing offers super affordable travel insurance with straightforward pricing and flexible extensions—even if your trip is already underway. Protect yourself from unexpected medical expenses and travel mishaps while you explore Madrid and beyond.
- Hotel Discounts – Score unbeatable deals with Booking.com and Hotels.com. Create a free account on either (or both!) to instantly unlock savings of 10% or more on over 100,000 hotels worldwide. You’ll also find member perks like free breakfast, early check-in, or even surprise room upgrades—perfect for elevating your stay. We’re members of both platforms and always compare deals to find the best rate before we book.
- Tours & Experiences – Book unforgettable adventures in Madrid with Viator. Whether you're exploring world class art at The Prado Museum or taking a best of Madrid city tour, Viator makes exploring the city easy and fun.
🌟 Pro tip – Some links on this post are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you book through them—at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting our travels and helping us create more content like this!
Madrid Food Markets
Mercado de San Miguel (Historic Center). An iconic stop and a must for first-timers. This bustling market near Plaza Mayor serves up everything from croquetas and jamón ibérico to fresh oysters and Aperol spritz. Yes, it’s touristy. But it’s also delicious and totally worth a stroll.
Mercado de San Ildefonso (Malasaña). A multi-level, artsy food hall with international flair. We tried Peruvian ceviche, Korean noodles, and a couple of cold beers between shops in nearby Chueca. Great for casual bites and people-watching.
Mercado de San Antón (Chueca). More polished and spacious than its Ildefonso sibling, San Antón features gourmet groceries, food stalls, and a rooftop bar that’s perfect for sunset spritzing. Grab a table and enjoy a relaxed drink while the city buzzes below.
Lunch with a View
Dani Brasserie (Four Seasons Madrid) – Best Rooftop Dining. For one of Madrid’s most unforgettable dining experiences, book a table at Dani García’s brasserie on the panoramic terrace of the Four Seasons. Arrive just before opening to snag a prime spot with sweeping city views. We started with cava and guacamole prepared tableside, followed by dishes like tuna tartare, creamy stracciatella, and indulgent truffle fries. Dessert was a tough call, but the pistachio brioche stole the show. Service is polished yet warm, and even if you’re not a hotel guest, this is an experience you won’t want to miss.
Sweet Afternoon Treat
Chocolatería San Ginés – Best Churros. Need a midday pick-me-up? Head to this legendary churrería, serving thick, rich hot chocolate and crispy churros since 1894. Tourist hotspot? Yes. Still delicious? Absolutely. It’s right near Plaza Mayor—perfect for a sweet break during your afternoon wander.
🌟 Pro tip – Planning a trip to Madrid? From the best LGBTQ+ hotels to must-visit attractions, gay nightlife, and travel tips, find it all in our Gay Travel Guide to Madrid.
Dinner & Date Night
Santa La Vaca (Chueca) – Best Date Night. Theatrical cocktails, Instagrammable interiors, and faux wedding flashbacks? Yes please. This bold Chueca hotspot delivers drama and flavor in equal measure. We split small plates (we’re not big on red meat) and sipped the “Like a Virgin” and “Toxic Mojito”—both served with a side of dry ice and flair.
Botín – The Oldest Restaurant in the World. Dating back to 1725, Botín is officially the world’s oldest restaurant, according to Guinness. We kicked things off with gazpacho and Iberian ham with pineapple (surprisingly amazing), then opted for chicken and grilled veggies over the famous roast suckling pig. Dessert was grandma’s cheesecake—creamy, rich, and unforgettable. Book several weeks in advance or risk missing out!
Bonus Bites: International Eats in Chueca
Madrid isn’t just about traditional Spanish cuisine. Some of our favorite international restaurants include:
- Le Jardin Secret (Asian Fusion)
- Restaurante Borax (Cuban)
- Pizzería Madrid (Italian)
- Mune (Lebanese)
Perfect if you’re craving something global between tapas tours.
Dining Tips in Madrid
- Make Reservations – Especially for dinner. But early (8pm) or late (10pm+) walk-ins are sometimes available.
- Agua de grifo – Tap water is safe! Just ask for it to skip bottled water charges.
- No Tips Required – All taxes are included. Round up a euro or two for great service, but tipping is minimal.
- Late Meals – Breakfast usually starts around 9am, lunch from 2–4pm, and dinner from 9pm onward.
- No Store Booze After 10pm – Plan ahead if you’re buying wine or beer for the hotel.
Where to Stay
Madrid has some of the best gay and gay-friendly hotels in Spain. From the gay popular Roommate Óscar in the heart of Chueca to the hetero-friendly Axel Hotel, you can't go wrong with either.
Looking to book your stay?
Use our links below to compare rates and find the best deal:
- Book Madrid Hotels on Booking.com
- Check rates on Hotels.com
🌟 Pro tip – Bonus tip: Both sites offer 10%+ discounts and perks like room upgrades when you create a free account. We always check both to see who has the better deal!
Final Sip
From tapas and churros to rooftop cava and world-class restaurants, Madrid is a feast for every palate. Whether you’re grabbing late-night bites in Chueca or indulging in centuries-old traditions at Botín, the city serves up flavor and flair at every turn. And if you’re still hungry for more, don’t miss our Gay Madrid Nightlife Guide—because in this city, the fun doesn’t stop at dessert.
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