10 Best Tapas Bars in Madrid for Authentic Spanish Flavors

Madrid is a city where culinary traditions run deep, and tapas culture is most certainly a quintessential part of its charm. Tapas, the small, flavorful plates that accompany drinks, are more than just snacks—they are a way of life. Whether enjoyed standing at a bustling bar or seated in a cozy corner of a traditional tavern, tapas represent the art of savoring food and drink in good company.

Exploring the best tapas bars in Madrid is an essential experience to add to your itinerary. Many establishments follow the tradition of serving a free tapa with your drink, making it an affordable and delightful way to sample the city’s gastronomy. 

10 Best Tapas Bars in Madrid: Where To Enjoy The Most Authentic Spanish Flavors

Here are some of the best tapas bars in Madrid that I tried during my visit, offering incredible flavors, unique atmospheres, and culinary stories. Also, check out my post on: 5 Days in Madrid Itinerary for First Time Visitors

1. El Lacón

📍 Address: Calle Manuel Fernández y González, 8, 28014 Madrid

A Madrid institution since 1966, El Lacón exudes authenticity with its traditional decor and lively atmosphere. Known for its warm hospitality, this tavern embraces the custom of serving a complimentary tapa with your drink.

On a food tour, we paired the Bodegas 2022 Juan Gil Blanco—an organic Moscatel wine with aromatic notes of peach and melon—with delicious tapas, including:

• Pimientos de Padrón: These small green peppers are lightly blistered, offering a balance of smoky and slightly spicy flavors.
• Jamón Tapas: A classic and irresistible choice showcasing Spain’s renowned cured ham.

Why Visit: El Lacón’s charm lies in its dedication to tradition, making it a perfect spot for those seeking an authentic Madrid experience.

2. Taberna Sidrería El Fontán

📍 Address: Calle Canalejas, 6, 28014 Madrid

Located near Madrid’s vibrant literary quarter, Taberna Sidrería El Fontán is a cozy gem that brings the flavors of northern Spain to the capital. Known for its focus on cider (sidra) and traditional Asturian tapas, this spot offers a relaxed atmosphere perfect for an intimate dining experience.

We indulged in:

• Russian Salad with Fish (Ensaladilla Rusa): A creamy, savory classic elevated with the addition of fresh seafood.
• Blue Cheese Dip and Croquettes: These croquettes boasted a perfectly crisp exterior and a rich, gooey blue cheese filling.
• Cachopo de Ternera Asturiana: This indulgent dish features thin slices of veal from the Asturian valleys, stuffed with cheese and ham, then breaded and fried to golden perfection. It’s a hearty and flavorful specialty that highlights the rich traditions of Asturian cuisine.

Why Visit: With its unique offerings and nod to Asturian culinary traditions, this is the perfect spot for anyone looking to explore a different side of Spain’s tapas culture.

3. La Casa del Abuelo

📍 Address: Calle de la Victoria, 12, 28012 Madrid

Stepping into La Casa del Abuelo is like traveling back in time. This historic tavern has been delighting locals and visitors for over a century with its famous shrimp dishes.

We savored:

• Shrimp in Olive Oil with Garlic (Gambas al Ajillo): Sizzling in a clay pot, this dish delivers bold flavors of garlic, olive oil, and tender shrimp—a must-try! Dip your bread in the oil for the most heavenly experience.

Why Visit: Known for its seafood tapas, this iconic spot is perfect for those who love Mediterranean flavors.

4. Los Galayos

📍 Address: Plaza Mayor, 1, 28012 Madrid

Located on the bustling Plaza Mayor, Los Galayos is a classic Madrid eatery offering a mix of traditional and seasonal tapas. Its historical setting adds to the allure, making it a popular choice for both locals and visitors.

We tried:

• Spanish Omelet (Tortilla Española): Perfectly cooked with a soft, creamy center, this dish is a quintessential taste of Spain.
• Patatas Bravas: Crispy fried potatoes topped with a spicy tomato sauce and a creamy aioli—simple yet absolutely irresistible.
• Torreznos: These thick, crispy pork belly bites are a deliciously indulgent treat that showcases the rich flavors of traditional Spanish cuisine.
• Cinnamon Milk Dessert (Torrija con helado de Turron): This Easter specialty is a comforting and aromatic treat that rounds off the meal beautifully.

Why Visit: Los Galayos combines history, location, and expertly crafted tapas, making it an unmissable stop.

5. Casa Labra

📍 Address: Calle de Tetuán, 12, 28013 Madrid

Just steps away from Puerta del Sol, Casa Labra is a historic tavern that has been serving Madrileños since 1860. Famous for its traditional cod dishes, this iconic spot offers an authentic glimpse into Madrid’s culinary heritage. The unpretentious decor and timeless recipes make it a must-visit for tapas lovers.

We tried:

• Croqueta de Bacalao: Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these cod croquettes are bursting with flavor.
• Tajada de Bacalao: A simple yet delicious fried cod fillet, perfectly golden and flaky.
• Tinto de Verano: This refreshing mix of red wine and soda pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of the cod dishes.

Why Visit: Casa Labra is not just a tapas bar—it’s a piece of Madrid’s history. Whether you’re drawn by the storied past or the legendary cod dishes, this spot delivers an unforgettable experience in the heart of the city.

6. La Taberna de María Cruzada

📍 Address: Calle Amnistía, número 8, 28013 Madrid, Spain

Just steps away from the majestic Palacio Real de Madrid, La Taberna de María Cruzada is a cozy and traditional spot renowned for its hearty and authentic Spanish dishes. This tavern’s rustic charm and welcoming atmosphere make it a favorite among locals and visitors.

Their specialty:

• Cocido Madrileño: A traditional Madrid stew made with chickpeas, vegetables, and a mix of meats, cooked slowly to perfection. Served in separate courses, this dish is a comforting and flavorful tribute to classic Spanish home cooking.

We paired it with the following wines:

Carramimbre Roble, crafted by Bodegas Carramimbre on the El Pingón estate near Peñafiel in Valladolid, showcases a deep cherry-red hue, aromas of ripe red berries with hints of cinnamon and vanilla, and a balanced, mouth-filling palate with smooth tannins and a lingering spicy finish—a true reflection of Ribera del Duero’s excellence.

Familia Torres 22 Pies Rioja Crianza, made from the iconic Tempranillo grape, is a testament to Rioja’s winemaking tradition. This wine delights with its deep ruby-red color, aromas of ripe dark fruits, and enticing oaky notes of chocolate, vanilla, and oak. On the palate, it offers a smooth, balanced experience with elegant tannins and a lingering, refined finish.

Why Visit: If you want to experience the essence of Madrid on a plate, La Taberna de María Cruzada’s cocido is a must-try. Its convenient location near the Palacio Real makes it an ideal stop after exploring one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. This tavern offers a taste of tradition that warms the soul and showcases the city’s rich culinary heritage.

7. Casa Nicasio

📍 Address: Calle de la Unión, 10, 28013 Madrid, Spain

Located in the heart of Madrid, Casa Nicasio is a charming eatery that offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for those seeking authentic Spanish cuisine. It is particularly popular for its paella.

We tried:

• Paella: A beautifully crafted dish of saffron-infused rice, seafood, meats, and vegetables. Originating from the Valencia region on Spain’s eastern coast, paella was traditionally cooked over an open flame in a wide, shallow pan, with variations evolving to include seafood, chicken, or mixed ingredients.

Why Visit: Casa Nicasio provides a delightful dining experience with traditional dishes that capture the essence of Spanish culinary heritage. Its central location makes it a convenient stop.

8. El Economato

📍 Address: Calle de Belén, 5, 28004 Madrid, Spain

El Economato is a contemporary tavern located in the lively Chueca neighborhood celebrated for its high-quality Spanish cuisine, relaxed ambiance, and outstanding vermouth selection. I visited El Economato on a small group food tour with Devour, which is one of my favorite tour companies. I have taken many of their tours in different cities. This is the tour I joined: Madrid Tapas and Wine: Small Group Literary Quarter Tasting Tour

We enjoyed:

• Vermouth: Specializing in a diverse range of vermouths, El Economato offers selections like the monthly feature, Los Raigones—a reddish garnet vermouth crafted from Pedro Ximénez grapes, known for its intense aromatic richness and balanced, slightly bitter finish. A classic way to serve vermouth in Spain, the orange slice enhances the drink’s bittersweet flavors and adds a hint of citrus freshness, making it even more aromatic and refreshing.
• La Gilda: This iconic pintxo is a skewer with anchovies, olives, and pickled guindilla peppers. Originating from the Basque Country, the pintxo is named after the 1946 film Gilda, starring Rita Hayworth. The name reflects its character: “salty, spicy, and a little bit green,” much like Hayworth’s persona in the movie. You might also enjoy this post Where to Enjoy The Best Pintxos in San Sebastian 
• Gazpacho is a refreshing cold tomato-based soup that is perfect for a light and flavorful starter.

Why Visit: El Economato is a must-visit for vermouth lovers and anyone looking to experience authentic Spanish pintxos and small bites in a welcoming and charming setting.

9. Ferretería Restaurante

📍 Address: Calle de Atocha, 57, 28012 Madrid, Spain

Housed in a former 19th-century hardware store, Ferretería Restaurante offers a unique dining experience that seamlessly blends historical charm with contemporary Spanish cuisine.

We paired our tapas with Tres Pilares Verdejo Sobre Lías 2022, a delightful white wine from the Rueda region made entirely from Verdejo grapes. This wine impressed me with its pale yellow hue and subtle greenish highlights. Its aromatic profile featured vibrant notes of tropical fruit, citrus, and delicate hints of fennel and freshly cut grass. It delivered a smooth and full-bodied experience on the palate, enhanced by the creamy texture imparted by lees aging (sobre lías).

We also enjoyed Polvorete 2022, a vibrant white wine crafted by Bodegas Emilio Moro using the Godello grape variety from El Bierzo in Castilla y León, Spain. This family winery, founded in 1891 in Pesquera de Duero, Valladolid, has become a world-renowned producer through three generations of dedication to tradition, innovation, and social responsibility. The young vines used for Polvorete are grown in calcareous clay soils over 750 meters above sea level, using traditional agricultural methods. After careful destemming and gentle pressing, the must ferments at a controlled temperature in stainless steel tanks, followed by four months on fine lees to enhance its complexity. Polvorete is bright, fresh, and aromatic, with fruity and perfumed notes, offering a lively and approachable introduction to the expressive Godello variety. This wine perfectly complements the innovative yet grounded dining experience at Ferretería Restaurante.

Why Visit: The restaurant’s ambiance pays homage to its origins, featuring preserved furniture and utensils from its hardware store days, creating a distinctive and nostalgic atmosphere. Recognized in the 2025 MICHELIN Guide, Ferretería Restaurante is noted for its updated traditional cuisine prepared with high-quality ingredients.

10. La Pulpería de Victoria

📍 Address: Calle de la Victoria, 2, 28012 Madrid, Spain

Located just steps from Puerta del Sol, La Pulpería de Victoria offers a modern and urban take on traditional Galician pulperías, with decor that evokes the rich history of these establishments.

Specialty:

• Pulpo a la Gallega: Their signature dish features octopus cooked and sliced right before you, following the original tradition of O’ Carballiño. The octopus is typically served on a wooden platter, drizzled with olive oil, sprinkled with paprika, and accompanied by boiled potatoes, known as “cachelos.”

Why Visit: For an authentic taste of Galician cuisine in the heart of Madrid, La Pulpería de Victoria provides a delightful dining experience that honors time-honored cooking methods.

The History of Tapas: A Bite-Sized Tradition

The origins of tapas are as flavorful as the dishes themselves. Tapa means “cover” in Spanish, and the tradition is said to have begun as a practical solution. Legend has it that bartenders would place slices of bread or ham over glasses of sherry to keep flies out, thus giving birth to this beloved custom. Over time, these simple covers evolved into an integral part of Spanish culture.

In the 13th century, King Alfonso X of Castile decreed that taverns must serve food with alcohol to prevent drunkenness, cementing the practice of pairing drinks with small plates. Another story ties the tradition to King Felipe III, who required snacks to accompany drinks for similar reasons.

Today, tapas have transcended their humble beginnings, becoming a symbol of Spanish hospitality and a celebration of flavors. From free tapas served with drinks in some regions to elaborate gourmet creations in modern kitchens, tapas continue to evolve while staying rooted in their rich history.

Why It Matters in Madrid: As the capital, Madrid showcases the diverse styles of tapas from across Spain. From Andalusian influences to northern specialties, the city’s tapas culture is a delicious blend of tradition and innovation, offering travelers a chance to experience the essence of Spain in every bite. We hope that you enjoy our guide to the best tapas in Madrid.