Are you looking for a unique gastronomic experience in the capital of Spain? If so, you cannot miss the charm of Spanish tapas. We will discover the best tapas available in Madrid, from the classics to the most modern, and how to enjoy them all during your next visit. Follow me to see what makes Madrid's food culture so exceptional!
Why is Spain a destination to eat?
Spanish gastronomy has a lot to offer, and Madrid is one of the best cities to try it. Tapas are an integral part of Spanish food and can be found in virtually every restaurant. If you're new to the world of tapas, here are some of the best dishes to get you started.
What are Spanish Tapas?
Spanish tapas are a set of small appetizers or hors d'oeuvres that are served with alcoholic beverages in bars and taverns in Spain. It is a highly appreciated gastronomic modality in the country, mainly in Madrid, Andalusia and Extremadura, although it can also be found in other regions such as Cantabria, Castilla-La Mancha or Murcia. Tapas vary greatly in composition and flavor, and are usually accompanied by a drink, usually red/white wine or beer.
Among the most popular tapas we can find the Iberian ham, the potato omelette, the anchovies in vinegar, the tomato salad, the red tuna, the Russian salad or the olive. However, each area has its own recipes and gastronomic specialties, so there will be no shortage of pleasant surprises.
The best tapas in Madrid: a tour of its restaurants
Although there are more and more Spanish cities where we can find a good variety of tapas, Madrid continues to be the capital of this delicacy. Therefore, if you are going to visit the city and want to discover its best tapas, we recommend that you continue reading.
In Madrid we can find everything from the classic calamari sandwiches and potato omelettes to more elaborate dishes such as foie gras with apple or Iberian cheeks. And all this in an endless number of restaurants with a good atmosphere where you can enjoy both the entertainment that gives life to the premises and the food.
Here we present some of the best neighborhoods for tapas in Madrid:
Ponzano: the most modern street for tapas in Madrid, with beers at El Doble, wine at Toque de Sal, Mussels at La Charnela, razor clams at La Máquina, among others.
The Latin: the most traditional neighborhood in Madrid serves us some incredible mussels in La Perejilla; vermouth at La Bolita Negra, Tortilla at Pez Tortilla, among many others.
Gran Vía and center of Madrid: There are many references for tapas in this area but we can start at Mercado de la Reina and walk towards the San Miguel market and/or the Plaza Mayor to taste calamari sandwiches.
Ibiza/Retiro area: a sophisticated tapas area with the incredible cooked donut from Perritxo, chickpeas with prawns at La Castela; Other excellent options are Taberna Laredo, La Raquetista, La Montería…
What are the typical tapas of Madrid made of?
The gastronomy of Madrid is full of flavor and tradition. If you are looking for a good recipe for typical Spanish tapas from Madrid, here are some options for you to prepare at home.
-Omelette: One of the most representative dishes of Spanish cuisine. It is a French omelette stuffed with French fries and onions. It is a very simple dish but it tastes delicious.
-Croquettes: Another typical Madrid option is croquettes. These are balls of dough stuffed with various ingredients such as chicken, Serrano Ham, cheese, etc. The croquettes are usually served hot and are perfect to accompany a good red wine.
-Stuffed Peppers: Piquillo peppers are a typical product from the north of Spain. These are roasted peppers that are stuffed with cod or others.
Other ways to taste Madrid gastronomy
Although tapas are one of the most popular ways to taste Madrid's gastronomy, there are many other options for lovers of good food. To begin with, Madrid is a city full of restaurants of all kinds, from the most chic to the most traditional. Don't feel like cooking? No problem: in Madrid you will find endless places where you can enjoy a good menu of the day.
Another way to immerse yourself in Madrid's gastronomy is through its markets. The markets are lively and full of life, offering an incredible variety of fresh and delicious products. If you want to get to know Madrid's culinary culture better, you cannot miss the famous markets of San Miguel and El Rastro. Also the San Antón or San Idelfonso markets are good options with more local public.
The gastronomy of Madrid is also known for its breakfasts, which are copious and varied. A good Madrid breakfast consists of a butter bun and a coffee with milk, some toast with jam and cheese or bread with tomato. You can also taste other typical sweets of the city, such as churros with chocolate.
Food in the form of tapas and raciones is one of the best parts of Madrid and a delicious way to experience its culture!
