Barrio de las Letras — Bar Hopping

Madrid’s Literary Quarter, Barrio de las Letras, owes its name to the great writers of Spain’s Golden Age who once called this neighbourhood home. Miguel de Cervantes, Lope de Vega and Francisco de Quevedo are just a few of the literary giants who walked these streets. Today, the area has swapped quills for clinking glasses, its narrow streets are lined with tapas bars packed tightly together, making it one of the most bar-dense districts in Madrid. You’re welcome to visit during the day for a leisurely vermouth and a bite, but the real magic begins at night. Do as the locals do: order a zurito, a small glass of draft beer, a glass of wine or perhaps some cava. With every drink comes a complimentary tapa, so you can happily graze your way through the evening, socialising and snacking. It’s Madrid at its most authentic.

• Address:

  Barrio de las Letras, Madrid

Casa Lucas

Casa Lucas is a small eatery in La Latina district of Madrid serving traditional tapas, pintxos, and Spanish wines.

• Web:

  www.casalucas.es

• E-mail:

  info@casalucas.es

• Address:

  Calle de la Cava Baja 30, Madrid

• Phone:

  +34 913 65 08 04

DiverXO

Dabiz Muñoz, a Michelin-starred chef known for his bold and inventive approach to cooking, is the mastermind behind DiverXO. Widely regarded as one of the world's most creative cooks, Muñoz offers a 12-course tasting menu that takes diners on a culinary journey through innovative, Asian-inspired dishes. From Iberian pork dumplings filled with Spanish broth and Korean gochujang with grilled cuttlefish and yellow pepper pil-pil, the menu is a testament to Muñoz's daring and imaginative style. Even the desserts are a delightful surprise, with flavours that include cottage cheese, parmesan, and even tom kha kai soup with Thai basil incorporated into a selection of mochi.

• Web:

  www.diverxo.com/en/home

• E-mail:

  info@diverxo.com

• Address:

  Calle del Padre Damián 23, Madrid

• Phone:

  +34 915 70 07 66

La Mi Venta

La Mi Venta is a charming, family-owned restaurant in the heart of Madrid for local cuisine, tapas, Iberian ham, and wine. If the weather is nice, catch some rays on their outside terrace.

• Web:

  www.lamiventa.com

• Address:

  Plaza de la Marina Española, 7, Madrid

• Phone:

  +34 915 59 50 91

Metro Bistro

Chef Matías Smith, the mastermind behind the creative cuisine at this bistro, brings his passion for cooking to every plate he prepares. The tasting menus at Metro Bistro are a true delight for the senses. Each dish is carefully crafted with fresh and seasonal ingredients, resulting in a symphony of flavours that dance on your palate. Whether you are a vegetarian, a seafood lover, or a meat enthusiast, there is something for everyone on the menu. And let's not forget about the wine. Metro Bistro boasts an impressive selection of wines from around the world, curated by their in-house sommelier.

• Web:

  www.restaurantemetrobistro.com

• E-mail:

  reservas@restaurantemetrobistro.com

• Address:

  Calle Imperial 3, Madrid

• Phone:

  +34 913 66 33 19

Paco Roncero Restaurante

Housed in an elegant 19th-century building, Paco Roncero is a Michelin-starred restaurant featuring avant-garde tasting menus and wine pairings. Its sunny terrace adds a touch of warmth and invites you to indulge in the culinary delights it has to offer.

• Web:

  www.pacoroncerorestaurante.com

• E-mail:

  reservas@pacoroncerorestaurante.com

• Address:

  Calle de Alcalá 15, Madrid

• Phone:

  +34 915 32 12 75

• More info:

  Located at the top floor of the Casino de Madrid

1862 Dry Bar

Located in the lively district of Malasaña, 1862 Dry Bar is a true temple of cocktails. They offer both classic mixes as well as signature cocktails at two ambiences, a sophisticated street-level bar and a cosy vaulted cellar.

• E-mail:

  1862drybar@gmail.com

• Address:

  Calle del Pez, 27, Madrid

• Phone:

  +34 609 53 11 51

• Subway:

  Metro: Noviciado

Bar Cock

Do not let the name scare you because that means you will miss some of the best cocktails in Madrid. A hip crowd is drawn to this place, and you will find a chilled atmosphere while the DJ spins some good tunes.

• Web:

  www.barcock.com

• E-mail:

  joseastiarraga@barcock.com

• Address:

  Calle de la Reina 16, Madrid

• Phone:

  +34 915 32 28 26

Barrio de las Letras — Bar Hopping

Madrid’s Literary Quarter, Barrio de las Letras, owes its name to the great writers of Spain’s Golden Age who once called this neighbourhood home. Miguel de Cervantes, Lope de Vega and Francisco de Quevedo are just a few of the literary giants who walked these streets. Today, the area has swapped quills for clinking glasses, its narrow streets are lined with tapas bars packed tightly together, making it one of the most bar-dense districts in Madrid. You’re welcome to visit during the day for a leisurely vermouth and a bite, but the real magic begins at night. Do as the locals do: order a zurito, a small glass of draft beer, a glass of wine or perhaps some cava. With every drink comes a complimentary tapa, so you can happily graze your way through the evening, socialising and snacking. It’s Madrid at its most authentic.

• Address:

  Barrio de las Letras, Madrid

Café Central

Café Central is not only one of the city's classiest and most sophisticated cafés, it is also one of its premier jazz venues. Renowned artists from around the world hold live performances here regularly, enjoyed by eager crowds over some tapas and cocktails.

• Web:

  www.cafecentralmadrid.com

• E-mail:

  info@cafecentralmadrid.com

• Address:

  Plaza del Ángel, 10, Madrid

• Phone:

  +34 613 45 09 65

Cardamomo Tablao Flamenco

Recommended by the New York Times for combining Classic Flamenco with new proposals and innovations, Cardamomo is an intimate Flamenco theatre, in the heart of Madrid, featuring dance performances along with tapas and drinks.

• Web:

  www.cardamomo.com/en

• E-mail:

  reservas@cardamomo.com

• Address:

  Calle de Echegaray, 15, Madrid

• Phone:

  +34 918 05 10 38

Círculo de Bellas Artes

Círculo de Bellas Artes is a cultural organisation that can trace its roots back to 1880. For a different and more cultural kind of evening entertainment, check out what's on offer, and enjoy exhibitions, live performances, poetry readings, and much more. The café located in the centre is popular for afternoon coffee or evening cocktails as well.

• Web:

  www.circulobellasartes.com

• E-mail:

  info@circulobellasartes.com

• Address:

  Calle de Alcalá 42, Madrid

• Phone:

  +34 913 60 54 00

Café Manuela

Café Manuela looks like something straight out of the 1930s, with an elegant art nouveau look and picture-perfect decor. It is immensely popular not only for its wonderful coffee, regional wines and food, ranging from tapas to cakes, but also because of the ample selection of board games you can enjoy as you eat and drink.

• Web:

  www.cafe-manuela.eatbu.com/?lang=en

• E-mail:

  jesusguerrerogutierrez@hotmail.com

• Address:

  Calle de San Vicente Ferrer 29, Madrid

• Phone:

  +34 915 31 70 37

Café Murillo

Café Murillo is a chic and sophisticated establishment with a lovely terrace that offers delectable Spanish bistro cuisine, fine wine, and delightful baked treats. It's a perfect choice for a relaxing break right beside the world-renowned Prado Museum. Whether you're in the mood for a light breakfast, coffee, pastries or a more substantial meal, Café Murillo has you covered. Their dining room offers a variety of tasty options, including huevos rotos, a delicious dish consisting of fried eggs served with coveted Spanish ham.

• Web:

  www.murillocafe.com

• E-mail:

  info@murillocafe.com

• Address:

  Calle de Ruiz de Alarcón 27, Madrid

• Phone:

  +34 913 69 36 89

• More info:

  Near the Prado Museum

Celicioso

Celicioso is an all-gluten-free bakery and café with plenty of yummy options and a great location in the city centre. This cosy café is celebrated for its baked goods and the friendly staff that serves insanely delicious sweet treats, such as red velvet cupcakes, lemon cake, chocolate cake with a raspberry glaze, and banana bread.

• E-mail:

  comunicacion@celicioso.es

• Address:

  Calle de Hortaleza 3, Madrid

• Phone:

  +34 915 31 88 87

Chocolatería San Ginés

Founded in 1894, Chocolatería San Ginés is Madrid’s oldest and most famous chocolate cafe. Be sure to try their, typically very thick, hot chocolate with some churros. San Ginés is open 365 days a year, 24/7, which means that you could stumble upon several revellers after a night out if you happen to visit the café around 4 am. For a quintessential Madrid experience, this is definitely a must-visit.

• Web:

  www.chocolateriasangines.com

• E-mail:

  info@chocolateriasangines.com

• Address:

  Pasadizo de San Ginés 5, Madrid

• Phone:

  +34 913 65 65 46

Churrería Madrid 1883

Experience a dream of chocolate with a side of traditional churros at Madrid's oldest churrería. With four generations of history, the current owners of these establishments, two more in the city, remain faithful to the old recipes of these beloved deep-fried pastries. The interior design combines both vintage and contemporary elements, and you are welcome to observe the staff preparing fresh churros in the open kitchen. In addition to their signature churros, the churrería offers a variety of breakfast options, sandwiches, waffles, and more.

• Web:

  www.churreriamadrid1883.es

• E-mail:

  info@churreriamadrid1883.es

• Address:

  Calle del Espíritu Santo 8, Madrid

• Phone:

  +34 915 21 86 32

UMAMI Spacialty Coffee

Just a few blocks from the Museo del Prado, UMAMI Specialty Coffee is the perfect spot to pause between museum visits and have a well-brewed cup of coffee or tea with a slice of their delicious carrot cake. If you’d like to sample a local treat, try their 'sobaos', a traditional Spanish butter cake from the Cantabria region. The pistachio and lemon version is especially popular. For something more filling, UMAMI offers a selection of sandwiches, including their signature UMAMI Sandwich, as well as a variety of toasts with different toppings, chicken rolls, and even homemade hummus in several flavours.

• Web:

  www.umamispecialtycoffee.com

• E-mail:

  infoumamispecialtycoffee@gmail.com

• Address:

  Calle de la Alameda, 1, Centro, Madrid

• Phone:

  +34 910 72 24 73