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There’s simply no way you get to visit Madrid and not fall in love with it in the process. From world-class museums to that late-night buzz that could power a small country, this city keeps getting impressive around every corner. And just when you think you’ve seen it all, the food arrives at the table. The real magic of Spain’s capital is on the plate, so let’s help you taste your way through it.
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 savor the flavors of Italy, Mexico, Japan, and the list goes on. However, when booking flights to Madrid, you’re probably not craving sushi but something a bit more authentic.
Luckily, there are so many ways to bless your taste buds the Madrileño way. Spain’s capital brings together flavors from every corner of the country, always serving something new and exciting on the table. Whether you’re looking at flights from Chicago to Madrid for business or for 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 cozy 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 – you can let all your culinary dreams run wild here. Stop by on a Tuesday or Thursday night, and you’ll even get 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 all of us who believe that the grill is sacred.
Swim in Seafood Flavors at Estimar
Estimar is a charming dining spot in the center, not that far away from the city’s renowned museums, including the Museo Nacional del Prado. It’s a love letter to the sea, the kind that is read one delicious bite at a time.
Every day, the freshest catches make their way 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 savored, whether it’s raw, boiled, steamed, grilled, or sizzled in olive oil to perfection. If you’re looking for their standout dishes, 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 spot is definitely not just a restaurant but a true piece of history. It has been dishing out meals since 1725, making Botín the world’s oldest restaurant still in operation. They’ve just celebrated their 300th anniversary! And as if that’s not enough, the place hosted some pretty famous visitors back in the day, including Ernest Hemingway, who even 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’s specialty is traditional Castilian cuisine, and their signature dishes are the roast lamb and suckling pig. Try one of these, and you’ll quickly figure out why people have been coming back for 300 years now.
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 Via, you can still enjoy all the Spanish favorites, like croquetas and chorizo, without a single animal product in sight. It’s the perfect place to grab 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 real 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 belly 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’d like to have, there’s something for everyone. Every bite will make you fall a little harder for this amazing city, so let your taste buds lead the way!