La Trucha
Bar restaurant patronized by show-business types from the Teatro Español next door. Relaxed ambience and a great place to sample tapas. Try rabo de toro (bull’s tail).
Calle de Núñez de Arce 6
91 532 0882
Closed Sun–Mon, Aug
Casa Alberto
This historic tavern is where the author Cervantes wrote part of Don Quixote. Wood panelling gives it a warm atmosphere. Vermouth dispensed on draught from an antique pump. Traditional madrileño cooking.
Calle de las Huertas 18
91 429 9356
Closed Sun D, Mon, mid-Aug–Sep
Casa Lucas
There is a good choice of wines and large tapas for sharing on offer at Casa Lucas.
Cava Baja 30
91 365 0804
Closed Wed
Casa González
This popular wine bar is housed in a converted 1930s deli. There is a huge selection of wines, empanadas (pies) and ice creams.
Calle León 12
91 429 5618
Closed Sun, Mon
Casa Lucio
It’s worth splashing out on a meal in this restaurant renowned for its roasts. Booking ahead is essential.
Calle de la Cava Baja 35
91 365 3252
Closed Sat L, Aug
Taberna de Antonio Sánchez
The ambience is reason enough for visiting this traditional inn. Tapas include black pudding with raisins .
Calle de Mesón de Paredes 13
91 539 7826
Closed Sun D, Mon, 15–31 Aug
The Penthouse
This stylish rooftop terrace has two indoor bars and Bedouin-style tents for relaxing.
Hotel ME Madrid, Plaza Santa Ana 14
91 701 6000
La Venencia
Sherry is the speciality of this small, lively bar. Simple tapas dishes.
Calle de Echegaray 7
91 429 7313
Alhambra
Atmospheric tapas bar – from 11pm at weekends you can only eat standing at the bar .
Calle de la Victoria 9
91 521 0708
Taberna Almendro 13
Tastefully decorated tapas restaurant with an Andalusian theme.
Calle del Almendro 13
91 365 4252
La Posada de la Villa
This attractive inn dates back to 1642. Traditional Castilian cooking is served, especially roasts.
Calle de la Cava Baja 9
91 366 1860
Closed Sun D, Aug
Dis. access
Botín
American writer Ernest Hemingway was a fan of this restaurant. His favourite dish, roast suckling pig, is still a house speciality .
Calle de la Cuchilleros 17
91 366 4217
La Torre del Oro
Tapas are free when you buy a drink at this outrageous Andalusian bar decorated with mounted bull heads, videos of bullfights and gory pictures.
Plaza Mayor 20
91 366 5016
Closed Jan
La Casa del Abuelo
This tapas bar par excellence was founded in 1906 and is still going strong. The speciality of the house is prawns .
Calle de la Victoria 12
91 521 2319
El Cenador del Prado
French influenced cooking and a relaxed ambience are what make this restaurant a continued hit. Make sure you save room for the wonderful desserts .
Calle de Prado 4
91 429 1561
Closed Sun, one week mid-Aug
Aloque
A fine wine list accompanies delicious raciones (large tapas).
Calle Torrecilla del Leal 20
91 528 3662
Closed Mon
El Viajero
The third-floor terrace is very popular during the evening and weekend, as is the restaurant below.
Plaza de la Cebada 11
91 366 9064
Closed Sun D, Mon, 1–15 Jan, 15–31 Aug
Taberna Maceiras
Chaotic and noisy, this restaurant is still well worth a visit for the great seafood, almond cake and wines.
Huertas 66
91 429 5818
Closed Tue L
Arrocería Gala
The glass roofed terrace is the main attraction of this restaurant specializing in rice based dishes.
Calle Moratín 22
91 429 2562
Asador Frontón
A classic asador where meat and fish dishes are grilled over charcoal.
Plaza de Tirso de Molina 7
91 369 2325
Closed Sun D, Easter, Aug (15 days)
