Madrid's Best Casual Restaurants

Sacha Restaurant serves playful dishes with a foundation in traditional Spanish cuisine, marked by Catalan and Galician influences. The menu, crafted by Sacha Hormaechea, includes fresh seafood, robust meat dishes, and tapas made with high-quality ingredients. In the summer, customers can enjoy their meals on a serene outdoor patio.

Recommended by

Oliver Jansson

Food Enthusiast – Stockholm, Sweden

Playful dishes with its foundation in traditional Spanish cuisine, with Catalan and Galician influences. Sacha is a culinary icon in the vibrant city of Madrid. In a charming restaurant featuring humble wooden chairs tastefully contrasted by pristine white tablecloths, Sacha Hormaechea serves playful dishes with its foundation in traditional Spanish cuisine, with Catalan and Galician influences from his parents. Expect fresh seafood, robust meat dishes, and tapas created with simple, high-quality ingredients. In the summer you have the opportunity to sit on the peaceful outdoor patio that provides a very serene atmosphere. Don’t miss Sacha’s signature tortilla vaga if you go here!

Read more

This unique eatery, Sala de Despiece, offers a delightful twist on traditional dining with its butcher shop-inspired ambiance. The restaurant is known for its creative and theatrical approach to food, with dishes often prepared or finalized at your table, adding a touch of drama to your dining experience. With a focus on showcasing the best cuts of various ingredients, their menu is a testament to the respect and honor they give to traditional Spanish cuisine while incorporating flavors from around the world.

Recommended by

João Sá

Chef – Lisbon , Portugal

Table side plating and great flavours. Casual, nice music and ambience. All dishes plated by the waiters' table side. Great flavours. This is a place to go to again and again.

Read more

Arima, a chic modern variation on a traditional Basque tavern, is led by San Sebastián native Nagore Izazuegi. It offers a small but flavorful menu, including standout dishes like Stilton cheese croquettes, rib steak with stewed cheek, and a special black pudding talo. With its strong Basque influence and commitment to sourcing excellent produce from artisanal growers, Arima provides a unique gastronomic experience.

Recommended by

David J Constable

Writer & Underwear Model – London, UK

Chic modern variation on a traditional Basque tavern San Sebastián native Nagore Izazuegi heads this small establishment in Calle Ponzano, which features a typical bar where customers can enjoy pintxos, the Basque country’s take on tapas. The menu is small but the flavours big, with a tiny and visable kitchen where chefs cook up dishes like Stilton cheese croquettes or rib steak and stewed cheek. The black pudding talo (kind of like a tortilla) is really something very special. The average price per dish is between €12-€16, so pretty reasonable for the quality.

Read more

This restaurant, Barracuda Mx, is a venture by chef Roberto Ruiz, previously associated with a Michelin-star restaurant. It offers a casual dining experience with a menu inspired by the flavors of the Mexican Pacific, including dishes like oysters with chile de árbol sauce, memelas with wagyu and avocado sauce, and pescado a la talla. The establishment also boasts a wide selection of tequilas and mezcals, making it a great spot for those interested in exploring Mexican cuisine and beverages.

Recommended by

Paula Móvil

Journalist & PR – Madrid, Madrid

Michelin star worthy Mexican restaurant in Madrid Owned by chef Roberto Ruiz, once behind Michelin star restaurant Punto MX. Start off with tequila and sangrita, followed by a Michelada or one of their cocktails. The menu revolves around the flavors of the Mexican Pacific, so think of oysters with chile de árbol sauce, memelas with wagyu and avocado sauce and an amazing pescado a la talla meant to be eaten with freshly made tortillas.

Read more

Piantao Legazpi is an Argentinian restaurant that takes pride in its contemporary grill concept, focusing on seasonal products cooked using various fire techniques. The restaurant is recognized for its perfectly cooked meats, especially the ribeye and chorizo criollo, as well as its excellent wine selection. Additionally, the restaurant offers a unique dining experience with a distinctive personality and mastery over the grill, ensuring a surprising balance of flavors.

Recommended by

David P. Leja

@thegastrojourney – Palma, Spain

This Argentinian restaurant mainly focuses on grilled meats, and we can tell you those meats are great! We went for dinner and ordered the following: * Empanada criolla (meat cut with knife and Yasgua sauce). * Chorizo criollo. * Ojo de Bife (Ribeye). * Fried potatoes in cow fat. * Sweet potatoes glazes in cane sugar. * Dulche de Leche Alfajor with chocolate. The meat was in our opinion perfectly cooked, and the quality top notch, with a nice fat infiltration a lots of flavor! What we also loved was the wine selection they had, we picked a great Argentinian wine, and also important to mention, we thought the atmosphere was very enjoyable!

Read more

Located in the heart of a neighborhood market, Tripea offers an unpretentious and enjoyable dining experience with a fusion of flavors from Peru, Japan, and Spain. The set menu, priced at around 40 Euro, includes a variety of dishes such as empanadillas with tuna and tomato escabeche served with red curry sauce, and oysters with the season's first strawberries and leche de tigre. The restaurant, recognized with a Bib Gourmand from the Michelin guide, also boasts a nice selection of wines to enjoy by the glass or bottle.

Recommended by

Malgosia Minta

Food journalist – Warsaw, Poland

Flavours of Peru and Japan in the heart of a neighborhood market. Unpretentious, flavourful and enjoyable- that’s what Tripea is. Its name comes from “trip” or “travel”, and that’s the idea behind its food. In the set menu (7-8 courses for ~ 40 Euro) you will find accents from Peru, Thailand or Japan meeting local Spanish products, say empanadillas with tuna and tomato escabeche served with red curry sauce or oysters with the first strawberries of the season and leche de tigre or a bao bun topped with cheese sauce. Plus a nice selection of wines, to enjoy by the glasses or bottles.

Read more

With a unique concept of an imaginary island, ARAIA offers a blend of Mediterranean flavours in a setting that evokes a beach cave. The menu includes original dishes such as beetroot carpaccio, crispy fried calamari with aioli, spicy octopus, and a savory rice casserole with duck. Don't forget to try their lamb sish kebab and ox tail stew, both highly recommended by visitors.

Recommended by

Paula Móvil

Journalist & PR – Madrid, Madrid

Mediterranean vibes on the hippest neighborhood in town Araia is conceived as an imaginary island in the middle of the Chamberí neighborhood. In a venue that resembles a beach cave, the energetic and young staff will serve some original creations such as a beetroot carpaccio (amazing!), crunchy fried calamari with aioli, a spicy octopus and a perfect rice casserole with duck. Do not miss the lamb sish kebab or the ox tail stew.

Read more

At Chispa Bistró, the fusion of fine dining techniques and a relaxed bistro atmosphere creates a unique dining experience. The menu is a flavorful blend of Asian, Spanish, and New York-inspired dishes, with no pretentiousness, just delicious, well-crafted food. The chefs at Chispa Bistró draw inspiration from their travels around the world, resulting in an open, international, and shared cuisine that's designed for enjoyment and sharing.

Recommended by

Peter Atzen

Copenhagen Foodie – Copenhagen, Denmark

Perfect mix of fine dining and bistro. I think they have found the sweet spot of fine dining meets bistro. For me the great thing about this balance is that you get all of the skills of the chef from fine dining in terms of technique and knowledge about how to build flavor but in a relaxed bistro setting. To me the restaurant is all about flavor. There are no pretentious dishes showing off technical skills or super expensive products. What there are a lot of are very delicious dishes. Looking at the menu and as I was eating through it I was thinking what is the identity of the place as it is a bit all over the place with lots of Asian flavors, Spanish as well as New York. At the end of the day I didn’t really care that it was all over the place because what brought it together was the great flavor and that’s why you come as a guest.

Read more

Serving typical food from Madrid, Cuenllas is known for its exceptional wine cellar and delicious dishes. Some of the standout items on the menu include toast of smoked eel and scrambled eggs, grilled green beans and foie gras, and a delectable millefeuille of custard and cream. It's a place that offers simple, tasty food and a wide selection of wines, making it suitable for any occasion.

Recommended by

David P. Leja

@thegastrojourney – Palma, Spain

This iconic restaurant in Madrid serves typical food from Madrid and has an exceptional wine cellar on top of the great food. Without further due, here’s what we ordered: * Toast of smoked eel and scrambled eggs. * Grilled green beans and foie gras. * “Callos a la madrileña” (guts stew). * “Soldaditos de Pavía” (battered cod). * Millefeuille of custard and cream. * Lemon pie. We really enjoyed everything, just simple and very tasty food overall, perfect for any occasion, and as mentioned previously you’ll find a wine that fits every budget and taste. A place to come back often in our opinion.

Read more

Drawing inspiration from the beautiful art deco era, Del Diego Cocktail Bar offers a unique experience with its classic and flawlessly executed cocktails. The establishment is run by the Del Diego brothers, who continue their father, Fernando's, legacy. It's a popular spot for a pre-dinner drink and becomes more lively around midnight.

Recommended by

Paula Móvil

Journalist & PR – Madrid, Madrid

Cocktails are classic and perfectly executed, service is certainly one you will never receive in other bars in the city Hands down one of my favorite cocktail bars in Madrid. The Del Diego brothers keep the legacy of their father, Fernando, responsible for giving life to this beautiful art deco inspired spot. Cocktails are classic and perfectly executed, while the service is certainly one you will never receive in other cocktail bars in the city: elegant, attentive... and perfect. Located right next to Gran Vía, it becomes a lovely place to have a pre-dinner drink, although it is around midnight when it gets more crowded and lively.

Read more

With a focus on the Asianleña cuisine style, Derzu Bar - Restaurante en Barajas offers a unique culinary experience. The restaurant is recognized for following the path set by culinary pioneers like Alberto Chicote and Ricardo Sanz, and further elevated by David Muñoz. It's a must-visit spot, known for its casual atmosphere and its deviation from typical gastronomic routes.

Recommended by

Pedro Espinosa

Food writer – Madrid, Spain

Another good follower of the asianleña cuisine style, which was created by pioneers like Alberto Chicote, Ricardo Sanz and taken to new heights by David Muñoz. David Vangoni's most casual place deserves a visit outside the usual gastro routes in the city.

Read more

Doppelgänger Bar is a small restaurant offering fusion cuisine with Latin American influences, located in the Antón Martin market. With a variety of natural wines and a menu featuring dishes like crunchy taco with prawn, "Laura" style Tamal, and Berliner doughnut, it caters to a range of tastes. The most surprising dish, according to some, is the “colihuevo de ñora” - a flavorful broth that's super tasty.

Recommended by

David P. Leja

@thegastrojourney – Palma, Spain

This small restaurant is located in the market of Antón Martin in Madrid and offers nice fusion cuisine with lots of influences from Latin America and also a nice variety of natural wines. We pretty much left everything in their hands and let them choose what we would eat that day, and we had the following: * Crunchy taco with prawn. * “Colihuevo de ñora” * “Laura” style Tamal. * Bitter sweet pork. * Banana karé. * Berliner doughnut. The dish that surprised us the most was the “colihuevo de ñora”, the broth had lots of flavor and was super tasty. In general we had a nice meal, in a fun location and unbeatable prices where the most expensive dish was 8€!

Read more

Serving as a renowned tavern, El Doble is recognized for its unique pouring of a flawless doble. Their seafood tapas, particularly Galician mussels prepared en escabeche, gambas salad with diced onions, olive oil and sherry vinegar, and fresh anchovies cured in salt and vinegar, are also worth a try. Besides, this place showcases the art of pulling a perfect caña, or doble, adding a touch of authenticity to your dining experience.

Recommended by

Anastasia Avramenko

Freelance journalist – Milan , Italy

This emblematic tavern is best known for pouring a proper doble, while their seafood tapas deserve not less attention. This is the place. El Doble. Try Madrid’s most famous tapas here: Galician mussels prepared en escabeche, gambas salad with diced onions, olive oil and sherry vinegar, boquerones en vinagre (fresh anchovies cured in salt and vinegar). In addition to that, El Double is where you’d witness the art of pulling a perfect caña, or doble.

Read more

Serving fantastic Spanish cuisine, El Fogón de Trifón emphasizes the quality of its ingredients, offering dishes like clams from Carril, artichoke with foie gras, and cod "Cocochas" with pil-pil sauce. The cozy atmosphere makes you feel at home, and their approach to food is simple, allowing you to appreciate the main ingredient of each dish. The restaurant has been serving food lovers for over 15 years, treating customers with professionalism and a warm, welcoming approach.

Recommended by

David P. Leja

@thegastrojourney – Palma, Spain

Spanish restaurant with fantastic ingredients and cooked great, with a cozy atmosphere making you feel at home. The concept reminded us a little bit of La Tasquita de Enfrente actually, with the emphasis being on the ingredients. On this occasion we went with our good friend Luis and had a nice little feast composed of the following: * Clams from Carril. * Artichoke with foie gras. * “Huevos rotos”: Fried eggs with fried potatoes and “papada ibérica” (pork jowl) and black truffle. * “Chopitos” (baby squid) with potato. * Cod “Cocochas” with pil-pil sauce. * Cheesecake with a green olive confit. A fantastic meal, not overcomplicating things and just being able to appreciate the main ingredient of each dish.

Read more

El Pescador is known for its seafood and fish, with dishes such as big clams from Carril, red prawn from Denia, crayfish from Isla Cristina, Sole, and Sea bream. The restaurant also offers desserts like Filloas filled with custard. The restaurant operates from Monday to Saturday, offering two service periods each day, and is closed on Sundays.

Recommended by

David P. Leja

@thegastrojourney – Palma, Spain

THE place for seafood and fish in Madrid. This is THE place for seafood and fish in Madrid. It was four of us and we didn’t overcomplicate things, we mainly ordered grilled simple and delicious seafood and fish: * “Almejas gordas”(Big clams) from Carril. * Red prawn from Denia. * “Cigalitas” (crayfish) from Isla Cristina. * “Lenguado” (Sole). * “Besugo” (Sea bream). * Filloas filled with custard. Definitely one of the places we’ve most enjoyed in the city, and your place to go if you are craving some good seafood or fish.

Read more

This restaurant, FAYER Madrid, offers a unique culinary concept, combining Jewish flavors with Argentinian meats and grills. The interior design is contemporary, featuring an open kitchen that allows customers to observe the hustle and bustle of each service. Recommended dishes include the hummus, falafel, baba ganoush, and the pastrón con hueso, while the pastrami sandwich with fries is a good choice for a casual lunch.

Recommended by

Paula Móvil

Journalist & PR – Madrid, Madrid

Trendy Jewish - Argentinian restaurant This is probably one of the essential restaurants you should visit while in Madrid. Its owners already own a Fayer in Buenos Aires and try to keep the same vibe and cuisine in both. Its culinary concept is quite original, since Jewish flavors are not quite known in Madrid. Plus, they add perfect Argentinian meats and grills to the equation, which makes everything even more appetizing. Love the decor and contemporary interior design, as well as the open kitchen to see the bustle and bustle of what happens during each service. Try the hummus, the falafel and baba ganoush. And the majestic pastrón con hueso. If you are just stopping by for a casual lunch, snack on the pastrami sandwich with fries.

Read more

With a casual vibe and no-frills approach, Fide Calle is a standing-only counter that serves great local beer and first-rate tapas-style snacks. The menu is rich in seafood, brought in every week from the Galician town of Cambado, offering delicacies such as grilled prawns, pulpit camariñas, crabs, barnacles, and shrimp. Their selection of anchovies, served on toasted bread, is also worth noting, making this place perfect for a quick snack or a 'beer & bite' before dinner.

Recommended by

David J Constable

Writer & Underwear Model – London, UK

Standing-only counter with great local beer and first-rate tapas-style snacking One of man’s greatest achievements was putting an anchovy on some toasted bread and boy, do they have a fantastic selection of anchovies here! The vibe is incredibly casual with no-frills, just good cold beer and excellent slider foods - grilled seafood, grilled prawns, pulpit camariñas, crabs, barnacles, shrimp (the seafood brought in every week from the Galician town of Cambado). Also worth noting that it is a bar serving food, so its standing only. Perfect for snacks or a quick ‘beer & bite’ before dinner.

Read more

Fismuler is known for its simple, straightforward cooking style that emphasizes high-quality ingredients and enhanced flavors. The restaurant offers a range of dishes, from lettuce buds from their own garden topped with 24-month Comté, to artichoke rice with flamed snails, and an omelette featuring potato, onion, fried green peppers, and Carrasco Iberico chorizo. The cooking style is stripped back to simplicity, allowing the ingredients to be the star of each dish.

Recommended by

David J Constable

Writer & Underwear Model – London, UK

Simple, to-the-point cooking: showing off first rate produce and ramping up the flavours. A brilliant lunch at Fismuler from chef Patxi Zumarraga. Simple, to-the-point cooking: showing off first rate produce and ramping up the flavours. This is my favourite sort of place, advocating a stripped back simplicity, and pushing ingredients to the fore. There’s a lettuce bud from the restaurant’s garden, crowned with shavings of 24-month Comté; Navarrese white asparagus with champagne cream; Figueres onion soup with ‘cod’s guts & egg yolk; artichoke rice with flamed snails; a San Roman schnitzel with egg & black truffle; pickled wild boar with foie gras & spring vegetables; and the best damn omelette I’ve ever had - with potato, onion, fried green peppers & Carrasco Iberico chorizo.

Read more

Specializing in pickled food, Hermanos Vinagre is a place where you can relax during aperitif time. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes such as gildas, a skewered olive dish with anchovy and piparra, and matrimonio, a cured anchovy prepared in salt and vinegar. They also serve ensaladilla rusa and steak tartar, with the quality of their ingredients justifying the price.

Recommended by

Paula Móvil

Journalist & PR – Madrid, Madrid

A heaven for pickled food With three locations in Madrid (Ibiza, Chamberí and Chueca neighborhoods), Hermanos Vinagre is the place to enjoy the time of the aperitif, one of the favorite hobbies of madrileños. With a glass of vermouth in hand or a caña, indulge in gildas (skewered olives with anchovy and piparra), a matrimonio (cured anchovy in salt and in vinegar) or on a toast with butter and anchovy, a mix of battered cheese and berberechos or some mussels in escabeche. They also have a very good ensaladilla rusa and steak tartar. It is not cheap but the quality of their produce is worth it.

Read more

Kuoco 360 Food is known for its fusion cuisine, offering a diverse menu with dishes inspired by flavors from around the globe. The menu includes unique items such as Peking duck croquette, scallop tartar with passion fruit dressing, and Iberian pork loin with lapsang souchong tea. The meals here are characterized by their contrasting flavors, with acidity being a recurring theme.

Recommended by

David P. Leja

@thegastrojourney – Palma, Spain

If we talk about fusion cuisine, three places come to our minds in Madrid, and Kuoco is one of them. Every bite is an explosion of flavors inspired by food from the whole world. We chose a la carte and ate the following: * Pani-Puri with kefir and smoked sardine. * Peking duck croquette. * Causa croquette with fish, chilli garlic and chalaquita. * Crunchy wonton of pork al pastor, spicy pineapple mojito, lime and coriander. * Oyster with leche de tigre. * Scallop tartar with passion fruit dressing, tomato tsukemono, black quino and shallots. * Steak tartar with gochujang dressing, toasted sesame, mushrooms cracker. * “Presa ibérica” (Iberian pork loin) with lapsang souchong tea, shiitake mole, truffled pico de gallo and crunchy wonton. Overall, a very solid meal, lots of contrasts, and in our opinion the main flavor that was played around with was the acidity.

Read more