Madrid's Best Tapas Restaurants

Sala de Despiece in Madrid takes a former butcher shop and turns it into a playful tapas spot where the chefs often finish dishes right at your table. Guests sit along a single counter, adding to the casual, energetic vibe. It’s a compact space that highlights fresh ingredients and a fun, interactive atmosphere.

Recommended by

João Sá

Chef

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.

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La Catapa in Madrid’s Retiro area is a down-to-earth spot with a cozy bar and welcoming hosts. It’s known for homemade, traditional food made with good ingredients, which draws locals and visitors alike. The relaxed setting and friendly service make it an inviting place to enjoy classic Spanish flavors.

Recommended by

Dabiz Muñoz

Chef-restaurateur

For tapas, in the Retiro district around Calle Alcalde Sainz De Baranda, there are many good tapas restaurants, with one of my favourites, La Catapa. It’s a very humble restaurant with a small bar, serving all kinds of small tapas and dishes. Great hosts, homemade, traditional food, and very good ingredients. This is one of my top choices. I usually order some escabeches, the tortilla patata and some grilled fish, pescado a la brasa. It is almost unbelievable that they are able to serve all of these great dishes in such a small restaurant with a tiny kitchen.

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Casa Revuelta in Madrid has welcomed locals and visitors since 1966 with its lively atmosphere and genuine charm. Patrons appreciate the easygoing setting, where they can sip vermouth on tap and cold beer while enjoying the city’s warm spirit.

Recommended by

Jutta Baerenfaller

Chef & Sommelière

Amazingly old bar, they have vermouth on tap. Beer as well. Superbe snacks like bacalaoand anchovies. Enjoy the busy vibe there!

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La Venencia in Madrid feels like stepping into the past, with a simple and welcoming atmosphere. It’s known for its focus on sherry and a no-photos policy, encouraging you to slow down and soak it all in. You can drop by any time during their open hours—no reservations needed.

Recommended by

Jutta Baerenfaller

Chef & Sommelière

Go there! Just entering the bar and you feel hundreds of years back in time. Awesome sherry selection. Actually that’s all they serve. No pictures allowed. Serious recommendation.

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Casa Dani is a welcoming counter restaurant in Madrid’s Mercado de la Paz, where you can sit at the bar and enjoy a relaxed meal any time of day. It also has two other locations, making it easy to find a spot that suits you. The atmosphere is lively yet cozy, reflecting the charm of the local market scene.

Recommended by

Kenneth Nars

WoM co-founder & creative director

Great marketplace counter restaurant at the charming Mercado de la Paz with a legendary creamy tortilla española with caramelized onions. Also other tapas, seafood and meat dishes. Great for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Counter seating. Casa Dani has two other locations.

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