If you are looking only for the top tapas bars in Madrid you came to the correct place. TAPA is probably the most well-known and used Spanish word. Perhaps because it evokes the pleasure of eating in company, perhaps because they are tasty or just because the idea of being in Spain while drinking and eating brings joy.
In any case, everyone likes tapas. And we agree. On the other hand, the success of tapas is also in the fact of being adaptable. They can be good for an aperitif but can also become a dinner plate. Even is a tasty night remedy to finish with the wild night after drinking too many beers. The capital is the right place to go around and experiment with all kinds of tapas. You can make your own list of the top 10 tapas in Madrid. In case you don’t have enough time for this,just follow our recommendation. Here are the best tapas in Madrid and the places where you can eat them.
Top 10 TAPAS in Madrid | Bars where you can eat them
Bellota Ham in Casa González
Casa Gonzalez represents a true icon of the traditional Spanish bar. It has a simple and always crowded interior, lined with tiles, posters and food on display. The bar was opened in 1931 and is run by the grandson of the original owner. That familiar way to receive customers with good spanish style makes customers feel right at home. The best Iberian jamon de bellota and queso manchego are some of the products not to be missed in this bar that maintains an authentic environment among those where to enjoy the top tapas in Madrid.
Address: Calle León 12
Garlic prawns in Casa del abuelo
This restaurant was founded in 1906 and is famous for serving mouth-watering and super tasty garlic prawns and sweet wine. Until the Civil War, the restaurant served sandwiches stuffed in baguettes but with the conflict the bread became almost unobtainable. “What can we serve?, asked the managers of the Spanish Ruiz family, who now continue the tradition with the fourth generation, “Simple: – they said – prawns. They are good even without bread”. Since that moment, the small prawns have become very popular. Even many presidents and famous Spanish flamenco stars have delighted here in a unique and iconic place.
And the place is still specialized in shrimp and prawns to match with a sweet wine from the region of Alicante. Even the furnishings reflect a deep devotion to tradition. The walls are covered with old advertising and black and white photos. There’s also seafood tapas based on hot chili, sausages and mushrooms with spices. Definitely, the favorite place for locals that knows where to eat tasty seafood stuff.
Address: Calle Victoria, 12
Galician oysters from Rafa bar
For more than 30 years this old fish restaurant has been the right place to eat tapas based on what comes from the sea. Born as a simple shop where you can drink wine. Over time they changed the quality of food and service but they maintain their appetizing tapas menu. In addition, they have a large and well-stocked bar where you can taste seafood, from Galician oysters to Huelva shrimp. The great specialty of the house is a Russian salad, prepared without tuna, which for many people, is one of the top tapas in Madrid.
Address: Calle de Narváez, 68
Pinchos from Taberna Tempranillo
Located on Calle Cava Baja, Taberna Tempranillo is always at the top of the list when it comes to eating the top tapas in Madrid. During the weekend, this bar explodes with people coming from all over the city to relax and enjoy great tapas. They mix it with wine and even with pinchos. Pinchos are nothing more than a type of tapas consisting of a slice of baguette with an endless variety of condiments. There aren’t many tables, so come soon or resign yourself to waiting. Calle cava baja is well known for its many clubs, and bars. If you are going to be around, don’t miss the chance to eat tapas here. In this bar is served only and exclusively Spanish wine that is ideal for all the magnificent food they have.
Address: Calle Cava Baja 38
Croquettes from Casa Julio
This place is one of the most mythical in the center of Madrid. A bar that preserves an aspect of life. Where the tapas are large, large and well cooked. Best thing? the ham and vegetarian croquettes. Well, even stars like the U2 band come here when they’re in Madrid. There are usually many people, so you have to go early or be full of patience.
Address: Calle Madera 37
Fried lamb intestines Freiduría Gallinejas
“Typical dishes of Madrid” says a sign at the entrance of the Freiduría Gallinejas. This is the best introduction to this place, founded half a century ago. For fifty years, Freiduria Gallinejas has specialized in flavors that not everyone can like: the entrails. And as the name says in fried food. Little light? Patience. Among the proposals: fried lamb intestines and offal accompanied by strong red wine. Obviously there are also more conventional proposals such as jamon or cheese. But for a real dip in the original style of the top tapas in Madrid this place should be in your checklist.
Address: Calle Embajadores, 84
Snails and anchovies from La Ardosa
The restaurant was founded in 1892 by Rafael Fernandez Bagena, owner of vineyards in the region of La Ardosa. This is a charming place that must necessarily be included in our list of tapas bars that can’t be missed. Also is considered by the Madrileñas as one of top tapas bars in Madrid. Taken over in 1970 by the family that runs it began to specialize as a brewery. Here every “blonde” has served as a rule of art. Among the tapas to taste while drinking a “caña” are tapas like tortillas, anchovies from the Cantabrian and snails. Beyond the bar counter there is also a lounge with more traditional dining tables with tasty meat dishes.
Address: Calle Colon, 13
Cod tapas at Casa Revuelta
Founded 50 years ago by Santiago Revuelta, who arrived from Valladolid, this place is located near Plaza Mayor. First was specialized in sausages and cheeses ideal to mix with vermouth. Now this place is absolutely famous because here you come to eat the best cod tapas in the city. Fans say that the fried food is of superior quality, very light and really tasty. What is certain is that Sunday, in particular, is full of people devouring tapas and raciones. Try the croquettes, on Wednesdays, are ideal to eat in this small room furnished with Castilian-style lamps and tiles.
Address: Calle Latoneros, 3
Cocido Madrileño from Taberna Los Gatos
This place started 30 years ago just offering beer and aperitifs. These days, it is one of the most famous and important tavern in the capital. The interior architecture looks like the cave of Aladdin, with a lot of different objects and souvenirs. We recommend you to take the traditional cocido Madrileño. A kind of soup with various and great ingredients like pork, beans, leek and much more. Great food of course!
Address: Calle de Jesus 2
Tuna in olive oil from La Venencia
In la Venencia you can breathe the air of Madrid of the past. Between the scraped paint on the walls, the dark wooden counter and the dusty wooden barrels behind the bar. This is the kind of place where you might expect to catch a glimpse of the ghost of Hemingway drinking in the corner. With a glass of wine or beer you will get flavored olives (excellent) but then you can choose between seasoned manchego cheese, jamon and other sausages and tuna in olive oil of great quality. The clientele is very diverse, from old people in the neighborhood to some known faces of the city. Among the rules of the restaurant one is strict: you do not take photographs. Here you come for tapas, not for selfies.
Address: Calle de Echegaray, 7
Remember that in tapastour.madrid we are expert in all referring to tapas. If you want to discover some of this and more of the top tapas places, make a Madrid tapas tour. An ideal way to meet international people while enjoying amazing food and learn about culture and unique information.
In addition to the 10 top tapas in Madrid you also can find:
Tapas Experience in Madrid
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Tapas and Wine Tour in Madrid
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