If you’re visiting Madrid and your top priority is food (as it should be), this two-day itinerary will help you taste the city beyond the tourist menus and paella traps. If you are wondering where to eat in Madrid, this itinerary is your answer. Expect traditional tapas bars, creative modern cuisine, and local institutions that tell the story of Madrid.
This itinerary blends classics like Casa Labra and Chocolatería San Ginés with newer hotspots like Watts Cantina and Sala de Despiece. Whether you have 48 hours or a long weekend, here’s how to eat your way through Madrid — Ministry of Foodies style.
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🥐 Day 1 — A Classic Start to Madrid
Breakfast: Watts Cantina
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Kick off your day at Watts Cantina in La Latina, one of Madrid’s best breakfast/brunch spots. The pancakes are a must-try, but in reality, any of the menu items will leave you absolutely satisfied. The vibe is relaxed, but if you arrive on a weekend after their opening hours, you can expect a queue.
📍 Calle Don Pedro 4, La Latina, 28005 Madrid
Late Morning: Mercado de San Miguel (or Mercado de San Antón for fewer crowds)
No food itinerary in Madrid is complete without a market visit. Mercado de San Miguel is the city’s most famous. It’s a cathedral of tapas, seafood, Iberian ham, and a variety of other dishes. Yes, it’s touristy, but it’s worth a visit for its energy and experiencing its vibe. When considering where to eat in Madrid, Mercado de San Miguel is always the first thing that comes to mind for any visitor.
Mercado de San Miguel is a short walk from Watts Cantina, but there are several spots you can visit in between. Take a walk in La Latina neighborhood, famous for its food spots, a stop at El Rastro flea market (only on Sundays), and a mandatory visit to Plaza Mayor right next to Mercado de San Miguel. The Royal Palace is also within walking distance from there.
If you prefer something less crowded and more local, head to Mercado de San Antón in Chueca instead. There, you’ll find small producers, classic and modern tapas stalls, and a rooftop terrace perfect for an early glass of vermouth.
📍 Mercado de San Miguel: Plaza de San Miguel, s/n
📍 Mercado de San Antón: Calle de Augusto Figueroa 24B, Chueca
Lunch: Casa Labra
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A Madrid institution since 1860, Casa Labra is where the Socialist Party of Spain was founded, but that’s not the main reason you’re here. You’re here for their legendary bacalao rebozado (fried cod) and croquetas de bacalao. Order them at the standing bar with a glass of cold vermouth, and you’ve just unlocked the city’s culinary DNA.
📍 Calle de Tetuán 12, Sol, 28013 Madrid
Casa Labra is right next to Puerta del Sol and then you can head north to explore Gran Via and the various shopping options there. If you prefer a quieter walk towards Parque del Retiro, take Calle De Alcalá from Puerta de Sol. You will pass some iconic buildings like the Four Seasons and the Casino de Madrid. Right in front, there is usually a street band playing classical music. It’s worth a quick stop on your way to admire them.
Alternatives
Now you might decide that on your first day, you prefer to do a tapas crawl and hit a few different spots (including some from this list). You can find a few options for organized tours that will also allow you to learn a bit more about the city and the food trends from the tour guides who incorporate historical elements and interesting facts in the tour.
Dinner: Sala de Despiece
Read full review on Ministry of Foodies →
Come dinner time, step into Sala de Despiece, Madrid’s most theatrical dining experience. The open kitchen feels like a butcher’s lab — ingredients are front and center, and every dish is plated in front of you with precision and flair. Don’t miss the artichoke and the “Rolex”, a thinly sliced pancetta is filled with foie and an egg yolk. I also really like the chuleton, a thinly sliced beef with tomato and tartufata. Book in advance; this one is no secret.
📍 Calle de Ponzano 11, Chamberí, 28010 Madrid
🍷 Day 2 — Tapas, Tradition & Late-Night Indulgence
Breakfast: Churros at San Ginés
A Madrid morning calls for churros con chocolate, and San Ginés is the place. Open since 1894 and famous for its late-night crowd, this is where you refuel after a long night or start your morning on a sweet note. The churros are crisp, the chocolate thick, and the atmosphere pure Madrid.
📍 Pasadizo de San Ginés 5, Sol, 28013 Madrid
Lunch: Casa Canito
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Following a visit to Prado or Reina Sofia museums, you can continue to the posh Salamanca neighbourhood.
For a modern tapas bar experience that still feels authentically Madrileño, Casa Canito delivers. Order the ensaladilla Rusa with quail eggs and the Sirloin tonkatsu sandwich. Casa Canito is a walk-in only establishment, so during peak hours or weekends, you may have to wait to get a table.
📍 Calle de Recoletos 11, Salamanca, 28001 Madrid
From there, you can explore the high-end boutiques in Salamanca or head to Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, the home of Real Madrid football club. Even if there is no match that day, you can still take a tour of the newly renovated stadium.
Evening Tapas Route: Chez Pepito & Bar Trafalgar
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As the sun sets, it’s tapas o’clock. Start at Chez Pepito, a fusion-type of tapas bar where you can find the best patatas bravas in Madrid. Chez Pepito, which has 3 locations in Madrid, is a casual establishment that combines classic Spanish tapas with influences from various other cuisines.
📍 Calle del Cardenal Cisneros 66, Chamberí, 28010, Madrid
If you want to grab a few more delicious tapas together with a nice glass of wine or some cocktails, you can opt for Bar Trafalgar.
📍 Calle de Alburquerque 14, Chamberí, 28010 Madrid
If you are full, then head to my favorite cocktail bar in Madrid, 1862 Dry Bar, for a nightcap.
Final Thoughts
Two days aren’t enough to explore all of Madrid’s culinary treasures, but this itinerary covers the essential balance of old and new, local and modern.
So bring your appetite, your walking shoes, and a willingness to say “sí” to one more bite because in Madrid, there’s always room for another tapa.
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