To me, every “best restaurants in Madrid” list looks very similar. Often, they include the same places that have more followers than flavour. This is not that list. These are the recommendations of someone who actually lives here and the places are chosen on the basis of what ends up on the plate, not what ends up on a story. Some are well-known, some fly well below the radar, and a few you will struggle to find mentioned anywhere in English. All of them are here for the same reason: they are genuinely worth your time and money.
Fusion
DiverXO — The Best Michelin Star Restaurant in Madrid
DiverXO is the only three-Michelin-star restaurant in Madrid and one of the best restaurants in the world, currently sitting in the top 5 of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants. Chef David Muñoz has built a creative, rule-breaking kitchen that fuses Spanish technique with Asian influences. The setting hits you with giant ants and flying pigs the moment you walk in.
The tasting menu is the only option, priced at €450 and running to approximately 15 courses, each arriving with its own illustrated dish card to keep. The price is steep, you need to plan your reservation way ahead of time, but the experience is unlike any other in the city. For serious food lovers, DiverXO is the non-negotiable Madrid reservation. I didn’t even realize how fast the three hours went by during my visit. Book it and treat it as the special occasion it is.
📍 Calle de Padre Damián, 23, Chamartín, 28036 Madrid
Tapas
Chez Pepito — The Best Patatas Bravas in Madrid
Chez Pepito is for me one of the best tapas bars in Madrid. The key here is a casual vibe paired with classic Spanish dishes that have been given a creative twist, often inspired by international cuisine. The patatas bravas alone are worth the visit: house-made chili flakes, proper aioli and a real heat that you rarely find elsewhere. It has multiple locations in Madrid and is definitely worth a visit.
📍Calle del Cardenal Cisneros, 66, Chamberí, 28010 Madrid
Av. del Monasterio de Silos, 20, Fuencarral-El Pardo, 28034 Madrid
Calle del Buen Suceso, 20, Moncloa – Aravaca, 28008 Madrid
Casa Canito — Authentic Modern Tapas, Lively Madrid Vibe
Casa Canito sits in the Salamanca district and draws a queue outside most days. It accepts no reservations, only walk-in or a waiting list if you stop by and they are already full. The menu can be split into 4 categories, tapas, cured/raw dishes, sandwiches and desserts. Each of the categories has multiple things that are worth trying. The ensaladilla rusa with quail egg is a must and the tonkatsu sandwich is outstanding. Some dishes are simpler than others, but this should not put you off, as it gives you a mix of classic and modern Spanish tapas. Despite being in the posh Salamanca district, where often the hype is not justified, Casa Canito earns its reputation honestly and belongs in any serious Madrid tapas conversation.
📍 C. de Recoletos, 11, Salamanca, 28001 Madrid
Bar Trafalgar — A Bar Made for Day and Night
Bar Trafalgar has an open schedule from 1pm past midnight, which is rare in a city that shuts down between meals. Apart from a comprehensive cocktail and drinks list, it offers a refined take on classic tapas with elevated technique. The mille-feuille patatas bravas are the standout dish, with thinly sliced, stacked and fried potatoes, giving a genuinely clever spin on a classic. The tuna belly with pickles and gilda sauce is excellent. While the service is not always consistent, this is still a strong option for lunch or a long evening with friends.
📍 Calle de Trafalgar, 28, Chamberí, 28010 Madrid
Spanish
Angelita Madrid — Wine Bar Meets Modern Spanish Kitchen
Angelita is hands down the most respected modern Spanish restaurants in Madrid. The wine list is the backbone, with one of the most comprehensive options in the city and the kitchen matches it with seasonal, produce-driven cooking that respects Spanish identity. The Villalón family that owns and runs the restaurant also owns a farm where they source most of the vegetables that they use here. Angelita manages to be a serious restaurant without becoming a stiff one, which puts it ahead of a lot of its competitors at this price point. One of the most reliable and underrated meals in Madrid. Also, you should visit the cocktail bar in the basement for a drink once you are done with your meal, you will be impressed.
📍 Calle de la Reina, 4, Centro, 28004 Madrid
Garelos — Galician Seafood, Simple and Flavourful
If you want to understand why Spaniards treat Galician seafood with near-religious reverence, Garelos is the place to go. The menu is centred around various seafood options with simple and classic dish preparations. A solid option at a reasonable price point. Don’t miss the classic cheesecake for dessert after your seafood feast.
📍 P.º de Eduardo Dato, 5, Chamberí, 28010 Madrid
Calle de Zurbano, 34, Chamberí, 28010 Madrid
Breakfast / Brunch
Watts Café — Pancakes Done Right
Watts is the place where you should arrive early or expect a queue, especially on weekends, neither of which is an unreasonable trade-off for one of the best morning experiences in the city. A simple space with great quality food, from the savory dishes all the way to the pastries, with the pancakes taking the crown as the best pancakes in Madrid. This is an all-day spot that regularly changes its menu and has different lunch specials during weekdays. Don’t miss it!
📍Calle de Don Pedro, 4, Centro, 28005, Madrid
Alma Nomad Bakery — Pastries that worth the visit
Alma Nomad Bakery has excellent breakfast options. Fresh and intricate focaccias, pastries and organic sourdough bread. A bakery that really stands out in Madrid. You will likely have to queue no matter what time or date you visit. They also have a larger location in the suburbs with seating space, as the ones in the city are mostly for takeaway. Worth the hype, and I suggest trying both the savory and the sweet options.
📍 Calle de Jorge Juan, 65, Salamanca, 28009 Madrid
Calle de Sta. Feliciana, 10, Chamberí, 28010 Madrid
Calle de los Urquiza, 17, Cdad. Lineal, 28017 Madrid
La Materia — A Brunch Room With Something to Say
La Materia is the Latin American brunch option in Madrid. With a focus on serving traditional mate, it has developed a simple but tasty brunch option, drawing inspiration from South America. Although mate as a beverage is an acquired taste, it’s definitely worth trying. Also, the alfasalchi, the Uruguayan version of the famous alfajor, is a treat for everyone who has a sweet tooth. Everything here is gluten-free and La Materia is pet-friendly!
📍 Calle de la Palma 31, Centro, 28004 Madrid
Vegetarian
La Hummuseria — Middle Eastern and Plant-Forward
La Hummuseria does exactly what it says, well-executed hummus in several forms, alongside a broader Middle Eastern menu, primarily vegan or vegetarian. The food is flavourful and fresh, the portions are generous, and the location is extremely convenient. One of the best value-for-money weekday lunch meals you can find in Madrid. The restaurant is also pet-friendly.
📍 Calle de Hernán Cortés, 8, Centro, 28004 Madrid
Burgers
Hundred Burgers — The Benchmark
Hundred Burgers has been setting the standard for premium burgers in Madrid long enough that calling it the benchmark is just fair. Quality beef for the in-house made patties, a semi-brioche also made in-house that holds up structurally, and delicious ingredient combinations. In a period when smash burgers are gaining more and more traction, Hundred Burgers retains the crown for the best thick, juicy burgers in Madrid. Voted in multiple lists as the best (or among the best, depending on the list) burgers in the world.
La Revolución — Smash Burgers Done Right
La Revolución took the smash burger format seriously before it became a Madrid trend and has maintained quality as the scene around it got crowded. Thin patties, proper caramelisation and simple, tasty toppings. The selling point for me is how juicy and saucy the burgers are, especially the classic cheeseburger and the bacon cheeseburger. This is mostly for takeaway or delivery(although the new San Bernardo location has more tables). Definitely worth trying either way!
📍 Calle del Príncipe de Asturias, 5, Salamanca, 28006 Madrid
Calle de San Bernardo, 85, Centro, 28015 Madrid
La Prensa — Simplicity at its best
La Prensa stands out from the rest of the burger spots due to its simplicity. All its burgers have just the patties and a delicious sauce and/or cheese. In a category increasingly dominated by branding over substance, that is a more difficult achievement than it looks, and La Prensa makes it work. The fries with the spicy cheese sauce on the side are a must-try.
Central & Latin American
Ticui — Elevated Mexican Cuisine At Its Best
Ticui is one of the most ambitious Mexican restaurants in Madrid. The tortillas are made and cooked in-house; the dishes include a mix of fish and seafood options from the Mexican western coast as well as tacos, pork, and chicken dishes from across Mexico. Ticui is part of Puntarena Group and for me, it’s one of the most successful and flavourful representations of elevated Mexican cuisine in Madrid, surpassing all other restaurants in the same group.
📍 Calle de Cedaceros 6, Centro, 28014, Madrid
Llama Inn – Peruvian cuisine with elegance
Probably my favorite Peruvian restaurant in Madrid, although a bit disappointed they discontinued their Sunday brunch, which was undoubtedly my favorite. A short and concise menu with fresh ingredients, bold flavours, together with delicious cocktails, forms the essence of Llama Inn. You should try any of their raw/cold dishes and the Lomo Saltado.
P.S. The original Llama Inn is located in New York and they have another restaurant in London.
Fiera — Latin American Energy at Full Volume
Fiera brings a confident Latin American identity to Madrid, serving dishes from Argentina, Peru, Colombia, and all of South America. Ceviches, arepas, tacos and you also get to try beers from most South American countries. It is a casual, good-time restaurant that also happens to serve genuinely good food. My personal favorite is the tostones, aka fried plantains with toppings! The menu regularly changes, so there are often new things to try.
📍 Costanilla de Capuchinos, 3, Centro, 28004 Madrid
Takos Al Pastor — The Taco Standard-Bearer
Takos Al Pastor is the closest you will get in terms of food to a typical Mexican taqueria. The menu includes mostly tacos, quesadillas and tortas, all very reasonably priced. Usually, there is a long queue, but as soon as you order at the counter, you will be served within a few minutes in the large casual dining room. Highly recommended as a value-for-money option with good-quality tacos.
📍 Calle de la Salud 13, Centro, 28013 Madrid
Steak and Meat
Piantao — One of the World’s Best Steakhouses
Piantao is the definition of an Argentinian parrilla done properly. It offers quality cuts, live fire and a variety of appetizers and side dishes that work very well with the concept. You will get great service and a memorable high-quality meal. It’s no accident that it was voted among the world’s best 100 steakhouses. If the Wagyu A5 sirloin is on the specials when you visit, don’t miss it.
📍 Calle de Sagasta 30, Centro, 28004 Madrid
Paseo de la Chopera, 69, Arganzuela, 28045 Madrid
Raza — A Carnivore’s Dream
Raza is one of the best restaurants in Madrid if you are looking for great quality meat without breaking the bank. An elegant environment, thoughtful dishes, and above all, delicious steaks. There is also a comprehensive wine list with very interesting options. Apart form the steaks, try the mini angus patties, the Japanese eggplant and the dulce de leche cheesecake. It will be challenging to find a restaurant of this quality at a similar price point for steaks and all its delicious dishes.
📍 Calle del Barquillo 8, Centro, 28004, Madrid
P.º de Eduardo Dato, 8, Chamberí, 28010 Madrid
Calle de Juan Ramón Jiménez, 11, Chamartín, 28036 Madrid
Asian
Ugo Chan — Japanese fusion with a Michelin star
Chef Hugo Muñoz at Ugo Chan is doing some of the most coherent and pleasurable Japanese fusion cooking in Madrid. Here you will find a marriage of Japanese technique and Spanish product. The omakase menu is the recommended format so you can experience the full spectrum of the dishes. Opt for counter seating so you can get the full experience by observing the open kitchen and maybe meet Chef Hugo as well…
📍 Calle de Félix Boix 6, Chamartín, 28036 Madrid
Kitchen 154 — Spicy Asian flavors with a street food vibe
Kitchen 154 is consistent, well-executed pan-Asian cooking in a relaxed format. Expect gyozas, bao, noodles, and wok-fried proteins at a price point that makes it a reliable neighbourhood option. At Kitchen 154 you will get proper heat and spice, the same as if you were to actually visit Asia to try any of these dishes. This is a casual restaurant with a lot of high tables and counters, so expect a more street food vibe, yet a wholesome meal.
Shanghai Sheng Jian Bao
Artesanal baos, handmade daily in this local spot inside Mercado de los Mostenses. Apart from multiple bao options, there are also noodles, rice dishes, and gyozas. As a bonus, this is within a market focusing on Latin American products and cuisine that mostly locals visit; hence, you get to experience the true vibe of one of Madrid’s markets. This is a hidden gem that not so many people know due to its location, which is mostly visited by locals.
📍 Planta Alta, Pl. de los Mostenses, 1, Primer Piso, Puesto 27 Primer Piso, 28015 Madrid
This list reflects personal visits and ongoing research. No sponsored inclusions. If you visit any of these, we’d love to hear what you think.