Ministry of Foodies Review
Cuisine: Spanish
Average price per person: 30€
Environment: 8.5/10
Food: 8.5/10
Service: 7.5/10
Other: Gluten-free options, Vegetarian options
Website:https://www.bartrafalgar.es/
Another popular tapas bar in Madrid is Bar Trafalgar. It has increasingly been considered one of the “must-visit” tapas bars in Madrid. I am usually skeptical when a place becomes so popular, either because the food is overrated or because it’s so busy that it’s hard to enjoy your visit.
For this reason, I went during lunch on a couple of different weekdays during the same week. It allowed me to try more options and avoid weekend crowds.
Location/Environment
Bar Trafalgar is located in a corner spot in Chamberí. It’s actually a larger-than-average place, with a big round bar and several regular and high tables around it.
I consider it a mix of a classic and modern tapas bar, something I like a lot in terms of the environment. Bar Trafalgar is one of the few places that has an uninterrupted schedule from 1 pm until after midnight without closing for the afternoon.
Bar Trafalgar – Menu
Bar Trafalgar offers a refined take on traditional Spanish tapas, blending classic flavors with elevated techniques. The menu features tapas staples, often with a spin, whether through innovative cooking methods or the use of different ingredients. Due to this approach, the restaurant preserves the lively, casual vibe of a classic tapas bar, making the experience feel both familiar and sophisticated.
Another important aspect is its long list of spirits and cocktails, which is not something that you typically encounter in tapas bars. Also tried the Mediterranean Negroni from the cocktails. It was not overly different from a regular Negroni, but still solid execution.
Service
I have mixed feelings in terms of the interaction with the staff. Most were professional and maintained this casual but classy approach you come across in good tapas bars. Others a bit more dismissive like they were always in a hurry despite the place not being full.
Both visits were at times when Bar Trafalgar was not busy or even nearly close to being full. Nevertheless, during the first visit, some of the dishes took a long time to prepare. During the second visit, everything was prepared much faster.
Bar Trafalgar – Food
Both times I started with a gilda and a vermouth (proper Spanish, I know). The gilda was balanced, not overly salty or bitter which is a common issue in some places.
The ensaladilla rusa with tuna belly and capers was flavorful without being too rich from the mayo and potatoes. Another balanced dish. Without being something that blows you away, you can tell this is a very good dish. I would happily order it again.
Also I tried the patatas bravas. Bar Trafalgar serves them mille feuille style, thinly sliced, stacked and fried. They come with the classic Brava sauce on top. An impressive spin on the classic cube-cut patatas bravas. You should definitely try this if you visit.
The grilled tuna belly with pickles and Gilda sauce was one of my favourites. Tender and rich tuna belly that worked really well with the acidity from the pickles.
The brioche with the crab meat and the mayo sauce on top was average. The brioche was a bit dry and the whole dish was on the sweet side with no major flavour contrasts. Not bad, but not great either.
Bar Trafalgar – Conclusion
It’s one of the times that a restaurant is not overhyped due to publicity and you can actually get a good food experience. While I can’t speak to the weekend crowds, Bar Trafalgar is a place I would happily visit for a quick lunch or to spend time during the evening with friends over some good food.
Visit: April 2025