Ministry of Foodies Review
Cuisine: Spanish
Average price per person: 15€
Environment: 7.5/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 8/10
Other: Vegetarian options
Website: www.casalabra.es/
Casa Labra is a historic tavern that has been operating since 1860. Apart from being over a century old, it’s a historic location as it’s the place where the Spanish Socialist Party was founded in 1879.
It operates as a tapas bar with high tables where people stand to drink a beer and eat the famous cod dishes. There is also a restaurant space where you can sit and order from an extensive menu, but it was closed during my visit. In reality, most people come here for the cod and that’s something you can still get as a tapas.
I visited on a weekday during the afternoon. First, I sat outside, but as it was getting too hot, I moved inside.
Casa Labra – Location/Environment
Casa Labra is right next to Plaza del Sol at the centre of Madrid. This is an area with a lot of tourists, so you can expect to find a mixed crowd enjoying their tapas at Casa Labra.
This is an old-school place, so most people are standing at the high tables outside with their drinks and food. There is a sitting space inside as well.
The staff is fast and efficient since there are usually lines of people trying to get a table at Casa Labra. I arrived at 18:30, when the place was supposed to be opening, and there was already a line of about 20 people waiting to sit outside, and another of a similar size to sit inside. The lines move fast so that was not an issue.
Casa Labra – Menu
In the menu of the tapas bar, you can find some of the classic Spanish dishes, including cheese and jam platters. Nevertheless, most people visit to try the cod croquettes and the fried cod.
Casa Labra – Food
The batter-fried cod slice was delicious. Crispy (although it could have been crispier), moist and full of flavor.
The cod croquette was very creamy inside and I almost liked it even more than the fried cod.
The pickled tuna and tomato tapas is simple but tasty. Very appropriate to accompany a glass of vermouth or beer.
There was also the gazpacho which is only available during the summer season. It was very fresh and aromatic with good consistency.
We also got a jamon sandwich which was simple but tasty, with good quality bread. It was much better when I combined it with the gazpacho.
Conclusion
Casa Labra is a nice place to have a quick bite (obviously the cod) together with a beer or a glass of vermouth. I would avoid peak hours and get there early (opens at 11:30 for lunch and 18:30 for dinner) to get a table and have a few tapas. Worth a visit for sure. Also, the prices are very reasonable. It reminded me of a simpler version of La Perejila.
Visit: May 2025