When planning a romantic dinner in Madrid, you have to consider much more than just the menu. First, try not to be obvious (subtlety relaxes expectations and nervousness on first dates). The best option is a place with a warm atmosphere where you can enjoy a certain degree of privacy. Obviously , the food must be good, with some interesting touches, but without being over the top .
Bodega de los Secretos
Bodega de los Secretos is an underground restaurant in the Las Letras neighborhood. The 400 years of history within these walls take you away from the idea of modern, fast-paced Madrid and help you focus your attention on the person in front of you. The intimacy of the 17th-century alcoves and pendentives, along with the warm lighting, creates the perfect atmosphere for a romantic dinner in Madrid. All this is accompanied by a menu featuring seasonal cuisine from across the peninsula.
Picalagartos
A classic choice for making an impression is the terrace at Picalagartos. Among the many rooftop terraces on the street vying for the best views of Gran Vía, this one has the advantage. It is located in a building with a marked literary and bohemian vocation, which has inspired the name of the space—it refers to the tavern of the same name in Valle-Inclán’s play Luces de Bohemia. Picalagartos is located in what is known as Gran Vía 21, an architectural gem by architects Julio Martínez Zapata and José López Sallaberry in the neo-baroque style, which opened its doors in 1918. Now you have something to talk about. And if you’re worried about the February cold—yes, it’s a good place to have dinner on Valentine’s Day—it’s ready for winter in Madrid.
Numa Pompilio
At Numa Pompilio, even the name is romantic. Its courtyard in the heart of the Salamanca district is one of the most beautiful and unexpected in the area. Its name and logo, referring to the second king of Rome, will give you an idea of its aesthetics and dishes. The menu is based on Italian tradition, but draws on the whole Mediterranean basin. Two examples of this are the squid cannelloni in its ink and the boletus and foie gras risotto.
Persimmons
Persimmon’s is one of Madrid’s trendiest restaurants thanks to its bucolic décor—including shelves with vinyl records and a record player—its original culinary offerings based on Georgian cuisine, and an elaborate cocktail menu. What’s more, this beautiful restaurant is located in Salesas, currently Madrid’s gastronomic hot spot.
Villa Capri
Villa Capri is one of the Italian restaurants in Madrid belonging to the Big Mamma group. Between the decorative horror vacui, the Italian accent of its waiters, and the most photographed carbonara on Instagram, this is the ideal place to have something to talk about the whole time. The visual noise is perfect for avoiding awkward silences. And for special occasions, such as Valentine’s Day, it’s ideal.
Torcuato
Few things are more enchanting than a terrace in Madrid. Torcuato is a hit on Instagram and in real life. On the fourth floor of the ABC Serrano shopping center is this space designed by interior designer Pepe Leal, which has an open-air rooftop terrace and equally attractive indoor spaces. On the menu, as eclectic as the decor, you’ll find Japanese touches with nigiri, Spanish cuisine classics, and also lamb tahini and couscous.
El Jardín de Arturo Soria
El Jardín de Alma is the kind of restaurant you dream of one day owning (or at least its garden). Among the plants, the separation between tables, and the garlands decorating the space, an intimate atmosphere is created that is perfect for a romantic dinner in Madrid. However, this restaurant serving traditional Spanish and seasonal cuisine is not in the center, but in Arturo Soria.
Tramo
Chosen by Frame magazine, one of the most important design magazines, as the restaurant of the year 2024: Tramo is undoubtedly one of the most modern, beautiful, eco-friendly, and romantic restaurants in Madrid.
Following the principles of their first restaurant, the creators of Mo de Movimiento opened Tramo last year, based on ecological and social responsibility and with an emphasis on design thanks to the hand of Andreu Carulla. The menu, however, is somewhat more sophisticated, with main courses linked to Spanish cuisine, such as Aragon lamb leg or trout with porrusalda. A sure hit for this Valentine’s Day.
Oroya
The Oroya rooftop bar at The Madrid Edition hotel, in addition to being voted the fourth best in Europe according to Big 7 Travel, is probably one of the most romantic locations in Madrid. The restaurant and pisco bar is located on the fourth floor of the hotel, and the ranking highlights that “the terrace has a cozy fireplace, a pergola covered with vines, and an elegant teak bar, with spectacular views of the city.” Having a date here is a sure bet.
Llama Inn
Llama Inn is another of the most interesting new openings in the Salesas neighborhood, which is one of the city’s gastronomic hot spots. This Peruvian restaurant has come to Madrid after many years of success in Brooklyn (New York). In addition to the classic anticuchos and ceviches on the menu, they usually have a special menu for February 14.