More than eating, if you are a foodie(as a substitute for foodie), what you are probably looking for is where to dine in Madrid. It is true that the difference may seem insignificant, but it is not exactly the same. Because when you go out to dinner you usually do it relaxed, unhurried and in the company of people with whom you feel like having a long after-dinner conversation. Therefore, this list is based on those places where the editorial staff of Madrid Secreto goes regularly, restaurants that are safe places (for the food, for the atmosphere or for the memories).
1. Mami Tacos
Birria is a traditional stew typical of the state of Jalisco. Basically: pot, veal shank, low temperature, chupchup, Mexican chiles, spices, clean, crumble, put on a tortilla and accompany it with the broth from the stew.
And that’s what Mami Tacos specializes in: just birria. Tacos, ramen, quesadillas, quesabirria. A super concrete restaurant that turns its customers into parishioners on their first visit.
📍Calle de San Andrés, 31 (Malasaña)
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2. Kitchen 154
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Y9eebXPXVY&ab_channel=MadridSecreto
Kitchen 154 is undoubtedly the spicy mecca in Madrid: it specializes in Indian, Sri Lankan, Pakistani and Bangladeshi cuisine.
From the latter it is understood that the norm in Kitchen is not a specific gastronomy, but an idea: that all the dishes bite. To wit: what do Korean pork ribs, fried anchovies, pig’s ear or shrimp curry have in common? The answer is that a) they are all spicy (each one more or less than the last) and b) they can only be eaten at Kitchen 154.
vallehermoso Market (C. de Vallehermoso, 36) and Calle del Acuerdo, 3 (Conde Duque)
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3. Tobalá
Tobalá is to Madrid what the Rincón de Ademuz is to Castilla La Mancha. An exclave. A territory of a few square meters that is Mexico.
The name of this restaurant refers to an agave (the plant from which tequila is made) and its selection of tacos deserves that the owner be given a penthouse at Chamberí. El de lengua or suadero are something from another planet.
It is also an opportunity to try dishes that are not common in impost Mexican restaurants: sopes, chimichangas, chalupas poblanas, panuchos or pozole.
Calle de Gaztambide, 35 (Chamberí)
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4. Xiongzai
The famous Chinese restaurant in the Plaza de España garage broke our hearts when it closed. But we can always take solace in the one known as ‘the Winnie’ for using the Disney character in its decor (and in a neon projected on the floor at its ticket).
standing in line to eat at a restaurant? The resounding answer is yes. In fact, it’s the only way to eat at Xiongzai, which specializes in Chinese soups and dumplings (although keep an eye out for their cold noodles).
📍 San Leonardo Street, 3 (Plaza de España)
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5. El Escaldón
Roasted cheese, papas arrugás with mojo, carnefiesta, almogrote and, of course, escaldón with gofio. El Escaldón is a little piece of the Canary Islands in the heart of Madrid de los Austrias, an island paradise within four walls that brings a taste of the Canarian good life to the hustle and bustle of the capital.
With almost 18 years behind it, it is the only Canarian restaurant with traditional food in Madrid. Its dishes, prepared according to the recipe book of the grandparents of Maria del Mar, the owner, are so authentic that it is not unusual to find among its tables Canarians, Conejeros or Chicharreros. Nor to vegans or vegetarians, since its menu includes vegetable alternatives to traditional dishes -the Tenerife-style cod with onions and heura-based cod is a must.
In winter, you can dine inside the restaurant and feel like you’re in a Tenerife “guachinche”. However, if the weather is nice, we recommend that you dine on the terrace. It is quiet, intimate and perfect for a date with a partner or a plan with friends.
📍NuncioStreet, 17
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6. La Cruda
Maybe you’re familiar with that little (but tough) stall in the Mercado de San Fernando called Bendito, wines and vinyls. A few years ago, this blessed space had a brother (oddly enough, an older brother) named La Cruda in the Delicias neighborhood. La Cruda is the dream of Jose, a lover and connaiseur of natural wines who wants to spread his love for wine.
As for the glasses (or bottles) we recommend to let us recommend and surprise. As for the menu, the torreznos are a must: so tender, that meat that melts in your mouth with that toasted crunch, salty, delicious, hyper-crispy skin. In addition, the grilled leek with romesco sauce or their cheese boards.
📍 Divino Vallés, 28 (Delicias)
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7. El Flaco
El Flaco is an open secret in Madrid: intimate, relaxed, with a very complete menu full of intense Asian flavors. Their dishes are designed for sharing (the portions are generous and it is the perfect way to try more).
We highlight their baos (delicious the Black Bao of prawn, red curry and hazelnuts) and their curries (order one for every two people) which are, without a doubt, the hallmark of the place. Either of its two proposals is a hit: the pork cheeks with red curry, lychees, snow peas and bimi or the Verde sea curry with Thai basil.
📍 C. de Javier Ferrero, 8 (Ciudad Jardín)
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8. El Brote
It is easy to find a new burger restaurant in Madrid, what is more complicated is to find a specialized place and where to dine something that is not heavy, El Brote that meets all this. Mushrooms of all kinds star in the most varied dishes (yes, even desserts). This small restaurant in La Latina is a paradise for mycologists thanks to the good work of Pablo Roncal, Eduardo Antón and Álvaro de la Torre, who make the most of each dish. The menu is constantly changing depending on the seasonal produce, there is always a good excuse to come back.
📍 Calle de la Ruda, 14 (La Latina)
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9. Haranita
Haranita is one of the last restaurants in Madrid that lets you remain spontaneous. They do not accept reservations, you just have to get there and get in line (there are usually some, but it doesn’t take long). He follows in the wake of Nakeima, his older brother (by age but not by quality).
In the menu, brief but intense, the baos (chicken and carabinero, black with onioned cuttlefish and aioli…), the jowl dumplings with sweet soy and crispy rice balls, the torreznos or the katsu sando of chicken breast are a must. The desserts are and are shaped like bombs.
📍 Calle Víctor Hugo, 5 (Chueca)
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10. Casa Brava
Casa Brava has only been in Madrid for a short time, but in Rosario (Argentina) it is a classic for those who like to extend their dinner as long as possible, and this same idea has been transferred here. Live music, velvet sofas and wooden walls of this Malasaña restaurant accompany the dishes prepared by Bando, the chef and co-founder. The fried chicken, few you will taste so juicy, the milanesa or the sweet potato with yogurt, honey and sriracha are among our favorites.
📍 Valverde Street, 4 (Malasaña)
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11. Zíngara
Since it opened its doors in September 2022, it has become one of the trendiest restaurants in Madrid’s nightlife -for now it is only open for dinner – and one of the most fashionable places to have a good cocktail in the heart of the city center.
Enter in Zíngara is like entering the store of a fortune teller who will decipher your future just by looking at the grounds of a cup of coffee. However, its dark and mystical décor is not the most surprising thing. What is really striking about this restaurant is its menu, which they themselves define as an authentic “caravan of flavors”.
Its gastronomic offer, all vegetarian and with nods to different countries and cultures, ranges from Korean saam to muhammara, including causa acevichada or finger-licking milanesas. But neither are its cocktails for free souls and rebellious spirits, which seek to please all kinds of palates with dry and powerful but also fruity and sweet options.
📍 Plaza de las Salesas, 8
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12. La Burlona
La Burlona is pure fun. A daring menu with a twist in each proposal but based on the most essential: quality product. A must (any day of the year, even though it’s winter) is their Russian salad with air mayonnaise, the tortilla vaga de bacalao, piparras and parsley emulsion (whew!), the zucchini flower stuffed with potato revolcona… and that fantastic torrija with hazelnut brioche bread and vanilla ice cream.
Two tips: the most epic dishes are on the off-menu (so yes, leave our recommendations aside and go for the surprise of the day); go downstairs after dinner to enjoy their cocktail bar, El Trilero (the perfect culmination to a delicious dinner).
📍 Calle de Santa Isabel, 40 (Antón Martín)
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13. Saline
The Aparicio brothers, in charge of Salino since 2018, have a clear concept in this and their other two restaurants: a commitment to market produce and an ironclad commitment to seasonal products.
Salino’s menu is variable, as it could not be otherwise according to the previous definition, but they have an immovable classic: its torreznos. Another of its hits is the taco de gallinejas (featured in our article on where to find it) eat casquería in Madrid), defatted and crunchy redfish, served with avocado, mango and chipotle.
📍 Calle de Menorca, 4 (Ibiza)
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This article has been written by Isabel Nieto, Miguel Sanchez, María F. Carballo, Alberto del Castillo y Elena French.