Taverns, Bars & Eating Houses
A guide to enjoying Madrid's traditional culinary establishments
Ferreteria restaurant (2023) Academia Iberoamericana de Gastronomía
Eating houses, bars and taverns offer a wide selection of traditional Spanish cuisine. They are very popular with both locals and tourists visiting the city.
Taberna & Media (2023) Academia Iberoamericana de Gastronomía
These places are essential for experiencing the city's rich cuisine and social scene. Make sure you don't miss out on the opportunity to enjoy the delicious food and lively atmosphere that these establishments offer in the capital!
La Bola restaurant (2023) Academia Iberoamericana de Gastronomía
Madrid is an ideal destination for lovers of good food and culinary diversity. But what are the differences between eating houses, bars and taverns?
The eating houses
Madrid's eating houses offer a variety of homemade and traditional dishes, prepared with fresh, quality ingredients. These restaurants often have a cosy, family-friendly atmosphere, making them perfect for enjoying a meal with loved ones.
Croquettes from Lhardy Academia Iberoamericana de Gastronomía
They offer traditional, time-tested dishes at an affordable price. You can order tripe, stews or potajes safe in the knowledge that they are of the highest quality, and you are usually given several options for each course: three starters, three main courses, dessert or coffee, and even a glass of wine.
The bars
Madrid's bars are lively and bustling places, ideal for enjoying a beer, wine or vermouth alongside typical snacks. They are also popular meeting places for socialising and enjoying the city's day and nightlife.
Taberna & Media (2023) Academia Iberoamericana de Gastronomía
In Madrid, we say that bars are the most illustrious members of the neighbourhood. These are traditional bars that ooze authenticity from every angle. They're the kind of place that has trays full of pickled anchovies, olives, cheeses, mussels, patatas bravas and tortilla pincho.
The taverns
Today's taverns have a special charm, retaining the essence of the traditional Madrid tavern. Here, you can enjoy traditional dishes and snacks alongside regional wines in a cosy, relaxed setting.
La Bola restaurant (2023) Academia Iberoamericana de Gastronomía
Here you'll find a wide range of traditional Spanish dishes, from Madrid stew and calamari sandwiches to the most famous tapas. Spanish omelette, montaditos , ham croquettes, Russian salad, Galician octopus, and fried eggs with baby squid.
This content was created in collaboration with the Department of Tourism of the Community of Madrid.
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