Food Lover's Guide to Madrid

The lively Spanish capital of Madrid loves to eat, and the unpretentious food scene is characterized by leisurely meals enjoyed with friends over good wine. Here are some signature Spanish dishes and food tours you won't want to miss.

Must-Try Dishes

Like many big cities, Madrid is a melting pot, but it has a few of its own typical foods as well. Some dishes, like patatas bravas (fried potatoes with a slightly spicy tomato sauce), tortilla de patata (Spanish omelette), and Iberian ham have become popular throughout Spain. When the weather gets cold, Madrileños reach for a bowl of cocido madrileño, a rich and flavorful pork stew simmered with chickpeas, vegetables, and chorizo. For a quick and easy bite on the go, it doesn’t get more local than a bocadillo de calamares (calamari sandwich)—squid rings fried to a golden brown and tucked within crusty french bread. After a long night out on the town, a popular dish called churros con chocolate makes for a must late-night (or early-morning) treat.

Must-Do Experiences

• Take a nighttime walking tour of Madrid’s old town to sample the city’s best Spanish food.

• Uncover the secrets of Spanish wine with tastings at tapas bars and historic taverns.

• Learn to make paella and other traditional dishes in a cooking workshop.

• Eat like a local on a private guided food tour to Madrid’s hidden eateries.

• Explore some of Madrid’s food-centric neighborhoods, like Lavapiés and the Literary Quarter.