Last Updated on July 6, 2026 by Emma Fajcz | Published: March 26, 2018
If you want to eat something truly local while visiting Madrid, order a bocadillo de calamares (a fried calamari sandwich). This lemony fried squid ring sandwich is one of the most famous foods in the city. Here’s where to eat the best bocadillos de calamares in Madrid; these favorite spots never let us down.
What’s a Bocadillo de Calamares?
It doesn’t get much better than this: lightly fried squid rings placed in a nice roll of crusty bread and topped with a dollop of alioli or a squeeze of lemon. This simple pleasure, along with the city’s famous cocido, is about as madrileño as it gets when it comes to food.
Where to Eat the Best Bocadillo de Calamares in Madrid
La Campana
La Campana might be Madrid’s best-kept secret. Hidden in plain sight along a side street leading into Plaza Mayor, many visitors often don’t even notice it as they breeze past and settle for one of the tacky tourist traps inside the plaza itself.
Locals, however, pack this Madrid favorite to the brim, often spilling out into the streets as they enjoy some of the best bocadillos de calamares in Madrid. There will almost certainly be a line, but that just gives you an excuse to watch their expert staff at work frying up the calamari while you wait.
📍 Address: C. de Botoneras, 6, Centro
Bar Postas
Tucked down another winding street on the other side of Plaza Mayor from La Campana, you’ll find Bar Postas. This no-frills bar is about as simple as it gets, with little to no seating space and a lively local crowd. Snag a spot at the bar if you can and enjoy one of the best bocadillos de calamares in Madrid, best washed down with an ice-cold glass of beer for the full experience.
📍 Address: C. de Postas, 13, Centro
Casa Rúa
Casa Rúa is another fantastic option for one of the best bocadillos de calamares in Madrid. Located on another small street leading into Plaza Mayor (are you noticing a theme here?), this bar is especially popular with local families enjoying an informal, inexpensive meal out on the weekends. With each hearty bocadillo setting you back just a few euros, it won’t hurt your wallet, either.
📍 Address: Calle de Cdad. Rodrigo, 3, Centro
El Brillante
If you’re looking to get away from the bustling Plaza Mayor, head to El Brillante. With a prime location near the Atocha train station, Reina Sofía Museum and Retiro Park, this is another great place to devour some of the best bocadillos de calamares in Madrid.
This bar is famous for its variety, with a delicious array of different breads so you can customize your sandwich. Get it to go and take it to nearby Retiro for an impromptu picnic.
📍 Address: Pl. del Emperador Carlos V, 8, Centro
Los Bocadillos
For an authentic, local experience as well as one of the best bocadillos de calamares in Madrid, head to the neighborhood of Argüelles, where few tourists stray. In this off-the-beaten-path barrio, you’ll find Los Bocadillos, a simple bar where you’ll immediately feel at home among the locals. In addition to their fabulous squid sandwiches, they also offer a delicious variety of other bocadillos, as their name implies.
📍 Address: C. del Marqués de Urquijo, 1, Moncloa – Aravaca
Taste a Bocadillo on Tour with Us!
Try one of the best bocadillos de calamares in Madrid when you join us on our Ultimate Spanish Cuisine Tour! In addition to a stop at La Campana, you’ll also enjoy some of Madrid’s most delicious bites at emblematic markets, historic pastry shops, family-run bars and more. We can’t wait to show you how to devour Madrid like a local!
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Where to Eat Bocadillos de Calamares in Madrid FAQs
What is a bocadillo de calamares?
A bocadillo de calamares is Madrid’s iconic calamari sandwich, made with lightly fried squid rings served on a crusty bread roll. Often finished with a squeeze of lemon or a little alioli, it’s one of the city’s most beloved street foods and a must-try for first-time visitors.
Why is the calamari sandwich famous in Madrid?
Although Madrid is far from the sea, the bocadillo de calamares became popular thanks to the city’s historic seafood trade and its central location, which made it a hub for fresh fish arriving from Spain’s coasts. Today, it’s considered one of the capital’s signature dishes and is especially associated with the area around Plaza Mayor.
Where should you eat a bocadillo de calamares in Madrid?
The most famous places to try a bocadillo de calamares are around Plaza Mayor, where traditional bars have been serving them for generations. You’ll also find excellent versions in other neighborhoods, from classic taverns to modern restaurants putting their own spin on this Madrid staple.
What do you drink with a bocadillo de calamares?
Locals often pair a bocadillo de calamares with an ice-cold caña (a small draft beer) or a glass of vermouth on tap. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water or a refreshing soft drink also complements the crispy fried squid.
Is a bocadillo de calamares a meal or a snack?
It can be either. Many madrileños enjoy a bocadillo de calamares as a quick lunch or casual dinner, while others order one as part of a tapas crawl. Its generous portion size makes it filling enough to be a meal on its own, especially when paired with a drink or a few shared tapas.
