After a long morning spent exploring, it’s time to head out for lunch in Madrid.
When it comes to lunch in Madrid, one trick is to grab a menú del día. In Spain, lunch is the most important meal of the day, with many restaurants offering this multi-course meal deal.
Keep reading to discover our favorite local spots—and how to get the best deal!
The menú del día, or menu of the day, is a two-or three-course meal – it will normally include an appetizer, a main course, a dessert or post-meal coffee, and of course, a glass of wine.
The pricing is often very affordable, and is a bit of an agreement between the restaurant and the guests: the kitchen provides a limited set of offerings at a fair price – thus making the food prep and variety easier to manage – and guests enjoy something hearty and wholesome without the need to head home during their lunch break.
To help you narrow it down, we’ve prepared a list of our favorite spots for lunch in Madrid. Some have an old-world charm while others boast a contemporary and stylish European feel. We’ll show you the best of both worlds.
What are traditional lunch restaurants in Madrid?
These are old-school taverns. You know, the ones where old men convene with their pals to drink vermut (vermouth in English) at the bar.
These taverns are known for cooking up the most traditional and classic versions of Spanish food.
Heads up: Don’t expect staff at these old-school places to speak much English. (But we promise that the food is worth it.)
Taberna de Maceiras
From octopus and squid to clams and cod, Taberna de Maceiras (Calle de Jesús, 7) brings Galician spirit and cuisine to Madrid.
The tavern is rustic, the service is brusque yet friendly and the meals are meant to be shared with friends and family—all in true Galician style. The lunch menu offers a mix of seafood and rice dishes.
La Casa de la Tortilla
They say there are two kinds of people: ones that like their tortilla runny and others that like it well done. No matter where you fall on the tortilla de patatas spectrum, La Casa de la Tortilla (Calle de Hartzenbusch, 6) will make yours to order however you like it. Head over around lunchtime and you’ll join a crowd of working-class Spaniards for laughs and lunch.
Their fairly priced menú del día is a great choice for a hearty lunch of tapas, a generous portion of tortilla and unlimited beers. If you’re looking for something different, their rice dishes are also excellent.
Cervecería El Diario
One of many classic and well loved taverns on Calle de Jesus, El Diario (Calle de las Huertas, 69) is a favorite among locals for lunchtime. Choose from the fixed menu or a la cart. Either way you can’t go wrong.
Its location about halfway between The Reina Sofia and The Prado make it a perfect pit stop on your day of exploring.
La Casa de las Torrijas
There’s no better way to get two madrileños into an argument than by asking whose grandmother makes the best torrijas—especially in the aptly named La Casa de las Torrijas (Calle de la Paz, 4).
This charming little spot in Madrid’s historic center has been serving torrijas since 1907. Torrijas are often referred to as the Spanish version of French toast, and they’re very common around Easter. The good news for torrija lovers is that they’re served at La Casa de Las Torrijas year round.
At some point along the way, they added savory dishes to the menu here, too. Today, they offer a daily menú del día, making this place a must for lunch in Madrid. If you’re like us and love to end each meal with a special dessert, La Casa de las Torrijas is a must.
Does Madrid have contemporary lunch restaurants?
The traditional Spanish taverns hold a special charm that can’t be dismissed, but let’s get real: sometimes not even young Spaniards want to have lunch with their grandparents.
If you’re looking to have lunch in Madrid in a place with a more modern feel, these restaurants are a must. They work hard to be contemporary while staying true to the traditional roots of Spanish cuisine.
La Colmada
Ever heard of a “neotavern”?
They’re a lot like the old-school lunch spots mentioned earlier, but with a face lift. The decor is a little more hip, the walls have a fresh coat of paint and the business cards have logos. Yet the dishes are still the same hand-me-down recipes from a Spanish grandmother.
In Madrid, that’s what we call a neotavern and La Colmada (Calle Espíritu Santo, 19) is the perfect example of one.
Rosi La Loca
Tucked away on the narrow Calle de Cádiz, you’ll find Rosi La Loca. Rosi is a woman with a passion for gastronomy.
She has traveled around the world but always returns to Madrid where she now shares her international experiences through her kitchen. In each and every tapa, Rosi adds a touch of the countries she’s visited.
This colorful conceptual tapas bar was designed with such extreme detail and care that leaving Madrid without visiting it would be a pity.
Badila
A hidden gem in the Lavapiés neighborhood, Badila (Calle de San Pedro Mártir, 6) serves up traditionally inspired Spanish dishes with a touch of international flair.
With around 6 or 7 options for both first and second courses, you’re spoiled for choice at this friendly, contemporary spot. Everything is prepared fresh from ingredients that the owner, Miguel, picks up that same morning at the market.
Just be sure to leave room for dessert—their rich and delicious chocolate cake is the stuff dreams are made of.
El Sur de Moratín
The friendly and welcoming crew at El Sur de Moratín make everyone feel right at home, while the heroes of the kitchen turn out inspired and fresh dishes that are a fresh take on the favorites.
The warmth of a taberna de barrio with the flavors of modern inspiration from around the world.
Casa Macareno
In the heart of the tragically hip and trendy Malasaña you’ll find Casa Macareno (Calle de San Vicente Ferrer, 44) –a classic tavern serving up the finest traditional ingredients to a mixed crowd of all ages and backgrounds.
Work your way through the excellent range of classic tapas, and finish things off with one of their perfectly prepared main courses.
Barmitón
The Michelin recognized team that brought us Marmitón, has done it again. This time in a slightly more spacious setting with a casual and relaxed atmosphere. Located near the famous Cava Baja right in the center of the city.
Barmitón boasts a sleek, yet cozy, atmosphere. The menu takes the classics and elevates the ingredients and process to make things look and feel more modern, but without losing sight of the classic flavors and combinations that we all love.
Less-Than-Traditional lunch options in Madrid
In between all of those wonderfully traditional and rustic taverns, you might want to mix up the flavors a bit. Here are a few options that showcase the diversity of the capital city and its cuisine.
Beerhouse La Latina
How does a menu of classic Madrid fare alongside modern pub grub and a perfectly curated list of amazing craft beer sound? It sounds good to us too, and this is one of the few places in town to combine artisanal beer alongside lovingly prepared food.
This is the second location for the team at Beerhouse, and is located right alongside the Rastro Market in the La Latina neighborhood.
Konnichiwa de Preciados
One of the many things that Madrid is known for is being a melting pot of cultures from all over Spain and the world. The team at Konnichiwa are known for providing fresh and authentic flavors to the capital.
You can still get your tortilla fix with the Okonomiyaki–a Japanese style omelet that if we’re being honest does not have too much to do with the Spanish version, but hey, it’s fun to pretend.
Lunch in Madrid FAQs
What is a typical lunch in Spain?
Lunch in Spain is the main meal of the day, so dishes tend to be heartier and more filling than at dinner. At home, this can mean a hearty stew, a rice dish like paella, or something meat-or seafood-based.
When eating out, many restaurants offer a menú del día of a starter, main, bread, dessert or coffee, and a drink, all for one reasonable price.
What time is lunch in Madrid?
Most madrileños eat lunch between 2 and 3:30 p.m. Restaurants tend to open around 1 p.m. at the earliest.
How much does lunch cost in Madrid?
Prices vary depending on the type of experience you are looking for. The popular, and competitively priced, menú del día is a fixed-price meal, which is available at most Madrid restaurants at lunchtime.
Update Notice: This post was updated on May 30th, 2024.
Want to join us for lunch in Madrid? Our Ultimate Spanish Cuisine Tour is calling your name. This daytime experience will give you a crash course in local food and eating habits, so you’ll be able to venture into even the most crowded restaurant or tapas bar with no fear.
George Thornton is beer writer and educator, Advanced Cicerone®, & National Ranked Beer Judge. Born and raised in San Diego, he now lives in Madrid, and is the highest ranking Cicerone® on the Iberian Peninsula.