A table for two at a restaurant to woo your taste buds.
The queen of romantic comedy—Nora Ephron—once said, “I have made a lot of mistakes falling in love, and regretted most of them, but I never regretted the potatoes that went with them.” Why is it food and love always seem to go hand in hand? Maybe it’s true what they say, the way to the heart is through the stomach. It’s no wonder then that most people who visit our fair Lady Madrid can’t help but fall in love with her—she’s a bit of a foodie, after all! So, next date night, let the city sweep you off your feet with an intimate dinner for two at one of these romantic restaurants in Madrid.
Il Pastaio
Maybe we’ve seen Lady and the Tramp a few too many times, but for us there’s nothing more romantic than sharing a plate of pasta. At Il Pastaio the pasta’s made fresh, the cheese is served generously, and the tiramisu is a slice of heaven on a plate. They even have checkered place mats like in the movie! We’re especially crazy about their specialty, tagliatelle with fresh truffles—perfect for two! Just up the street Il Pastaio has it’s own store where you can grab some of their fresh pasta to cook at home! Afterwards, take a stroll through the gardens at the Parque Enrique Herreros just a street away. This is the perfect plan for the couple in search of an off-the-beaten-path option when it comes to romantic restaurants in Madrid.
Looking for more off-the-beaten-path experiences on your trip to Madrid? Then come spend the morning on our Huertas Neighborhood Food and Market Tour! Go exploring with a local foodie guide! You’ll get a glimpse at daily life in Madrid and a chance to discover lesser known corners of the capital.
Address: Calle de Ríos Rosas, 49
Caripen Bistro
Owned by Parisian chef Daniel Bouté and his wife Françoise, Caripen Bistro has become the clandestine meeting place for Madrid’s politicians, artists and the like. It’s no wonder, between the dark wood, intimate booths and low candlelit tables you’d think you’d been transported back to the days of Paris’s Belle Èpoque à la Midnight in Paris. Open for dinner until the early hours of the morning, this authentic Parisian bistro is the perfect place for a magical Midnight in Paris Madrid sort of night. Make sure to order the magret de canard (duck breast), steak tartare and the mussels in cream sauce. Did we mention they’ll bring you an entire block of butter for your bread? If that doesn’t make you swoon, we don’t know what will!
Address: Plaza de la Marina Española, 4
Las Chicas, los Chicos y los Maniquís
Madrid in the 80s was a non-stop party—new music, new ideas, new styles, new everything. Post-dictatorship Madrid was all about indulging your senses, a tradition that Las Chicas, los Chicos y los Maniquís continues. At this funky restaurant, you can watch as the chef prepares your meal right in front of you! It’s the perfect option for the culturally curious foodies, adventurous couples that like their romance served with a little theater. The music is pure 80s, the decoration is like an Andy Warhol painting, and the plate presentation is an odd blend of psychedelic and kitsch! All of that, and we haven’t even gotten to the food! Chef Pedro Gallego puts a twist on typical Spanish dishes (patatas bravas with an aioli foam!) that are out of this world.
Address: Calle Atocha, 49
El Jardín Secreto
For a fitting end to a fairytale night of romance, El Jardín Secreto is a fantasy land. One of the most romantic restaurants in Madrid, it’s located in the Chamberí neighborhood. In an exotic Arabian Nights setting you can sip coffee from around the world and bond over delicious homemade desserts. Personally, we’re obsessed with their white chocolate mousse cake—it was love at first bite. The owners have clearly put their heart and soul in to the place. It’s a picture-perfect sanctuary, an escape from the noise of the big city. So next date night, make some memories at this spectacular local favorite.
Address: Calle Conde Duque, 2
Salón des Fleurs
But romance isn’t reserved just for couples! For a little me-time, or a gal pal getaway, head to Salón des Fleurs. Why wait for someone to bring you flowers when you can surround yourself with them? This tea house and flower shop is one of our favorite romantic restaurants in Madrid! With its floor-to-ceiling windows, spiral staircase and comfortable armchairs it’s, in one word, acogedor (cozy). You can even sign up for one of their tea parties. Here’s a little local insight for you—don’t miss the glazed mini lemon cake!
Address: Calle de Guzmán el Bueno, 106
