A gastronomic route around Madrid

Discover Madrid through its gastronomy. From simple home-style recipes to the most elaborately prepared menus in luxury restaurants, there is a huge variety on offer in the Spanish capital. We would also invite you to take part in a tradition that forms part of the life of the city –going out for "tapas": small dishes of food which are guaranteed to delight everyone.

In Madrid, as in the rest of Spain, gastronomy is an art, as you’ll soon see when you visit any of the restaurants, bars, pubs and taverns to be found all over the city. There are endless delicacies to try. Madrid's cuisine has received influences from other parts of Spain throughout its history, but it still has its own typical traditional recipes. Be sure to try cocido (chickpea casserole), its most famous dish. If you have a sweet tooth, then order torrijas (bread fitters with cinnamon) for dessert: you're bound to go for seconds.
 
Madrid is a hospitable, open city, and this characteristic is also reflected in its cooking. In the streets of Madrid you'll find establishments specialising in regional cuisine from all over Spain.
 
This is the case, for example, on the Paseo de la Gastronomía (Gastronomy Route). a large area at the Casa de Campo Exhibition Centre. The Casa de Campo is Madrid's largest green area, with ten restaurants situated in buildings that are replicas of Spain's traditional, emblematic regional architecture. Here you can enjoy the best Mediterranean cuisine, as well as typical dishes from Galicia, Asturias and the Basque Country, surrounded by gardens, with a play area for the little ones.


Tapas – on no account to be missed

Going out for tapas is a deep-rooted tradition in Madrid. It consists of going from bar to bar eating raciones (dishes to share), some of which are genuine gastronomic creations, within the reach of all budgets

It is also the perfect excuse to explore the historic centre of the city. Experience the bustling, lively atmosphere of its taverns and restaurants, and stroll through the areas packed with tapas bars. The most outstanding areas for tapas are in the old town, such as Sol, La Latina, Plaza de Santa Ana square, Cava Baja and Cava Alta, and Plaza Mayor square.

Take the opportunity to discover bars steeped in centuries of history, many of which are decorated with tiles and feature traditional marble tables, columns and wooden benches… You’ll feel like you've been transported back in time. If you prefer more avant-garde, imaginative and sophisticated tapas with a highly original presentation, head for the Salamanca neighbourhood, where you’ll find numerous fashionable eateries.