These Are Some Of The Best Tapas Bars Madrid Has To Offer

Tapas is a great way to sample a wide range of Spanish cuisine in small bites. To save you time on researching where to get some, we have compiled the best places for you to visit the next time you head to Madrid. 

–Featured Image Credit: Casa Salvador –

Casa Salvador

Casa Salvador is arguably one of the most well-known eateries in Madrid, starting its life as a small bullfighting tavern in 1941. The restaurant has changed only slightly since then, keeping its 1940s interior and menu, which features its long-time signature dishes that include Callos a La Madrileña (Madrid-style tripe stew), Estofado De Rabo De Toro (ox tail stew), and Potajes De Cuaresma (Lentils stew). The eatery is so well-regarded that Anthony Bourdain visited this establishment on his show “No Reservations”. He absolutely enjoyed his meal. 

La Primera

If you’re looking for a restaurant that scores on location, exceptional service, decor, music and top-quality food, visit La Primera. Despite its neat, fine-dining setting, the restaurant takes an uncomplicated approach to food and wine, serving dishes that are popular with the locals, such as Croquetas de Lacón y Huevo (egg croquettes with Spanish dried ham), Potato Omelette and Callos a la Montañesa (tripe stew). What seems to be the most raved-about dish here, however, is the Flan de Queso, a smooth cream cheese custard, topped with a decadent layer of homemade caramel– a perfectly sweet finish to your meal. 

Casa Revuelta

For more old-school Spanish cuisine, Casa Revuelta showcases Spanish cooking in an approachable way. The retro-fitted restaurant, since its opening in 1966, has been renowned for its Tajadas de Bacalao, an enigmatically crunchy cod fritter. Here, the atmosphere stays true to its early days and the quality and taste of the food marries perfectly with beer.  

La Raquetista

La Raquetista strikes a fine balance between old and new, with the menu featuring long-time favourite nibbles of the locals, like Torreznos (thick slabs of deep-fried pork belly) and Tajadas de Bacalao (cod fritters), as well as globally renowned dishes with a fresh twist, such as Massaman with Cow Tail, Steak Tartare made with water buffalo meat and Brioche Toast with Lamb Stroganoff. Besides food, the restaurant offers an extensive wine list, with over 50 varieties to choose from!

Docamar

This simple Spanish joint dishes out food the way it’s meant to be – comforting and without frills.  They serve one of the city’s best Patatas Bravas, with their version being fried potato cubes drenched in secret chilli sauce. Other house staples include Tortilla de Patatas,  Jamón Croquetas and Griddled Pig Ears.