Traditional Meals in Madrid
Where to Eat Local Food in the Spanish Capital
Botin claims to be the oldest restaurant in Europe, listed in the Guinness Book of Records. Opened in the 17th century, the restaurant occupies several floors of a traditional building near the Plaza Mayor, with beamed ceilings, panelled wallls and coloured tiles. Its renown means there are always a lot of foreigners, but it is popular with locals too, and there are usually a few famous faces. People come here for the suckling pig, but if you don’t fancy that, there is a wide range of other typically Castilian dishes.
Cuchilleros 17, +34 91 366 4217
Casa Lucio is the ultimate traditional restaurant in Madrid. It is situated in the heart of the old town on Cava Baja, the street that used to curve around the city wall and is now lined with characterful tapas bars and restaurants. Booking is essential, both for lunch and dinner, when your dining companions are likely to include writers, actors, politicians and even bullfighters. As well as the roast meats, which are cooked in an enormous wood-burning oven, the hake is very popular. Surprisingly, Casa Lucio’s signature dish is a humble plate of egg and chips, where the fried eggs are broken over the french fries, a favourite of King Juan Carlos.
Cava Baja 35, +34 91 365 3252
La Bola specialises in cocido madrileño, the meat, vegetable and chickpea stew for which Madrid is renowned. Served in blackened earthenware pots, the stew is eaten as several different courses. Founded in 1870 and run ever since by six generations of the Verdasco famly, the pretty restaurant is decorated with tiles and situated in the atmospheric Opera district, near the Royal Palace. For dessert, try the apple fritters.
Bola 5, +34 91 547 6930
Lhardy was the first formal restaurant in Madrid when it opened in 1839. The interior has hardly changed since the late-19th century, with one room decorated in Japanese style and another with walls covered in cream silk. Classic dishes are served more elegantly than in other traditional restaurants, including the cocido madrileño, which is reputed to be the best in Madrid. The ground-floor bar and shop is a wonderful place to stop for a restorative snack when sightseeing
Carrera de San Jerónimo 8, +34 91 521 3385.
El Puchero is located slightly off the usual tourist beat, and is somewhere you are likely to be surrounded by locals rather than visitors. With red-checked tablecloths and helpful staff to help you choose from the menu of hearty Castilian dishes, you are guaranteed to eat well here. Signature dishes include lentil and butter bean stews, as well as excellent fish, roast meats and homemade desserts. Although not cheap, the food is excellent quality so you definitely get value for money
Larra 13, +34 91 445 0577
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