To be fully transparent, our family is a bit more cook-at-home type people vs. eating out so this list is short. But I wanted to put together a short list of food places in Madrid that you cannot miss if you’re visiting Madrid. At the bottom of this article, I have included a list of places in our small town area of Valdebebas that we recommend, which may not be on your radar if you’re just staying in Centro Madrid.

Authentic Spanish

Tapas at Flamenco de Leones: enjoy an awesome flamenco show along with delicious tapas

Castizo Serrano: with several locations around Madrid, we really enjoyed this restaurant

A fancy dinner at Ferretería: this is one of our favorites when guests are in town!

Italian

Flavia: this is our favorite restaurant in Madrid, great to celebrate a special occasion

Mexican

Takos al Pastor: the least expensive food you’ll find in Madrid – tacos are as low as 1,50

Dessert

CORA: ice cream: delicious Italian gelato

9Lives: American pies

In Tres Cantos, Madrid, there are a lot of local gems. We highly recommend heading into Nuevo Tres Cantos and also trying some cuisine in Colmenar Viejo, too. This is my list of our favorite restaurants in Tres Cantos.

Best of Tres Cantos Restaurants

Carambola: this authentic Spanish restaurant is great for sharing tapas and has an amazing ensalada burrata. We recommend sitting afuera in warm weather (make a reservation!) and by the warm and cozy indoor fire in winter.

In Valdebebas, Madrid, our family loves walking to try new restaurants. Typically on Friday nights, our family tries a new restaurant and we’ve really enjoyed that routine. This is my list of our favorite restaurants in Valdebebas.

Best of Valdebebas Restaurants

El Garnacho: our favorite authentic Spanish restaurant in all of Madrid and the namesake of our dog. This restaurant is our go-to with guests and feels like a warm hug the second you enter. The staff and familiarity here feel like family 🙂

Lazzarella: our favorite date-night Italian food

El Castor: a great sports bar with good drink and food to watch Real Madrid games

Totale: a great pizza option

Barra: good tapas options

Caupona Heladería: ice cream that you can’t miss

Guacatay: a great natural juice and tostada choice