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If youāve just touched down in Madrid, youāre probably hungry and not just for sightseeing. The Spanish capital is a feast for the senses. But you experience it best when youāre eating delicious local food.
Madridās food scene is a blend of tradition and innovation, where every meal tells a story. From the crisp, sugary churros that kickstart your morning to the hearty, slow-cooked cocido that anchors your midday, the city invites you to savor each bite as part of its rich cultural tapestry.
Luggage-free travel can make all the difference when exploring Madridās best food. Once youāve arranged a luggage pick-up with LUGGit, you can hit the streets unencumbered and taste your way from churros to cocido without a single stop to stash your bags.
In this article, weāll break down the best things to do as a Foodie in Madrid on your first time:
Sweet start: where to find the best churros and chocolate in Madrid
No visit to Madrid is complete without indulging in churros con chocolate. Thin, crisp, golden strips of dough are fried fresh and served with thick pudding-like hot chocolate for dipping, not drinking. For the most iconic experience, visit ChocolaterĆa San GinĆ©s. Itās a historic cafĆ© near Puerta del Sol thatās been serving early risers and night owls since 1894.
Itās not just about the churros, though. Itās also one of the best breakfast spots in all of Madrid, combining simple ingredients, such as toast, tomato, olive oil, and jamĆ³n, with ritual and rhythm.
For a sit-down breakfast experience, CafƩ de Oriente near the Royal Palace offers a cozy spot to enjoy traditional breakfast plates alongside freshly brewed coffee in elegant surroundings. Meanwhile, La Rollerie blends Spanish staples with French-inspired pastries, perfect if you want something sweet to start alongside your churros.
Midday essential: where to taste cocido madrileƱo like a local
As the city warms up, so does your appetite. No dish says āMadridā like cocido madrileƱo. This slow-cooked, multi-layered stew is a tradition served in three acts. First comes the broth, then the chickpeas and vegetables, and finally the meats: chorizo, morcilla, pork belly, and more.
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A top spot to try it is La Bola Taberna, a family-run restaurant thatās been ladling out cocido in clay pots for over 150 years. It's just steps from the Royal Palace, and stepping inside feels like walking into someone's well-loved kitchen. Without luggage in tow, you can slip into a small wooden booth, order confidently, and linger as long as you like over a glass of Rioja.
Mid-afternoon wanders: tapas, markets & street flavours
Once lunch fades into the afternoon, snack your way through the rest of the city. Begin at Mercado de San Miguel, a gourmet food market near Plaza Mayor that brings Spainās regional bites together under one ornate roof. With no suitcase to roll or backpack to guard, you can drift between stalls by grabbing a skewer of pulpo a la gallega, sipping on vermouth, or popping olives stuffed with anchovy and red pepper.
Madrid is a city made for grazing, and you'll want to head south into La Latina, where narrow streets are lined with tapas bars that come alive just before dusk. Drop into Casa Lucas or Taberna Almendro 13 for rustic bites and lively conversations.
For an authentic local experience, try El Viajero, a popular bar with a laid-back vibe, perfect for sharing a platter of jamĆ³n ibĆ©rico and manchego cheese while soaking in panoramic views.
Want a deeper dive into tapas culture? Spainās Ministry of Agriculture offers a detailed history of how these small plates became a national pastime.
Rooftop views & sunset sips: winding down over wine
As day turns to evening, take your appetite upward and let Madridās rooftop bars become your backdrop. These open-air escapes offer more than just breathtaking panoramic views; they celebrate Spainās rich tapestry of wines and culinary traditions with thoughtfully curated menus.
One standout is Azotea del CĆrculo, perched atop the CĆrculo de Bellas Artes. Here, you can watch the cityās skyline melt from golden orange to deep violet as you sip a glass of AlbariƱo, a crisp, aromatic white from Galicia, or a robust Tempranillo from Rioja. The elevated tapas menu adds a modern twist to classic flavours, featuring bites like Iberian ham croquettes and smoked anchovies.
For a more intimate, laid-back vibe, El JardĆn de Diana, atop the Hyatt Centric Gran VĆa, is a verdant oasis hidden among the cityās hustle. Itās ideal for savoring a meticulously crafted gin and tonic, made with local botanicals, or indulging in a final taste of creamy manchego cheese paired with quince paste.
If you prefer something truly unique, check out Terraza Cibeles, located on the rooftop of the iconic City Hall. Its art deco charm and sweeping views of the Plaza de Cibeles make it a favourite among locals and visitors alike. The wine list here often includes lesser-known Spanish varietals, such as MencĆa from Bierzo or Garnacha Tintorera.
Why luggage-free travel makes food tourism better
Letās be honest: Madridās culinary treasures arenāt tucked behind wide-open spaces or hotel lobbies. Theyāre in tiny kitchens, at crowded counters, up hidden staircases, and down market aisles buzzing with locals.
When youāre not weighed down by bags, you travel differently. You wander longer. You linger where the scent of garlic draws you in. You sit wherever thereās a seat, even if itās tucked between strangers.
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By using a luggage pick-up, storage, and delivery service like LUGGit, you start your trip immersed (not delayed). You donāt need to circle back to hotels, find a locker, or worry about dragging your things into eateries that werenāt built with tourists in mind. You explore the way food deserves to be explored.
Use code BLOG10 for 10% off your LUGGit service in Madrid!
