Where to eat in Madrid

Locals eat in rounds: a caña and some croquetas at one bar, patatas bravas at the next, then a long, late lunch. The old taverns of La Latina and the streets around Sol keep the classics going, with fried calamari sandwiches, tortilla, huevos rotos, snails, tripe and slow-simmered cocido. Neighborhood markets double as places to graze, and Malasaña adds cozy cafés and younger, more global kitchens.

Because Madrid draws cooks from every corner of Spain, you'll also find Basque grills, Andalusian tuna and Extremaduran ham, alongside ambitious tasting menus and dinner with a flamenco show. Each restaurant comes with a short note from the local guide who recommends it; use the chips to focus on tapas, casual spots, food markets or fine dining.