Restaurants

Good food and drink are central to life in Madrid, and there's no shortage of either anywhere in the city.

Tapas have an interesting history dating back to the 13th century when stagecoach drivers used to stop off in taverns to take a break and have a glass of wine after an exhausting journey transporting merchandise. They would get so drunk and become such a menace on the highways that the government introduced a law forcing them to eat something while they drank. They would usually be given a piece of bread and ham placed on top of their glass or jar. These tapas (tops or lids) became a sensible and healthy custom that continues today.

The area around Plaza de Santa Ana is a popular place to tapear (have tapas in one or more places). The Cervecería Alemana is located here and it's usually full of tourists. The Plaza de la Cebada has lots of good tapas bars as well like El Almendro. Plaza de Alonso Martínez and Calle Conde Duque are both recommended for a tapas crawl. The Moncloa and Cristo Rey neighborhoods, Calle Arenal and Calle Mayor all have their fair share of tapas bars as well. La Dolores is at the end of Calle Huertas just before it joins the Paseo del Prado and offers a great range of delicious tapas. There are similar bars on the same street that are just as good.

Look up all restaurants and tapas bars through the links below!