Madrid Food & Drink: 5 Must-Try Spots

Madrid, is that maybe one of those places that kinda jumps right off the page of guidebooks, that’s teeming with so many tastes just waiting to be discovered. Beyond, so the landmarks and very famous art museums, the city is seriously pulsing with a pretty interesting food culture, that, you know, manages to very beautifully blend traditional Spanish dishes with these modern, really quite experimental gastronomic twists. When visiting, really experiencing the local food and beverages is more or less an important thing, as is checking out the Royal Palace or the Prado. Ready to discover five incredible places to try during your visit?

1. Sobrino de Botín: A Step Back in Time

If dining inside a spot with loads of history gets your attention, then Sobrino de Botín definitely needs a slot on your itinerary. Frequently mentioned as apparently the world’s oldest restaurant by Guinness World Records, getting to experience it goes beyond dining; too it’s almost really a chance to basically wander into living history. Built all the way back in 1725, Botín, as locals often call it, maintains a fairly strong hold on what it might be known for. That is, the time tested recipes which seem to have earned it international acclaim.

The specialty here is *cochinillo asado*, that, you know, translates to roast suckling pig. Cooked right inside a wood fired oven that dates back nearly 300 years, the pig features very juicy, succulent meat underneath that crispy, bronzed skin. You know, some say that Ernest Hemingway was somewhat a fan; this historic spot even made an appearance right in his book *The Sun Also Rises*. You too might just feel a tiny part of a really very special culinary legacy when you dine at Sobrino de Botín. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Sobrino de Botín)

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2. Mercado de San Miguel: A Food Lover’s Paradise

The Mercado de San Miguel is so definitely where all your culinary exploration goes totally next-level. Not very far from Plaza Mayor, this enclosed marketplace showcases a very incredible selection of some different vendors, basically offering, you know, practically everything from pretty yummy tapas to a fantastic assortment of very high quality Spanish wines. When inside this structure crafted out of iron and glass, your eyes will definitely roam the vibrant array of sights, noises, and very appealing smells from absolutely all different food stalls.

Whether your cravings feature *jamón ibérico* or you are just searching around for some new seafood tapas or a really amazing glass of sangria, chances are pretty darn good that there is just something that will spark your taste buds here. That, is the best destination, really if one of your hopes is to sample loads of the most exceptional flavors that Spain shows off. It’s quite favored, really for the local population, as it seems to draw loads of visitors; therefore it actually becomes very animated, particularly in the evenings and over any weekend. Getting to explore here is one extremely enjoyable way really to get to sample lots of things while taking a look at Madrid’s local life up very closely. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Mercado de San Miguel)

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3. Chocolatería San Ginés: For Chocolate Lovers

Chocolatería San Ginés seems pretty much synonymous with late night cravings and delightful snacks throughout Madrid. Found very conveniently just right at the heart of the city and being really very close to Puerta del Sol, San Ginés became seriously one of Madrid’s most celebrated and, well, best known spots. Since it was first established quite a while ago, way back in 1894, it features these warm, crispy *churros* right along with thick, decadent hot chocolate that locals so adore.

Picture going in right out of Madrid’s lively nightlife directly into this location and being quickly engulfed in that decadent smell of cocoa, basically mixed in with those very deep fried aromas of churros getting made in-house. Dunking those crispy, perfectly warm strips right inside that silky, hot chocolate could definitely feel kinda like an iconic treat that all travelers could really get to remember long into the future. Chocolatería San Ginés almost seems like a can’t miss establishment whether it’s right for breakfast, after dinner, or any quick snack. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Chocolatería San Ginés)

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4. El Jardín Secreto Salvador Bachiller: Cocktails and Greenery

Searching out those experiences that are totally beyond just culinary treats? You have to give El Jardín Secreto Salvador Bachiller basically a visit. In a way, it’s a really interesting concealed garden sitting right above a very fashionable retail establishment, and also providing an escape into someplace magical. After getting away from all the clamor right inside the main part of the city, it feels kinda like walking right into an unexpected outdoor oasis bursting with lots of rich vegetation plus rather eclectic decor.

Beyond all that greenery, though, the highlight can definitely be discovered directly on the imaginative drink selections. Your cocktails can be very carefully prepared using fresh fruits, lots of aromatic herbs, and loads of superior spirits, so as to present unique and memorable flavors. Just because it is literally secret really enhances this space’s mystery factor; basically this becomes the perfect place to relax right over lunch or sip the drinks in a beautiful, secluded backdrop. It actually becomes really unique whether to get either a casual date or an interesting outing just among friends. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (El Jardín Secreto Salvador Bachiller)

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5. Bodega de la Ardosa: Authentic Tapas and Vermouth

You might wanna get on down to Bodega de la Ardosa when it’s real authentic tapas experiences what will really draw you. Built all the way back in 1892, this historic tavern almost shows off an ideal sample of Madrid’s thriving tapas tradition. Walking into this restaurant could feel sorta like going directly back through time. You’ll probably spot tile covered interiors and walls covered having old pictures as well as signs. However what actually attracts visitors goes beyond just atmosphere — the menu has been designed with plenty of flavorful classic tapas as well as beers and drinks.

When one is inside of Bodega de la Ardosa you will probably savor classics which will very certainly encompass patatas bravas that seem kinda delicious with spicy tomato sauce along with a creamy aioli, as well as well-prepared Spanish omelet pieces on very yummy, freshly sliced bread. To experience things as the locals prefer to, attempt getting all those with your glass from locally served vermouth right from those taps and the selection definitely makes a spot that needs consideration when looking out authentic food experiences through Madrid really. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Bodega de la Ardosa)

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