There are so many places to eat in Madrid. But let`s start with a bit of explanation on the Spanish way of eating. Their hours are a bit different than for most of us. So keep this in mind when going out to eat something, as restaurants have different opening hours because of this.
El Desayuno – Breakfast (until 10 am)
El Almuerzo – Mid-morning snack (10.30 am – noon)
La Comida – Lunch (2 pm – 3 pm)
La Merienda – Afternoon snack (around 5 pm)
La Cena – Dinner (9 pm – 10.30 pm)
The eating places I went to while in Madrid
For El Desayuno – Breakfast I tried `Chocolate con churros` this is something the Spanish people usually eat after a night out in town. They party until the morning and enjoy churros for breakfast. I didn`t quite do it that way, but I wanted to try it anyway 🙂
When I asked locals about a good place to try them, they pointed out two places: San Ginés and Valor. I tried Valor, because locals told me the chocolate is thicker here. And it was yummy! However the friend who joined me, tried the churros at San Ginez and preferred them. That`s probably why it`s such a famous place!
Valor is Spain`s own brand of chocolate since 1881.
If you want another place for a more traditional breakfast (or lunch) you can drop by Le Pain Quotidien.
La Comida – Lunch is probably the Spanish most important meal of the day. A lot of the restaurants offer a Menú del día, which is 2 courses: Primer Plato (like an appetizer) and Segundo Plato (main dish). They offer a wide choice of both plates you can choose from. When I tried it, there was bread and dessert included for one price! You can already find deals starting from 8 euros up till 15 euros.
Another place to try while in Madrid if you want something different is Home Burger Bar. They have great hamburgers, but also a variety of vegetarian burgers and dishes.
La Cena – Dinner. This is the time and place to try the Spanish famous Tapas! La Latina is the place to be for tapas. At Almendro 13 we tried Rosca de Jamon Iberico and Patatas emporras with salmorejo & jamon. This was very good! Later we had some cava at Casa Lucas. Both were recommended by @janellenorman, who I met in Madrid. Check out her blog on tapas for more good places: www.tapastalk.com
Another night I went to Casa Labra which is famous for it`s cod croquettes and fried cod pieces. And I have to admit, they were yummy!! (This place is located close to El Cortes Ingles and Puerta del Sol)
TIP: Don`t forget restaurants aren`t open at the normal times we`re used to it. For example, in the evening, restaurants don`t open before 8 – 8.30 pm.
IMPORTANT: Prices depend on where you eat, at the bar, at a table or a terrace. Eating at the bar is the cheapest and most common way here. Barra – eat at the bar
Mesa – table
Terraza – terrace outside, more for the summer
More information on Madrid:
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