Madrid: An Aficionado's List of Seventeen (!) Food Favorites

By Erica and Karen

We were lucky, as part of our jobs, to meet and have friends all over the world. One of them, who married a native and definitely enjoys being out and about gave us this (amazingly long) list of his favorite things to do and places to eat and drink in Madrid. You can tell he likes to eat! Some are classics, but most are not.Now that you have time to try every one of these places, run off to Madrid and bring this list with you.

Sights (beyond the Prado, the Royal Palace and the Plaza Mayor).

Cathedral de la Almudena (a church with a story)

Barrio de Salamanca (a lovely area to walk around—and eat and drink)

Parque del Retiro (a park embedded in the city)

Palacio de Cristal (a glass Greek cross)

Drinks On The Roof

Plaza de Santa (Hotel ME Reina Victoria rooftop for drinks)

Circulo de Bellas Artes. (Tartan roof bar. Go before sunset for gorgeous views)

Restaurants. The simplest food in Spain, he reminds us, is always the best. Tapas, great wine, great olive oil, tortillas, croquetas. Heaven!

Quintin Ultramarinos (for atmosphere and food)

Mercado de San Miguel f(or fun tapas and drinks right by Plaza Mayor)

Mercado de la Reina (for dinner)

Ana La Santa (for local beautiful surroundings)

Bar Tomate (fun)

La Bien Aparecida (gorgeous Northern Spanish food)

Bibo Madrid (to eat bu a thousand lightbulbs)

El Jardin de la Maquina (country dining by a pool)

El Filandon (simple and good)

La Cocina de San Anton (varied menu)

Bosco de Lobos (Italian, should you tire of Spanish)

Taberna Laredo (no tourists eating this delicious food)

La Contraseña (chic and stylish)

Platea Madrid (a dining extravaganza)

Sala De Despiece (almost raw)

Hermosos y Malditos (hotel dining at its best)

Chocolateria San Gines (oldest churros in Madrid).

If you go, please let us know which you liked best!