We’ve been to Madrid more times than our hands can count now! Mitch went to university out there and loved living in the city for a year abroad. It holds a special place in our hearts. We also went there for our first trip abroad 3 months into dating, for Mitchs birthday.
Now that I’ve also ticked all of the tourist spots off my list, we can really get into exploring Madrids food scene !
This last visit back in March (for another of Mitchs birthdays) we visited some stunning eateries! And it got me thinking, we haven’t yet shared our favourites with you!
So here you go! A Thanksgiving treat from us…
Have you visited any of the places below? Let us know if so and tell us what you thought !
Where did we stay?
We’ve stayed in 3 different hotels together over the 3 years that we visited Madrid!
And honestly, all were incredible and special in their own ways!
The first one we stayed in back in 2019 was :
DEAR HOTEL - a boutique hotel on La Gran Via, Plaza de España
This is the perfect spot if you want to explore everything central as well as neighbouring neighbourhoods Chueca and Malasaña, or to head a little further out to the stunning Chamberi!
We loved that the Dear hotel was a boutique, small and personable! It was cosy, modern, and a little sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle on the streets below! The roof terrace has stunning views and the plunge pool panoramic view, just wow !
Hotel number 2, we stayed at in 2020 -
Hotel RIU Plaza - Also situated on the Gran Via (actually directly opposite the Dear Hotel, because we found the area so practical!)
The Riu is bigger and boujeer … more stunning rooftop views and a bigger swimming pool. A bar on the rooftop that’s poppin’ until the early hours of the morning… gorgeous rooms and a stunningly grand entrance. Perfect for visiting the same neighbourhoods as listed above for the Dear Hotel!
The 3rd and final hotel we most recently stayed in this year back in March (2024) was one we’ve had on our list for some time now…
The Hard Rock Hotel, Rda. de Atocha, Arganzuela
We LOVED this hotel! This was easily one of the coolest hotels we’ve ever stayed at (we are huge fans of Hard rock hotels and Cafes - the vibes are just incredible ! There’s an energy you simply cannot describe!).
Bright neon lights on arrival, the compulsory framed outfits and musical instruments of icons displayed on the wall, and joyful staff that are bopping around to the rock n roll jams beaming from the speakers!… we have arrived!
On check in, we were asked if we would like to order any vinyls or Guitars to our room?! Erm, YES! How cool?! Of course it goes without saying the menu was what we expected, because in general it’s the same across all locations (which we love). Hands down, can’t wait to stay again. The rooms were super cool and well, rock ‘n’ roll!
Such a great location to walk to Retiro Park, Antón Martin Market or a little further to Mercado de San Fernando or La Latina!
Where we ate…
The time has come, honestly, this could be an endless list because there are soooo many great places to eat in Madrid, and not just tapas! (Although, hello ALL tapas and pinxos locations in La Latina!)…you definitely can’t miss out on that!
With that being said, first up is one of our favourite tapas locations (and one of Mitchs all time faves) -
Lateral - there are multiple locations, but our favourite in Madrid is in Plaza Santa Ana (we also visited a location in Barcelona!)
You could quite literally order anything off the menu and it will be delicious! But some personal favourites of ours are the croquettes, manchego, jamon, Spanish Omelette (tortilla española) and pan con tomate!
Next up, a very well known restaurant in Madrid…
Sobrino de Botin - between Plaza Mayor & La Latina…
A fantastic traditional Spanish restaurant open since 1725! And famous for its suckling pig (‘Cochinillo asado’ mentioned in Hemingway novel ‘the sun always rises’).
What an experience we had here! You must reserve to get a spot due to the understandable hype around this place…
La Vaca Argentina Ventura - Cortes, near Plaza de Santa Ana
Argentinian steak and seafood perfection! We loved the ambiance of this place - we actually walked these streets the night before, and spotted a couple of incredible steakhouses! This was our top pick and we’re so happy we came here!
Recommend all of the steaks (jacket potato side), the pulpo, scallops and heavenly Spanish pancake for dessert (frixuelos) with dulce de leche !
Four Seasons Hotel, Dani Brasserie - the most stunning lunch spot in Madrid!
We had the best best best time here! (We always do at the four seasons). We were celebrating Mitchs birthday this year (March 2024) and it was simply spectacular! Everything from the service, to the freshness of every course, not to mention the terrace views, were just Wow!
They also prepped some courses at the tables (guacamole, crêpe Suzette … flambeéd tableside).
Another one ticked off our list and we can’t wait to return to this one! So many photos of this one because every inch of this hotel is ALWAYS perfection!
Next up, my favourite coffee spot…
Pestana, Plaza Mayor - Café de la Plaza
We love the Pestana hotels, and this one is perfectly situated in the gorgeous Plaza Mayor! The best spot to sit and people watch!
I enjoyed a latte and then decided to order breakfast because I was enjoying the surroundings so much! (Opted for the truffle Spanish omelette and a pot of English breakfast tea).
Berria, Salamanca - Wine bar & restaurant
We actually stopped here to grab a glass of wine and escape from the rain!
And we were pleasantly surprised, check out that wine cellar! We had pre-dinner sharing tapas with calamari, steak tartare, croquettes and a cheese board which was perfect with the wine pairing!
Ginkgo -Pl. de España
Our favourite cocktail spot!
Best views, best cocktails (now some of our favourite recipes !) you won’t regret it…
Florida Park Bar & Restaurant - El Retiro Park
We didn’t realise this was such a cool bar for an evening and nightclub until our Spanish friends told us!!
So sadly, we have only enjoyed this during the daytime ! (Which is also great!) At the back of the restaurant (where you’ll find the terrace) there’s a sort of indoor market-style eatery set up where you can order what food / drinks you’d like… it’s such a chilled vibe inside the beautiful Retiro park… we just need to return on an evening now for the Las Vegas style dinner & Cabaret!
La Maruca - Velázquez, Salamanca
Our friends took us here for a wonderful evening with friends ! Delicious dinner, wine, great company, what more could you want!
We ordered sooooo many plates to share - after all, tapas style is how it’s done in Spain! … but let’s not talk about the 10:30pm table reservation (because I actually really struggled with this!)…
Everything was so well cooked, I’d reccomend ordering a fair mix from the menu to try many different dishes!
Taberna los Gallos - Salamanca, Madrid
Our friend recommended this one, and we really loved the look of all the restaurants and bars in this area so definitely check it out!
Gorgeous tapas in a modern setting with lots of interior plans! All of the meat & Seafood dishes were to die for!
NuBel- Lavapiés
Dinner & drinks turned nightclub (with songs you actually want to dance to) we joined the post-dinner festivities when the place was poppin’ and the vibes were great. Architect Jean Nouvel designed this place inside the famous Museo Reina Sofía, and it’s worth a visit for the interior design alone! Showstopper…
We hope you enjoyed some of our favourite Madrid highlights !
Each time we visit we add more incredible places to our list…
Let us know your thoughts ! Did you enjoy our tour around Madrid hotels and eateries?!
Until next time!
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