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We can’t deny it, here at Tapas we’re crazy about Italian cuisine. Luckily, in Madrid there is a growing (and better) gastronomic offer that has its roots in the Italian peninsula. To celebrate Pasta Day on 25 October, we have chosen 10 places where, beyond pizza and pasta, everything is “veramente buono”. Because any day is a good reason to treat yourself “a casa della nonna”, and these Italian restaurants in Madrid prove it.
DON GIOVANNI
For many, it is the best Italian restaurant in Spain. At the helm, from day one, we find Andrea Tumbarello, responsible for selecting the best raw materials to work miracles with each dish. Any pasta with truffle is delirious, and don’t forget to leave room for his legendary desserts.
Where? At Paseo de la Reina Cristina, 23
ALDUCCIO
To sit at these tables is to travel in time and space. We are in a restaurant with more than 60 years of history that claims to have served the first pizza in Spain. On the other hand, its fresh pasta and cuisine faithful to the purest tradition take us by the hand to the dining room of the mamma.
Where? At 8, Concha Espina Ave.
DA GIUSEPPINA
Sardinian and Piedmontese cuisine have made this place one of the great references in the capital. Ignazio Deias runs with great respect for tradition this business where you can also buy wines from the motherland. The menu is not scarce, but the pizza is too tempting.
Where? C/ Trafalgar, 17
BEL MONDO
Big Mamma landed in Madrid with two suggestive proposals led by chef Daniele Tasso. Bel Mondo is a trattoria that offers authentic Italian products in traditional preparations at affordable prices and in a pleasant atmosphere. With a more informal spirit but just as delicious is Villa Capri (Hortaleza, 118).
Where? C/ Velázquez, 39
EMMA Y JULIA
The Italian inexcusable of the neighborhood of La Latina since 1998. Its genuine atmosphere plays its trump card to increase the delight of enjoying its pastas and pizzas, prepared in a wood oven. Its baked eggplant with tomato, parmesan and mozzarella is pure sin.
Where? C/ Cava Baja, 19
PREMIATA FORNERÍA BALLARÓ
A contemporary Italian tavern that pays homage to a market in Palermo, hometown of Angelo Marino, who achieves true wonders, explosions of flavor with proven authenticity and also has a “little brother” a few meters away, the Premiata Fornería Ballaró.
Where? C/ Santa Engracia, 24
CAFÉ BARBIERI
A historical local of the city, since 1902. After its closure during the pandemic, the hotelier Paul Torriglia de Altolaguirre decided to reopen it, preserving all the flavor of its traditional decoration but offering a menu of genuine Italian tradition.
Where? Ave Maria St., 45
GIOIA
Another must where chef Davide Bonato challenges his clientele to resist his menu, especially in the sweets section, with a panna cotta that is hard to beat. It has a tasting menu that is a highly recommended option for first-time visitors.
Where? C/ San Bartolomé, 23
LA TAVERNETTA DEL PIRATA
The fact that this Italian is one of the few to receive the Marchio Ospitalità italian certificate says enough about its excellence. A seafood trattoria that takes us back to the Amalfi Coast, with Bebi Poerio at the helm of the business, staying true to its delicious origins.
Where? C/ Santa Engracia, 26
BOCCONDIVINO
After eleven years of closure, Ignazio Deias reopened Boccondivino last spring with a more intimate dining room and a menu featuring a more traditional cuisine based on quality and seasonal products.
Where? C/ Poeta Joan Maragall, 17-19
If you are a lover of pasta or Italian cuisine in general, these Italian restaurants in Madrid will become an obligatory stop.