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What would we do without our beloved Tapas? It is one of the most popular gastro traditions in Spain and for many a sacred ritual when they go to any bar. And, although initially the tapeo was something more informal and to nibble something while having a beer or wine, it is increasingly common to share different portions and tapas in many restaurants. The third Thursday of June is World Tapas Day and, as we want to honor this classic that gives its name to our magazine, we have prepared a route to try the most famous tapas of our gastronomy, visiting some of the best places for it. Are you up for a good tapas in Madrid?
First stop: a pincho de tortilla de patatas (Spanish omelette)
It is the classic of classics. In Madrid you will find pinchos for all tastes: more done, less curdled, with or without onion… It is difficult to make just one stop, so we have selected three of the mythical places of tortilla de patatas.
Casa Dani
One of the tortilla hotspots in the capital, which has been providing tortilla from Mercado de la Paz and the rest of its branches for more than 30 years. In 2019 it won the II National Tortilla Championship, becoming the best tortilla in Spain.
Where? At Mercado de la Paz – Calle Ayala, 28 Madrid
Juana La Loca
We go to the neighborhood of La Latina to try another of the most popular and consumed tortillas in the capital. In this tavern they have been making the omelette in the same way for more than 20 years: with mona lisa potatoes and confitándolas with onion. The result is a spectacular tortilla skewer, that even the artist Bizarrap has surrendered to this tapa.
Where? At Plaza Puerta de Moros, 4 (La Latina, Madrid).
La Primera
It is another of the most popular tortillas. Located at number one of Gran Vía, this place has become a classic to have one of its tortilla pinchos for breakfast. It belongs to the Cañadío group (La Maruca, Cañadío…), whose tortillas are always very well received.
Where? At Gran Vía, 1
Second stop: croquettes coming up
Santerra
When talking about croquettes, it is inevitable that one of the first places that comes to mind is Santerra. Their croquettes are out of this world and have even been crowned as the Champion of Champions of 2022, in Madrid Fusion. So their artisan croquette of Iberian ham (3 €) is a must in this route of the tapa. In addition, we also have their recipe, in case you dare to try it at home.
Where? At Calle General Pardiñas, 56
Casa Julio
In a tavern as classic and traditional as this one, you know before entering that their tapas are going to be delicious. Casa Julio has been serving good portions for more than 100 years and, when it comes to croquettes, they have few rivals. In their menu you will find the classic ham croquettes, but also other flavors such as picadillo riojano, blue cheese, mushrooms with leek or black pudding with quince jelly.
Where? At Calle de la Madera, 37
Third stop: the irreplaceable Russian Salad
Bar Manero
Now that summer is here, the ensaladilla is populating the tables of all the bars. It is one of the most loved tapas, and also one of the most special. Everyone likes it with a different touch, but Bar Manero’s tuna belly salad is an almost obligatory choice.
Where? At Calle de Claudio Coello, 3
Arrocería Balear
Although its specialty is rice dishes, this restaurant in Pozuelo has won first prize in the championship for the best ensaladilla in Madrid, organized by ACYRE. Its recipe is composed of baked (not boiled) single-serving potato, tuna in olive oil, carrot, hard-boiled egg and mayonnaise emulsified with the liquid from the pickles, some anchovies and Gordal olives. The final touch is the chopped pickles crowning the dish.
Where? At Av. de Europa, 27, 28023 – Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid
Fourth stop: bravas on the go
Docamar
Bravas are another classic that you can taste in a lot of places. We have chosen one of the traditional ones, the so-called neighborhood bars. Their specialties are cañas and patatas bravas. The recipe for its unmistakable sauce dates back to 1963 and is made with ingredients such as smoked hot paprika, cayenne and other spices. You can even buy it at the bar.
Where? Calle de Alcalá, 337
La Maruca
La Maruca could well be in the section of potato omelette, croquettes or salad. In this restaurant all their tapas are delicious and their patatas bravas were not going to be less. They are poached before frying and covered with brava sauce, aioli, among others. In addition, they come with fried onion sprinkled on the plate, to give it a crunchy touch.
Where? Calle de López de Hoyos, 42 (and more venues)
Los Chicos
For many people here they eat the best bravas in Madrid. In fact, the full name of the bar is ‘Los Chicos, patatas bravas factory’. They have been open since 1945 and their potatoes are still a classic. They were pioneers in Madrid, with a unique and secret recipe for their sauce that they still make today (which, by the way, you can also buy separately in their premises). They have three establishments in the capital: the original in Moncloa, but also in Goya and Embajadores.
Where? At calle de Guzmán el Bueno, 33
Fifth stop: give me a calamari sandwich
La Campana
If there is a tradition when you walk through the Plaza Mayor in Madrid, that is to eat a good calamari sandwich. In the city center you have more and more options (and all of them very good), but the standard bearer of this classic tapa is still the bar La Campana. And its queues corroborate this.
Where? At Calle de Botoneras, 6
Café de la Plaza
Without leaving the Plaza Mayor, you can also taste another proposal of calamari modernized, but no less delicious. It is Café de la Plaza, at the Pestana Plaza Mayor hotel. An original proposal in brioche bread with lemon mayonnaise that is worth trying.
Where? At Calle Imperial 8
