The most delicious tapas route around the La Latina district of Madrid

Going out for tapas in the La Latina district, in the heart of Madrid, is one of the best culinary experiences you can enjoy in the capital on any day of the week. Wandering through its streets in search of bars and terraces serving the best tapas and pinchos is an adventure in itself, although having some guidance can help you make the most of your time.

If you decide to follow a tapas route around La Latina at the weekend, it is advisable to start early, around 1:00 pm for lunch or 8:00 pm for dinner. If you arrive too late, you may struggle to find a table in some of the most popular venues. We suggest planning your own route so you can move at your own pace, as most spots are close enough to combine comfortably.

If you prefer a more in-depth and personalised experience, private tours in Madrid can introduce you to the neighbourhood’s history, culinary traditions, and hidden corners while you enjoy its flavours.

And if you are a true lover of Spanish cuisine, exploring areas such as La Latina, Los Austrias, and Las Letras with local insight can give you a richer understanding of Madrid’s food culture, from tapas and wine to the social rituals that surround them.

Start the night off with views from El Viajero

Just a few steps from the La Latina metro station, you'll find El Viajero. Its terrace offers some beautiful views of the Real Basílica de San Francisco el Grande, especially if you go when it's getting dark. The restaurant is famous for its caramelised onion gizzard, accompanied by red wine or a small beer for the warm-up.

Location: Plaza de la Cebada, 11

Tortilla at Txirimiri

Crossing Plaza de la Cebada, we come across Txirimiri, a Basque pinchos tavern, with snacks and Spanish dishes, famous for its potato tortilla. Such is its success that it's always full of people, so if you want to try its full range of dishes, go early.

Location: Calle Humilladero, 6

'Huevos rotos' at Casa Lucio

This is without doubt the most famous restaurant in the whole of La Latina, so if you want a table, then you must reserve. On its menu, you'll find the most famous, delicious fried eggs around, although you'll pay the price of gold for them.

Location: Calle Cava Baja, 35

Txakolí, the long-standing Basque tavern

Another must-visit Basque tavern is Txakolí, with its larger-than-normal pinchos. Its prices are also a little high, but its cider, cod, and house dishes are well worth it.

Location: Calle Cava Baja, 42

To Andalusia and back with El Almendro 13

El Almendro 13 is a popular Andalusian tavern in La Latina. It also has fried eggs as its star dish, so if you couldn't get into Casa Lucio, you'll get another chance here. You'll fall in love with its cazuelas (casseroles), salmorejo purée, roscas (giant bagels), and beer. It's usually very busy, so if you can't get in, then next door (Calle Almorejo, 9) is el Fogón de la abuela, a bar with delicious homemade food.

Location: Calle Almorejo, 13

Cheese and cold meats at Casa Dani

A little further away, you'll find Casa Dani, the stroll will help your food go down, and you'll be able to enjoy the atmosphere of La Latina's streets. There’s no cooking in this bar because there's no need, as they are specialists in high-quality cheese and cold meats. You'll be charmed by the marble tables, the gas lamps, the glass cooler, and the walnut wood bar.

Location: Calle Calatrava, 11

All that's left is the seafood in La Paloma

On your way back to the metro, make a final stop at the La Paloma seafood restaurant, a popular stop-off in the city for grilled prawns. Its popularity is proven through the number of prawn heads and serviettes on the floor. No matter how full you are, you're bound to have room for these.

Location: Calle Toledo, 85

Tapas tour in Madrid with World Experience

As you will have noticed, you need to book ahead or face long queues in many of the bars and restaurants we recommend in La Latina. So that you don't go hungry and don't have to worry about arriving on time, we recommend a tapas tour of Madrid with us. A planned route with a guide will be fun, relaxing, and of course, delicious!