Culinary capital adds fun to the food: A gastronomic Madrid travel guide

No matter where you go in Spain you are likely to be told of the unique gastronomy of the town or region, and when you visit the country’s capital city you will have the luxury of choosing from it all. Whether you’re the ultimate foodie or someone who has a passing interest in the joys of eating, Madrid’s streets offer you a chance to thrill your palate as you join the locals in what is more than just a sustenance routine.

Food market style to dine for

A delightful 15-minute stroll from our hotel up towards the majestic Plaza Mayor will have you surrounded by some of the most interesting eateries Madrid has to offer, some more touristy that others. My first suggestion is certainly popular with visitors to the city, but is a firm favorite with locals too, and you’ll quickly see why. Mercado de San Miguel is an experience few forget, each person taking away their own particular memory, be it the visually striking metal and glass exterior, the incredible atmosphere that is reverberates within, or an especially enjoyable gourmet tapa from the medley available.

Once inside, it is an absolute joy to perch yourself on one of the comfortable bar stools and watch the life of the market in full flow, while you nibble on some freshly made croquetas and sliced jamón Ibérico with a fruity Rioja to wash it down. In saying this, however, my tip is to wander around every stall first checking out what’s on offer. That way you can plan a strategy for your taste buds and avoid walking out later disappointed that you didn’t try what you hadn’t previously seen.

If it’s good enough for Hemmingway…

Just down the hill from the market, on Calle Cuchilleros, is arguably the most famous restaurant in the Spanish capital. Casa Sobrino de Botín was referenced in Ernest Hemingway’s scribes and is officially recognized as the oldest restaurant in the world. If traditional Madrid food is on your list of things to do during your stay then dining here adds a certain authenticity to the word ‘tradition’. A couple of the classic dishes you would be wise to ask for are the garlic soup and the classic cochinillo asado, suckling pig roasted in an old oak oven. You won’t regret it.

Two streets for the price of one

Stepping a little further down the hill and across Calle de Segovia another experience awaits. The opening to Calle Cava Baja may not seem particular thrilling at first glance but there is an abundance of eating and socialzing fun to be had here. With several tabernas lining both sides of this narrow walkway, it’s a well-trodden scene for locals looking for tapas and pintxos, a little refreshment, and a chance to mingle.

As you reach the end of the street the enjoyment just keeps on going as it bends back around almost upon itself into Calle Cava Alta. I’d recommend popping into any place that catches your eye but one venue that has a special place in my heart is El Viajero, just on the turn that connects the two calles. From their restaurant you can move upstairs to a cozy bar area, decked with sofas, and guests have been known to lose a whole afternoon, and sometimes evening, in the very welcoming surroundings.

Top chef on your doorstep

Madrid really does have all the dining experiences you could imagine and we at NH Hotel Group pride ourselves on contributing to the highest of standards set in the city. Casa Suecia, a restaurant within our NH Collection Madrid Suecia hotel, presents you with a new gastronomic experience from the renowned chef, Lluis Canadell. Select from a mouthwatering mixture of Mediterranean and international cuisine, all just a few meters from your private room. It’s like gourmet en suite.

About Pablo Rodríguez

Hello! My name is Pablo Rodríguez I became a part of the NH Hotel Group in 2015. After a long time living between London and Amsterdam I decided to come back to stay in the magnificent city of Madrid. I started working in the Guest Relations team, a role that I have a natural passion for. The most remarkable thing about my role is the opportunity to meet so many exciting people as well as to be part of very unexpected situations based on our customer’s requests. There is nothing more satisfying than to see a smile on a customer’s face after your interaction with them. That is really the biggest reward for me, to make someone happy. As a bonus, it also gives me the chance to get to know the city that I love in many ways so it’s always a WIN-WIN situation for me.