The park-side residential quarter around El Retiro and Calle Ibiza, with the Salamanca-adjacent classic kitchens and the Mercado Ibiza neighbourhood feel.
La Castela near El Retiro in Madrid is the family-run taberna behind a zinc bar, with croquetas de bacalao, pisto manchego and the daily-changing pizarra.
OrderThe croquetas de bacalao, the pisto manchego with fried egg, and a tartar de atun. Cana de Mahou.
TipBook two days ahead for weekday lunch. The bar serves the same pizarra menu standing for half the dining room price.
Bodegas Rosell near Atocha in Madrid has poured the vermut de grifo from oak barrels since 1920, with a marble counter, formica tables and bocadillos.
OrderA vermut de grifo (2.50 euros) and a bocadillo de calamares. A pincho de tortilla on the side.
TipWalk-in only; the counter fills up at 13:00. Cash strongly preferred at the bar. The terrace is on weekends only.
Vinoteca Garcia de la Navarra in Madrid's Retiro near Cibeles is the by-the-glass wine bar since 2011 by the Garcia de la Navarra brothers, with 700 cellar.
PourVega Sicilia Unico, by the glass
WineSpanish and international, 700 references
FoodTasting room plates, seasonal carte
TipClosed Sundays. The by-the-glass list at the bar rotates weekly; the dining room takes reservations five days out.
Gourmet Madrid runs hands-on Spanish cooking classes near Retiro park since 2011: three-hour sessions cover four traditional dishes plus sangria.
TipClasses arranged any day on request via [email protected]. The market-visit add-on extends the day to a half-day; book a week ahead for weekend slots.
La Castela near El Retiro in Madrid runs the working-day menu del dia at 18 euros: three courses with bread, water and a glass of wine. Booking recommended.
TryMenu del dia weekday lunch
TipBook two days ahead for weekday lunch. The bar serves the same pizarra menu standing for half the dining room price.
Guided tour · 2h 30m
Discover the highlights of Retiro Park with an expert guide. Enjoy typical Spanish cuisine with a tapas tasting in a famous bar.
Guided tour · 3h 30m
Enjoy incredible local tapas and a fun, informative, private or shared walking tour of Madrid’s historic city center. Discover how the city’s food and history go together.
Guided tour · 3 hours
Enjoy a delicious initiation to Spanish cuisine at the small, family-owned eateries Madrid locals know and love best.
