To continue my Madrid by Barrio series, I am covering the neighborhood I enjoyed the most. La Latina was just a short walk from my Lavapiés apartment with so many amazing restaurants and bars to enjoy! This ultimate guide to restaurants in La Latina will help you find the best place regardless of what you are looking for!
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Service in Restaurants
Many Americans are quick to point out the “poor service” when they go to a restaurant in Spain. The Food Service industry in Spain is noticeably slower than it is in America. This is simply due to their culture.
Spaniards enjoy long meals with rich conversation and good company. In Spain, it’s rude for the servers to be constantly checking in and interrupting the conversation.
If you need your server, you will have to wave them down. When it is time to pay the bill, be sure to ask since it’s also rude to assume in Spanish culture.
Mealtimes in Spain:
Mealtimes are very different in Spain than they are in America. Most restaurants do not offer dinner service until after 8 pm.
Many restaurants close midday to observe siesta time. That being said, make sure to check the restaurant’s hours prior to showing up and expecting to eat.
Flexibility is key when going out to eat in Spain.
Typical Mealtimes in Spain:
Breakfast: 7:00 am – 9:00 am (Brunch goes later)
Mid Morning Snack: 10:30am – 12:00am
Lunch: 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Afternoon snack : 5:00 pm – 7:00pm
Tapas: 7:00pm – 9:00 pm
Dinner: 9:30- 11:00 pm (Most restaurants do not open for dinner service until 8:00 pm at the earliest)
Best Cafés in La Latina
El Perro de Pavlov
Costanilla de San Pedro, 5, 28005 Madrid, Spain
This adorable tiled café is one of my favorites in La Latina. El Perro de Pavlov‘s menu is quite simple with options of different toasts and cakes. However, their baristas are talented and attentive. The cappuccinos and café con leche is exceptional and the best way to start your morning in Madrid!
Ruda Café
C. de la Ruda, 11, 28005 Madrid, Spain
Ruda Café is a small rustic-style café that offers coffee, tea, and a variety of sweets. They are open from 8 am-8 pm during the week, which makes this the perfect place to enjoy your coffee.
It is also located just a block from the La Latina Metro station, making a convenient stop if you are in the area.
Best Brunch Restaurants in La Latina
Federal Café
Pl. del Conde de Barajas, 3, 28005 Madrid, Spain
Federal Café is hands down my favorite brunch restaurant in La Latina. It is consistently a hit when it comes to brunch!
I always bring my out-of-town visitors here when they come to Madrid. Their menu has many options for all flavor profiles.
My favorite items on the menu are their skillets or eggs benedict! I haven’t had a bad meal here before.
EatMyTrip Brunch & Cocktails Madrid
C. de la Moreria, 11, 28005 Madrid, Spain
Personally, I have not been to EatMyTrip Madrid, but it has been on my list for a while now. Just check out their drool-worthy Instagram! Their food looks unreal and I always notice my mouth watering when looking at their photos.
This will definitely be my next Madrid brunch spot. If you do not make it to Madrid, be sure to check out their location in Barcelona.
Best Lunch Restaurants in La Latina
La Buhá
Pl. de la Cebada, 10, 28005 Madrid, Spain
La Buhá quickly became my Thursday afternoon lunch spot. With their massive Tortilla Española only costing 12 euros, it was budget-friendly and delicious.
In my opinion, they make one of the best Tortilla española in Madrid and they have a variety of flavors. My personal favorite was the manchego cheese and sauteed red peppers. Their goat cheese and caramelized onion Tortilla is also one to rave about too!
In addition to Tortilla, they also serve tapas and other classic Spanish dishes. To avoid the crazy dinner crowds, try heading to this staple for Lunch instead!
Dlirio
Pl. de los Carros, 3, 28005 Madrid, Spain
Dlirio is just off one of my favorite plazas of the neighborhood, Plaza de Los Carros. Due to their location on the picturesque plaza, they have a beautiful terrace space.
Their indoor space is also quite welcoming. It is a comfortable, calm, and beautifully decorated space.
Dlirio’s menu offers substantial servings of tapas to share. In addition, they also offer several sandwiches, salad, and burger options. This usually includes at least one vegan option.
Sahuaro Madrid
Pl. de Cascorro, 2, 28005 Madrid, Spain
Sahuaro was often a popular choice for our roommate dinners or lunches because they offer several different vegetarian options. (For my roommate Katie :)).
Not only did they have delicious vegetarian options but they also offer gluten-free options as well. On top of being accomodating to different dietary needs, the food was consistently great!
100 Montaditos
C. de Toledo, Nº 59, 28005 Madrid, Spain
Ballin on a budget? 100 Montaditos is a chain restaurant that you can find all throughout Madrid and the Country of Spain. It offers one of the best deals around… ESPECIALLY on WEDNESDAYS.
On Wednesdays, everything on the menu is 1 euro and that includes beer! Montaditos are little sandwiches and those are all 1 euro as well. It is a great place for a snack or even an affordable meal while exploring Spain.
PadThaiWok La Latina
Pl. de la Cebada, 3, 28005 Madrid, Spain
PadThaiWok is a sleek space that specializes in Thai Street Food. They offer so many different options for proteins, noodles, and levels of spice for your meal. This is a quick spot where you can switch it up from the typical Spanish cuisine. When I lived nearby, we would often order takeout from here.
La Cabra en el Tejado
C. de Sta. Ana, 29, 28005 Madrid, Spain
La Cabra en el Tejado is known for its mezze and Mediterranean cuisine. They offer falafel, hummus, babaganoush, tabulé, and other delicious Mediterranean dishes. In addition, they also have a yummy selection of savory crepes and Tostas.
La Cabra en el Tejado’s food is top-notch and what makes them special is their Menú del día. Their deal is two main dishes, one side, and a drink for only 11.50 Euro. Fun fact…for 2 additional euros, you can add a tasty dessert.
Best Dinner Restaurants in La Latina
Pez Tortilla
C. de la Cava Baja, 42, 28005 Madrid, Spain
Pez Tortilla is one of my favorite bars on Cava Baja, and their food is what really sets them apart. Pez Tortilla is known to have the best Tortilla Espanola in Madrid and is an absolute must-try.
They offer many unique flavor combinations. My favorite is a ham, truffle, and brie tortilla.
After eating it, you will understand how they got the title of the best tortilla in the city! If you are not near La Latina that is ok because they have two other locations. One in Sol and One in Malasaña
They do not begin serving Tortillas until 7 pm. So after you enjoy your tortilla stay and have a glass of craft beer!
Restaurante Sobrino de Botín
C. de Cuchilleros, 17, 28005 Madrid, Spain
Sobrino de Botín is the most famous restaurant in the city because it holds the record as the oldest restaurant in the world, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.
Since its opening in 1725, Botín has served true Castillian Cuisine, including its notable Segovian suckling piglet and roasted lamb.
Restaurante Esteban
C. de la Cava Baja, 36, 28005 Madrid, Spain
Restaurante Esteban is a restaurant that feels as if you walked back in time. It is quintessentially Madrid and you can feel that its roots run deep.
It has been a staple on Cava Baja since 1965. Their menu offers classic Spanish cuisine including croquettes, oxtail, roasted suckling pig, a variety of seafood and so much more.
The monkfish here was absolutely delicious and definitely worth the higher prices.
Juana La Loca
Pl. de Prta de Moros, 4, 28005 Madrid, Spain
Juana La Loca is a chic and modern-style tapas bar. They nod to classic Spanish tapas and pintxos while adding innovative ingredients and flavors to modify and modernize Spanish cuisine.
The restaurant has received a great amount of notability for the quality of their food and has quickly become one of the best tapas restaurants in La Latina. This is an absolute must-try while in the barrio.
Tandoori Madrid
Pl. de Cascorro, 3, 28012 Madrid, Spain
Tandoori Madrid is expensive and rightfully so because the quality and flavors of the food make this one of the best restaurants for Indian Cuisine in La Latina.
The service and food are exceptional and I would highly recommend a visit to Tandoori Madrid.
Best Bars in La Latina
Sala Equis
C. del Duque de Alba, 4, 28012 Madrid, Spain
Sala Equis occupies a space that was formerly a brothel that has since been transformed into a movie theater and bar. Hands down, this is my favorite bar in the city.
The atmosphere here is incredible and they have a true dark/quiet movie theater as the main attraction with a bar.
When you enter the bar, you order beers and snacks from a “concession stand”. The seating is a mix of stair-like benches and lawn chairs.
You can enjoy your refreshments and company while a large screen plays movies at low volumes in the background.
This creates such a cool ambiance and a place you genuinely want to stay and enjoy.
Terraza Collins
3, C. de Caños Viejos, 28005 Madrid, Spain
Terraza Collins is an incredible outdoor cocktail bar that offers an incredible view of the Viaducto de Segovia.
On weekends they open at 12:00 pm which makes it a perfect stop for an afternoon refreshment.
Their menu offers many different craft cocktail options as well as coffee and other nonalcoholic beverages.
Calle Cava Baja
Calle Cava Baja is the most well-known street in La Latina. It is famously known for its nightlife and a top-notch lineup of Tapas bars. Calle Cava Baja’s culinary scene shines a spotlight on Spanish tapas.
If you are looking to try tapas, you have Pez Tortilla, Taberna Tempranillo, Casa Lucas, Hopper, and many other incredible tapas bars to choose from.
Hopper
C. de la Cava Baja, 40, 28005 Madrid, Spain
Hopper has created a comfortable and sophisticated space with leather sofas and bold wallpapers in which to enjoy their delicious tapas and cocktails. Their menu is a mix of cuisines from around the world including tacos, baba ganoush, jamón, a selection of tostas, and so much more.
Additionally, they offer all types of cocktails including old fashions, espresso martinis, frozen daiquiris, and Moscow mules. Hopper offers a great variety in their food and cocktails and they execute all of it perfectly.
La Osita
C. de la Cava Baja, 10, 28005 Madrid, Spain
La Osita is also known as Oso brew co. It may not offer a tapas selection like the rest of Cava Baja, but they do offer a CRAFT BEER.
Craft Beer bars are somewhat hard to come across, so finding La Osita felt extra special.
The bar is a perfect place to catch up with friends, or in my case, bring your beer-loving dad.
Their fresh and flavorful beer is a welcomed change from the Mahou you find in the rest of the country.
La Musa Downstairs
Costanilla de San Andrés, 12, 28005 Madrid
La Musa Latina is a well-known tapas bar in La Latina that serves delicious and classic Tapas. While the downstairs turns into a unique supper-club-type atmosphere. Here they have live music, and specialty cocktails and offer a unique gastronomical experience.
La Musa downstairs is a small and intimate space, so be sure to reserve your spot ahead of time.
María Pandora
Pl. de Gabriel Miró, 1, 28005 Madrid, Spain
María Pandora is a cozy and eclectic bar located right next to the Jardín de las Vistillas where this picture was taken.
Marí Pandora is special because it hosts many different events, such as creative writing workshops, stand-up comedy shows, and poetry readings.
These events make it an interesting place to enjoy cava or a cocktail along with entertainment!
Best Rooftop Bars in La Latina
El Viajero
Pl. de la Cebada, 11, 28005 Madrid, Spain
El Viajero is so picturesque from bottom to top.
The red brick facade with ivy spilling from the roof entices people in. However, the decor, drinks, and rooftop seating makes them want to stay.
El Viajero serves food but I find it to be a little overpriced and underwhelming compared to other restaurants in La Latina. When I visit, it is solely for drinks with amazing views from the cute rooftop terrace.
I highly recommend going in the evening just before sunset. If you are lucky you will be able to catch a glimpse of the Spanish sun as it sinks behind the Real Basilica de San Fransisco del Grande.
The Hat
C. Imperial, 9, 28012 Madrid, Spain
The Hat is a well-known backpacker’s hostel in Madrid. What many people don’t know is that it has a great rooftop bar that is open to the public. The views from the bar are top-notch and the vibes are always great. It is such a great opportunity to chat with other travelers from all over the world!
Best Night Clubs in La Latina
Shôko Madrid
C. de Toledo, 86, 28005 Madrid, Spain
Shoko Madrid is a large, popular club that also has a location in Barcelona. They often host notable international DJs, artists, and the party never stops. (The only exception is for COVID. They are temporarily closed until the pandemic passes).
The dancefloor and bar are always packed with people dancing to a mix of English, Spanish, and French music. In my experience, the crowd here is not usually made up of locals, but instead, ex-pats and international visitors.
El Sótano
C. de las Maldonadas, 6, 28005 Madrid, Spain
El Sótano is so much fun and it wears many different hats. El Sótano acts as a concert venue! They host DJs and other events, as well as act as an event space. They often host themed parties, but they are primarily a nightclub with dancing and drinks.
It is much more affordable than clubs like Kapital or Shôko, and it feels much more local than the others.
Best Dessert in La Latina
Mistura Ice Cream
C. de Toledo, 71, 28005 Madrid, Spain
Mistura has several locations across the city of Madrid, however, the La Latina location is just a block from the metro station. Mistura only uses the freshest ingredients to handcraft creamy delicious Gelato and other sweet treats.
In addition to their Gelato, they also offer waffles, crepes, cheesecake, cookies, and cake. With Vegan and sugar-free options, they have a dessert that everyone can enjoy!
Gelato Lab
Mercado de la Cebada, puesto 37/38, planta baja, 28005 Madrid, Spain
Gelato Lab is located in the famous Mercado de la Cebada. This booth offers freshly baked cannolis, cakes, and a variety of pastries. Their specialty is artisan Ice cream, many flavors of which are vegan friendly, and perfect for a hot summer day!
Celebrations in La Latina
Fiestas de Paloma
Every year on the 15th of August in the old city streets of La Latina the locals celebrate the Virgin Mary. The Fiestas de Paloma is originally a religious celebration and still holds its traditional roots. The festivities begin with the procession of the Virgin.
You can still find locals dancing the Chotis in their traditional Chulapa clothes. However, the rest of the festival has modernized. all around the neighborhood, you can find tapas routes, mojitos the size of your head, and many different stages for live music of all types.
Madrileños party in the decorated streets until sunrise for several days in celebration.
Fiestas de San Isidro
San Isidro is the patron saint of Madrid and is celebrated every year on the 15th of May. Although the official day is the 15th, the people of Madrid celebrate their saint for about a week.
During the week of San Isidro, you can find live performances on stages spread throughout the city. Most of the festivities are located across the river at Parque de San Isidro. There you can find carnival rides, street vendors, more live music, and of course people celebrating in a more traditional way including the Chulapa and Chulapo costumes.
La Latina is not the main hub of events, but it typically has one of the largest stages outside of Parque de San Isidro.
If you are looking to experience Madrid in its most authentic form, this is the time to do so.
The fiestas de Paloma was my favorite week spent in Madrid, complete with dancing, picnics, and tradition. I hope you get to experience this here!
Which Barrio Next?
Now that you know all the best restaurants in La Latina. It is time to move to a new Barrio.
If you find yourself Hungry in Lavapiés check out my guide for bars and Restaurants in Lavapiés: Madrid by Barrio: Ultimate guide to restaurants in Lavapiés
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