Madrid is a massive city and I found myself in a barrio (neighborhood) wishing I had a clear guide to the best restaurants in that specific area. I chose to start with the barrio I knew best, Lavapiés. This food guide to the restaurants in Lavapiés will make finding the perfect restaurant that much easier.
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Places to Stay in Lavapiés
Ok, Hostel Madrid Is the best and most affordable option near Lavapiés. It has so much to offer its guests, including affordable prices, an in-house bar, cultural events, and easy access to Madrid’s City Center.
Service in Restaurants
Many Americans are quick to point out the “poor service” when they go to a restaurant in Spain. Food service 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. Here it is 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 because it’s rude in Spaniards culture to assume you’re ready to leave.
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 just 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 Lavapiés
Café Santay:
Calle de Embajadores, 5 Local derecho, 28012 Madrid, Spain
I was lucky enough to have Café Santay ten steps from my front door! This simple bakery offers amazing pastries and quality coffee. I would constantly pick up their flakey croissants and empanadas for a quick snack. Their café con Leche was always great, and they offer FREE WIFI to customers!
Pan Adoré
Plaza de Cascorro, 20, 28005 Madrid, Spain
This was the first café I visited when I moved into the neighborhood and it is a great one!
Pan Adoré offers several pastries, bagel sandwiches, veggie burgers, and more. The interior is cute and inviting.
This is the perfect spot to grab a café con Leche and get some work done on your laptop, as they have free Wifi.
Makis Coffee Shop
Calle de Embajadores, 56, 28012 Madrid, Spain
Makis Coffee Shop offers specialty coffee and tea. Here you can find not only hot coffee but you can also find iced coffee drinks (which are a rarity in Madrid). If you are looking for an iced latté, frappé, or matcha latté this is the place for you. It has great relaxing vibes and heartier food than most cafés. On their menu, you can find delicious sweet cakes and savory loaded toasts. At night this café also serves beer and pizzas. This is one of my favorite cafés in the neighborhood!
Best Brunch Restaurants in Lavapiés
Pum Pum Café
Calle de Tribulete, 6, 28012 Madrid, Spain
Pum Pum Café is a name you’ll probably recognize if you are familiar with the food scene in Madrid. Trust me, it is worth the hype.
They offer iced coffee, fresh-pressed juices, and delicious café con leches. In addition, they serve fantastic food. Their menu offers avocado toast, eggs benedict, and an out-of-this-world shakshuka. All of which are served with warm, locally made grainy slices of bread.
No matter the time of day, expect a wait to be seated.
LAP Bar Café
Calle de Embajadores, 19, 28012 Madrid, Spain
LAP is a lesser-known spot, that offers one of the best brunch deals in the city. My favorite thing on the menu is the mix and match eggs benedict. You can select two different styles of eggs benedict, all of which are served on a fluffy, warm bun! The staff here is friendly and very accommodating to dietary restrictions!
Adorado Bar
Calle del Mesón de Paredes, 22, 28012 Madrid, Spain
You can always count on Adorado for a good meal! Their space is so cozy, it makes you want to camp out here all day long. In addition, they have an adorable covered patio space that is great on a sunny day!
My go-to order is a Café Bombón which is espresso with sweetened condensed milk, and eggs benedict.
They also have a really tasty bagel breakfast sandwich that is topped with egg, ham, avocado, tomato, and cheese. I am a big fan of Adorado’s brunch and all the options they have to offer!
Plántate: Better Coffee & Brunch
Calle del Mesón de Paredes, 28, 28012 Madrid, Spain
Just a few doors down from Adorado is Plántate. Its exposed brick walls and jungle of lush green plants make this one of the most photogenic restaurants in Lavapiés. They claim to be 50% Vegano, meaning they have as many vegan options as they do non-vegan options. All of which are excellent. Specialty coffees are their area of expertise, occasionally they even offer a pumpkin spice latte!
Mamúa Café Bar
Plaza de Cascorro, 7, 28005 Madrid, Spain
Mamúa Café is one of my favorite brunch restaurants in Lavapiés. El Rastro traffic makes it very difficult to get into on a Sunday. NO WORRIES, they are open for brunch every day of the week, and the food is wonderful!
They offer a substantial three-course brunch. The first course includes your coffee or tea and an option of yogurt and granola or fresh fruit. Course 2 is a selection of Cake, croissant, or cookie, and the final course is your choice of a breakfast bowl.
I love the Panebol Tierra which is filled with Avacado, braised beef, arugula, sweet potatoes, a Poached egg, and their special sauce. Delicious! If you have dietary restrictions they also offer Vegan brunch and Gluten-Free brunch.
Nomade Cafe
Calle de los Tres Peces, 22, 28012 Madrid, Spain
Nomade Cafe has everything you are looking for in a brunch spot. Their space is stylish and their food is incredible. They offer a variety of different types of dishes including many vegetarian-friendly options. Honestly, their breakfast skillets are to dies for! Be sure to check out this incredible brunch restaurant in Lavapiés
Best Lunch Restaurants in Lavapiés, Madrid
Café Pavón
Calle de Embajadores, 9, 28012 Madrid, Spain
Historic Bar Pavón is busy all times of day, and I can see why. They have the best bocatas in the city.
This is the Carne Loca Bocata and it is my absolute favorite. It is on the spicy side but, the heat was a pleasant surprise.
Established as a local staple in 1924, the interior is so classically Madrid.
Fun fact: the bar has actually been used as a filming location multiple times! Most recently it is one of the settings in a major motion picture, The Vault
El Rincón Guay
Calle de Embajadores, 62, 28005 Madrid, Spain
El Rincón Guay is a great spot for an affordable and quality lunch. They have Hamburgers on their menu for as little as 5.00 Euros. They have a large selection of hamburgers and sandwiches as well as lighter foods such as Pinchos or salads. Additionally, they have several vegetarian-friendly options. You’ll recognize it from its constantly full patio and vibrant mural.
Mercado de San Fernando
Embajadores 41 Mercado de San Fernando, Calle de Embajadores, 28012 Madrid, Spain
Mercado de San Fernando is one of my favorite markets of the many you can find in Madrid. This market sells everything from books, to produce, to craft beer.
Here you have the option of many different food stalls offering cuisines from all over the world. To accompany the Spanish tapas, you can also find Sushi, Chilean cuisine, Ceviche, Tacos, and much more. It is a perfect place to go if your group can’t decide on one type of food, because you can have it all!
I love to stop into La Buena Pinta for a pint of local craft beer!
Restaurante Preity Raj
Calle del Ave María, 29, 28012 Madrid, Spain
Lavapies is known for its cultural diversity and is reflected in its food. If you want any sort of Indian Cuisine, this is where you should go. Of the several Indian restaurants I have tried in Lavapies, my favorite is Restaurante Preity Raj.
I have found that they offer the best food for the best price, and you will never leave hungry.
They have a large outdoor patio set up and it is a great location to soak up some sun and enjoy good food!
Best Dinner Restaurants in Lavapiés, Madrid
Taberna El Sur
Calle de la Torrecilla del Leal, 12, 28012 Madrid, Spain
Taberna Mas Al Sur: Calle de Santa Isabel, 35, 28012 Madrid, Spain
Taberna El Sur is a favorite amongst visitors, ex-pats, and locals, and is ALWAYS crowded. Meaning, there is ALWAYS a wait. However, It is worth the wait. In my opinion, it is the best restaurant in Lavapiés.
Luckily they also have a second location, not far from the first. Taberna Mas al Sur offers the same menu items and atmosphere, but oftentimes less of a wait.
Taberna El Sur offers elevated Spanish classics with a twist. They have incredible paella and croquetas, However, the chef’s specials are where you can really find your favorite dishes. They are always outstanding!
Baobab Senegalese
Calle de los Cabestreros, 1, 28012 Madrid, Spain
Baobab always comes highly recommended by locals. They offer traditional Senegalese cuisine that is beloved by the residents of the surrounding neighborhood. Their patio and interior are always full of happy customers. Located directly on Plaza Nelson Mandela, this is where you can truly find the flavor of Lavapiés.
Currently, Baobab is closed due to COVID, but I and many others are hoping for its reopening.
La Buga del Lobo
Calle de Argumosa, 11, 28012 Madrid, Spain
La Buga del Lobo has a fantastic atmosphere, every inch of their space is decorated with vibrant murals. For its menu and décor, the restaurant pulls from several different cultures and cuisines. You can see a mix of Castellano cuisine, with a Caribbean twist. It is a great spot for tropical cocktails, good food, and good vibes! This is one restaurant in lavapiés where you can see the blending of cultures.
NAP Neapolitan Authentic Pizza- Lavapiés
C. del Ave María, 19, 28012 Madrid, Spain
NAP is one of my favorite Pizzerias in the city. They do have several locations, however, if you are in Lavapiés be sure to check their Calle del Ave. Maria location out!
My mouth waters thinking of this perfectly crafted Italian-style pizza.
A personal favorite of mine is their pizza that includes fresh Truffles. It is absolutely to die for!
La Nobia
Calle del Salitre, 45, 28012 Madrid, Spain
La Nobia plays with cuisine fusion in the best way imaginable. The chefs combine classically Madrid cuisines with international flavors. They offer all your favorites, tortilla, fried eggplant, and patata bravas with the most unexpected twists. Its elevated food and atmosphere make La Nobia a perfect location for a date night or a girls’ night out.
Taberna Antonio Sánchez
Calle del Mesón de Paredes, 13, 28012 Madrid, Spain
Taberna Antonio Sánchez is the oldest Taberna in Madrid which opened its doors in 1768. The taberna has been open so long it is now an integral piece of Madrid culture and a great place to enjoy dinner. Consequently, it is always busy and I would highly recommend making a reservation. You can do so via their website.
La Encomienda
Calle de la Encomienda, 19, 28012 Madrid, Spain
Vegan or Vegetarian? La Encomienda will soon become your new favorite restaurant in Lavapies. My roommate was vegetarian and we quickly became regulars here. Even as a “meat-eater,” I enjoy eating here. We especially love their veggie burger which was full of flavor!
Taberna Tirso de Molina
Plaza de Tirso de Molina, nº 9, 28012 Madrid, Spain
Located directly on the flower-filled plaza of Tirso de Molina. Taberna Tirso de Molina has been a staple in the heart of Madrid Centro for the past 40 years. It fills up fast so I would definitely recommend making reservations.
It is finished with rich and intricately carved woods and painted tiles. Nothing feels more Spanish.
Its classically Spanish cuisine is a consistent crowd-pleaser. It is a great place to bring visiting family and friends, to give them an authentic Spanish cuisine experience.
Daily market fresh food, amazing ambiance, and a convenient location work together to make this an unforgettable dining experience.
Éccolo
Calle de Embajadores, 28, 28012 Madrid, Spain
PIZZA, PIZZA, PIZZA! Éccolo is known for its sleek design and Neapolitan-style pizza. They make their pizza in a brick oven with all-natural ingredients and it’s SO good! If you are in the mood for a pizza without all the grease, this is the perfect location. Eccolo also serves local craft beers and cocktails!
Antigua Taquería Lavapiés
Calle de los Cabestreros, 4, 28012 Madrid, Spain
JUST LOOK AT ALLLLLL THAT CHEEEEESE! Antigua Taqueria is a small but well-designed space, that offers all the TEX MEX vibes.
I highly recommend their nachos and margaritas. Good margaritas can be difficult to find in Madrid, but their many flavors of margaritas never disappoint.
Still hungry? Try out their tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, and other TEX Mexican cuisine for a reasonable price. This is one of the best Tex-mex restaurants in lavapiés.
Best Bars in Lavapiés, Madrid
Tapas y fotos
Calle del Dr. Piga, 7, 28012 Madrid, Spain
Tapas y Fotos is a hidden gem. We stumbled upon it during the fiestas de lavapiés. The bar is decorated with black and white photographs taken of interesting places and people around Madrid. All of which were taken by the owner.
I really enjoyed admiring all the photos while enjoying a cold beer.
Chinaski Lavapiés
Calle de la Fe, 19, 28012 Madrid, Spain
Tired of Mahou? Looking for some quality craft beer? This is the place for you. Chinaski has an array of local and international craft beers on tap. The graffiti-style murals and friendly staff make for a great atmosphere.
Bar Pavón
Calle de Embajadores, 9, 28012 Madrid, Spain
Bar Pavón has great food and offers an amazing nightlife. At night the bar is always spilling over with locals enjoying vermouth (on tap) or their delicious mojitos.
Bar Pavón is a local favorite, and a great place to hang out if you want to befriend some madrileños.
La Tienda de la Cerveza – Craft Beer Bar
Calle de las Maldonadas, 5, 28005 Madrid, Spain
La Tienda de la Cerveza is a craft beer store turned into a tap room. They offer 15 different Spanish craft beers on tap and tapas dishes to enjoy with your table. Although it’s technically in La Latina, this bar is still a neighborhood favorite. It is always packed with happy customers!
Best Dessert in Lavapiés, Madrid
Mamá Elba Heladería
Calle de la Ruda, 15, 28005 Madrid, Spain
Mamá Elba quickly became my favorite ice cream shop in the city. They offer unique flavored artisan ice cream. Not only do they offer over 50 flavors of ice cream, but they also create the most delicious cakes, waffles, and crepes.
Unlike most dessert shops they offer goodies to satisfy all dietary restrictions, including Ice cream and sweets that are gluten-free, sugar-free, and Vegan options.
You will not regret stopping into this wonderful dessert shop!
Tapapiés :
What is Tapapiés?
Tapapiés is an annual event that takes place around the neighborhood. Many local restaurants in Lavapiés (usually over 90) create tapas for the community to enjoy. Most tapas range between 1.50-2.50 euros. It is the perfect opportunity to try food from a large portion of restaurants in the area.
In addition to the food and drinks being offered for a special price, there are also community events. These include live concerts, art exhibitions, and dance performances, which take place in community spaces or in plazas around the neighborhood.
When is Tapapiés?
Tapapiés typically takes place from October 17-27th every year. Tapapiés 2020 did not happen due to the pandemic. Tapapiés resumed in 2021. Hopefully, the restaurants in Lavapiés will be able to safely continue the event in 2022!
For more information about Tapapiés check out their official website.
Recommendations for Bars and Restaurants in Lavapiés
As always I would love to hear your opinions and recommendations. If any restaurant in Lavapiés is not on this list but SHOULD be, let me know in the comments below!
For more about Madrid or activities nearby, check out my article about a day trip to Toledo.
Best Restaurants in La Latina
If you are looking to explore a different neighborhood’s cuisine? Be sure to check out my guide to the best restaurants, bars, cafés, and clubs in the La Latina Neighborhood!
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