11 of the best restaurants in...

Madrid promises a gastronomic adventure defined by its rich heritage and culinary bounty

Madrid’s dining scene is a vibrant tapestry of flavours and traditions, reflecting the region’s rich history and dynamic cultural influences, hailing from Arabia and beyond. From centuries-old taverns serving traditional Spanish fare to cutting-edge Michelin-starred restaurants helmed by pioneering chefs, Madrid presents a diverse and delicious bounty for food lovers. Here are just some of the restaurants in Madrid not to be missed.

Botín
Nestled in the heart of Madrid, Botín is more than a restaurant – it's a slice of history. Serving guests since 1725, and steeped in centuries-old tradition, it has been recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest restaurant in the world. It is famous for its expertly roasted lamb, cooked to perfection in a wood-fired oven that’s been in use since its doors first opened. Renowned American writer Ernest Hemingway was a fan of the dish, and he immortalised the restaurant in his novel The Sun Also Rises. C de Cuchilleros, 17, Centro, 28005 Madrid; www.botin.es

Casa José
Located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aranjuez, Casa José is one of the best dining spots on Madrid’s picturesque outskirts. Take a scenic ride out for a meal at this family-owned restaurant ran by chef Fernando del Cerro. Book a table in the ‘atelier’ downstairs to watch him and his team at work in the open kitchen or take a seat in the stylish dining room upstairs and enjoy dishes complemented by produce from the vegetable gardens around the town. C de Abastos, 32, 28300 Aranjuez, Madrid; www.casajose.es

Coque
Two-Michelin-starred Coque has been a culinary institution for more than 70 years, thanks to the Sandoval family. Now led by chef Mario Sandoval, with his brothers Diego and Rafael handling the front of house and sommelier duties, the restaurant continues to honour its roots. Drawing on recipes passed down from their grandparents' original eatery in the small town of Humanes, Mario masterfully crafts dishes using seasonal ingredients, all perfectly executed in the restaurant's state-of-the-art wood-fired oven. C del Marqués del Riscal, 11, Chamberí, 28010 Madrid; www.restaurantecoque.com

Deessa
The flagship restaurant of the Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid, Deessa quickly gained recognition, earning its first Michelin star just eight months after opening and a second star the following year. Under the guidance of renowned Spanish chef Quique Dacosta, guests can choose between two tasting menus, Historical and Contemporary, both of which delve into the rich flavours of the Mediterranean and Extremadura regions. For a shorter experience, reduced versions of these menus are available during lunchtime midweek. Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid, Pl de la Lealtad, 5, Retiro, 28014 Madrid; www.mandarinoriental.com/en/madrid/hotel-ritz/dine/deessa

Deessa

Dani Brasserie
Dani Brasserie (lead image), the celebrated rooftop restaurant at the Four Seasons, serves chef Dani García’s innovative Spanish dishes with a side order of breathtaking city views. If you order just one dish, make it the intensely flavoursome signature Nitro Tomato and Green Gazpacho, made with dried tomato, green bell pepper and baby shrimp tartare. Four Seasons Hotel Madrid, C de Sevilla, 3, Centro, 28014 Madrid; www.fourseasons.com/madrid

DiverXO
DiverXO offers an experience far beyond just a meal. Chef Dabiz Muñoz delivers a three-hour culinary adventure filled with more than 20 exciting Asian-inspired creations, from pigeon with sherry to Japanese paella. This isn't just dining; it's a delicious theatrical experience that has earned the restaurant three Michelin stars and a top-five spot in 2024’s World’s Best Restaurants ranking. NH Eurobuilding, C del Padre Damián, 23, Chamartín, 28036 Madrid; www.diverxo.com

DSTAgE
An acronym for Days to Smell, Taste, Amaze, Grow and Enjoy, DSTAgE offers a unique dining experience set in an industrial loft. Basque chef Diego Guerrero and his talented team take centre stage, crafting two seasonal tasting menus of 15 or 18 courses in their open kitchen. Dishes change with seasonal ingredients, and include the likes of roasted avocado, fermented yucca with mole, and octopus paired with squeezed king prawn head. C de Regueros, 8, Centro, 28004 Madrid; www.dstageconcept.com

Elevated plating at DSTage

CEBO
One-Michelin-starred CEBO, which translates as ‘bait’ in English, is located in the design-forward Hotel Urban. Showcasing the finest offerings of the Iberian Peninsula, young chefs Javier Sanz and Juan Sahuquillo source ingredients from their own vegetable garden and small-scale producers across the country. Diners can choose between two tasting menus, featuring 15 or 20 courses, each prepared with the utmost simplicity and precision. Cra de S Jerónimo, 34, Centro, 28014 Madrid; www.cebomadrid.com

Cebo's 'Tomate Embotado'

Clos Madrid
The brainchild of renowned sommelier Marcos Granda, Clos Madrid serves both tasting menus and à la carte options, highlighting traditional Spanish haute cuisine crafted from the finest local ingredients. The restaurant's name, Clos – the French word for a walled vineyard – is a nod to the restaurant's other speciality, fine wines. C de Raimundo Fernández Villaverde, 28, Chamberí, 28003 Madrid; www.restauranteclosmadrid.es

El Invernadero
Widely regarded as one of Madrid's finest plant-focused restaurants, El Invernadero is helmed by chef Rodrigo de la Calle, a pioneer of ‘green haute cuisine’. The restaurant boasts a Michelin star and offers a variety of degustation menus: Vegetalia (including vegan and vegetarian options); Vegetalia Experience (including a wine pairing and cheese selection); Gastrobotánica (featuring meat, fish and seafood), and Gastrobotánica Experience (with a wine-pairing and additional dishes). Highlights include the purple sweet potatoes baked in salt and flambéed, and the selection of fermented kombuchas. C de Ponzano, 85, Chamberí, 28003 Madrid; www.elinvernaderorestaurante.com

El Invernadero

Montia
Part of Madrid’s famous UNESCO Triangle, San Lorenzo de El Escorial is home to hidden gem Montia restaurant, where the food reflects the surrounding mountain terrain. Chef Daniel Ochoa’s “wild cuisine” has won the rustic restaurant a Michelin star. Expect dishes such as foraged greens, rich mushroom soups and expertly prepared tripe, the edible stomach lining of cows, on tasting menus that come in two sizes: standard and XL with all the trimmings. C Juan de Austria, 7, 28200 San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Madrid; montia.es/en/home

For more information, visit onlyinmadrid.me