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Tapas in Madrid: guide to discover the best bars

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TAPAS IN MADRID: GUIDE TO DISCOVER THE BEST BARS

What are the must-see tapas bars in the center of Madrid?

The heart of Madrid is full of tapas bars, each with its own particular charm. Tradition is lived on in bars such as the hundred-year-old Bodega La Ardosa, where the Spanish omelette reaches perfection. Another must-see restaurant is Juana La Loca in the La Latina district where tapas are a work of art with their famous potato omelette with caramelised onion. For people who love the most traditional flavours, you must not miss El Tigre, just a 4-minute walk from the Hotel Madrid Gran Vía 25 Affiliated by Meliá. And if you’re looking for a more modern experience, the San Ildefonso Market is a vibrant space where a variety of tapas will satisfy all tastes. The tapas culture in Madrid is a social ritual, allowing you to try different dishes in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It's not just eating; is to share, chat and enjoy Madrid life.

Where to find great quality tapas at great prices in Madrid?

Quality is not always compatible with price, and Madrid has a way to prove that. Bars like Casa Toni or El Doble offer affordable and delicious tapas in Madrid without sacrificing any flavor or authenticity. If you are looking for a place where every euro is worth its weight in flavour, La Casa del Abuelo is your destination with its specialty in garlic prawns. El Pez Gordo also surprises you with a choice of tapas at prices that seem from another era. In many bars, a tapas comes free with your drink, a custom that many bars appreciate and look for when visiting the city. This tradition is part of the charm of Madrid and an excellent way to enjoy yourself without spending too much.

What tapas should you not miss in 2024 in Madrid?

Madrid cuisine includes essential tapas such as Spanish omelette, patatas bravas, squid sandwich or home-made croquettes. In 2024, however, the tapas that are becoming increasingly popular include delights such as tigres (stuffed mussels), octopus all in Galicia and innovative signature tapas that merge traditional cuisine with modern trends. Exploring tapas also means discovering Madrid, its people and the story that every dish carries. Add these snacks to your list for a total dining experience.

Unique experiences: Tapas with history in Madrid

Some tapas bars offer not only food, but also a class in Madrid history. Bars such as La Taberna de Antonio Sánchez, with more than a century of history, take you on to another era with every bite. La Ardosa Bodega is another place where tapas comes with a dose of anecdotes and legends, making every visit truly memorable. The charming tapas bars in Madrid are genuine living museums of the city’s culinary culture.

What are the most photographed tapas dishes?

In the age of Instagram, some tapas have become huge stars of the social media. Presentation is as important as taste, and places like Sala de Despiece or Estado Puro know how to delight both the eye and the taste buds. The creativity of the chefs has made tapas a culinary delight, as well as a visual delight. Dishes such as the Spanish omelette at Juana La Loca or the ham croquettes at José Luis have become icons on social media, gaining followers and likes alike. Tapas are a showcase for Madrid culture, and sharing these culinary works of art on Instagram is a way of celebrating and spreading the news about the city's rich culinary heritage.

The most instagrammable tapas in Madrid

As you tour the streets of Madrid, you will discover places where every tapa tells a story and every flavor leaves a special memory. The testimonials from those who have had the tapas experience in Madrid resonate with enthusiasm and nostalgia for moments shared around meals. Don’t forget your mobile phone or camera. You will want to immortalise every tapas and every moment of your culinary journey. And if you want to, you can also share your culinary adventures using the hashtag #TapasMadrid and join a community of tapas fans that is growing every day. Madrid awaits you with bars full of history, tapas that are pure edible poetry and a people that make any visit an unforgettable experience. Would you like to join us in this tapas tour of Madrid in 2024? Stay in one of our Meliá hotels in Madrid and your adventure begins.

Dining route: The best tapas in Madrid

A tapas tour through Madrid 2024 would not be complete without visiting iconic places such as the Taberna Los Huevos de Lucio and its famous scrambled eggs or innovative tapas at the San Miguel Market.