If you want to eat something truly local while visiting Madrid, order a bocadillo de calamares (a fried calamari sandwich).
It doesn’t get much better than this: lightly fried squid rings placed in a nice roll of crusty bread and topped with a dollop of alioli or a squeeze of lemon. This simple pleasure, along with the city’s famous cocido, is about as madrileño as it gets when it comes to food. Ready to eat some of the best bocadillos de calamares in Madrid? Here are our favorite spots that never let us down when it comes to this culinary classic.
Where to Eat the Best Bocadillo de Calamares in Madrid
La Campana
La Campana might be Madrid’s best-kept secret. Hidden in plain sight along a side street leading into Plaza Mayor, many visitors often don’t even notice it as they breeze past and settle for one of the tacky tourist traps inside the plaza itself. Locals, however, pack this Madrid favorite to the brim, often spilling out into the streets as they enjoy some of the best bocadillos de calamares in Madrid. There will almost certainly be a line, but that just gives you an excuse to watch their expert staff at work frying up the calamari while you wait.
Experience one of the best bocadillos de calamares in Madrid with us! La Campana is just one of the several stops on our Ultimate Spanish Cuisine Tour. Enjoy this classic sandwich like a local as you take in the sights and sounds of Plaza Mayor.
Bar Postas
Tucked down another winding street on the other side of Plaza Mayor from La Campana, you’ll find Bar Postas. This no-frills bar is about as simple as it gets, with little to no seating space and a lively local crowd. Snag a spot at the bar if you can and enjoy one of the best bocadillos de calamares in Madrid, best washed down with an ice-cold glass of beer for the full experience.
Casa Rúa
Casa Rúa is another fantastic option for one of the best bocadillos de calamares in Madrid. Located on another small street leading into Plaza Mayor (are you noticing a theme here?), this bar is especially popular with local families enjoying an informal, inexpensive meal out on the weekends. And with each hearty bocadillo setting you back just a few euros it won’t hurt your wallet, either.
El Brillante
If you’re looking to get away from the bustling Plaza Mayor, head to El Brillante. With a prime location near the Atocha train station, Reina Sofía Museum and Retiro Park, this is another great place to devour some of the best bocadillos de calamares in Madrid. This bar is famous for its variety, with a delicious array of different breads so you can customize your sandwich. Get it to go and take it to nearby Retiro for an impromptu picnic.
Los Bocadillos
For an authentic, local experience as well as one of the best bocadillos de calamares in Madrid, head to the neighborhood of Argüelles, where few tourists stray. In this off-the-beaten-path barrio, you’ll find Los Bocadillos, a simple bar where you’ll immediately feel at home among the locals. In addition to their fabulous squid sandwiches, they also offer a delicious variety of other bocadillos, as their name implies.
Update Notice: This post was udpated on April 10, 2024.
Try one of the best bocadillos de calamares in Madrid when you join us on our Ultimate Spanish Cuisine Tour! In addition to a stop at La Campana, you’ll also enjoy some of Madrid’s most delicious bites at emblematic markets, historic pastry shops, family-run bars and more. We can’t wait to show you how to devour Madrid like a local!