This blog post was originally posted on January 7, 2016, and was updated on August 11, 2018.
La Latina is a beautiful and historic neighborhood in central Madrid which is famous for its tapas bars, winding streets and leafy squares.
La Latina is a neighborhood that is well-loved and frequented by locals, making it one of the most authentic neighborhoods in the center of the city. This means that there are plenty of delicious choices when it comes to local bars and restaurants. But where to start? To help you make that decision, here are some of our favorite places to try when you are deciding where to eat in La Latina.
La Taberna Errante
For creative Spanish dishes prepared with love and care, La Taberna Errante is a must for those wondering where to eat in La Latina. They specialize in seasonal dishes prepared with the freshest local produce. Their ensaladilla rusa (creamy potato salad topped with tuna and hard-boiled egg) is a local favorite and a classic Spanish dish. For pre-dinner drinks, stand at the bar for a cold beer or glass of wine.
Address: Carrera de San Francisco, 8
Taberna La Concha
For great Spanish tapas with a modern twist, Taberna La Concha is not to be missed. You can let the food do the talking, or you can accompany your meal with one of their expertly selected white or red wines for a truly special experience. If you’re looking for something sweeter, order one of their famous vermouth cocktails!
We love the salmorejo (like gazpacho but smoother and richer) and the homey-yet-elegant lentils with duck confit and foie gras. One bite of the food here, and you’ll know why it made this list of where to eat in La Latina.
Insider’s Tip: Madrileños love tostas—hearty toasts topped with everything from grilled shrimp to blue cheese and steak. Taberna La Concha has a wide selection of tostas and they are a great way to try small portions of big flavors.
Address: Calle Cava Baja, 7
Taberna del Capitán Alatriste
Inside a 16th-century palace, with some dining rooms set in the original cellars, this sit-down restaurant features history, hearty food and great wines, making it a perfect choice when choosing where to eat in La Latina. Try the roasted suckling pig, the bull’s tail stew, or the migas—a traditional dish made of breadcrumbs sauteed with fried pork belly, garlic, eggs and grapes. Also, be sure to sample one of the Rioja Reserva wines, served by the bottle or by the glass!
Insider’s Tip: In warmer months you can also enjoy your meal outside on their terrace!
Address: Calle Grafal, 7
Taberna Los Huevos de Lucio
“Fast food from the 17th century” is what you’ll find at Los Huevos de Lucio. The star dish, as the name of the restaurante gives away, are its huevos rotos. Olive-oil-fried eggs rest atop a bed of perfectly crisp potatoes. You can get them with pisto (ratatouille-like veggies) for the vegetarians, or we love them with chistorra, a bright-red sausage from northern Spain.
It fills up on nights and weekends, but don’t be afraid to carve out space for yourself wherever you can. Important: you’ll need real estate where you can set your plate down (or a friend to hold it for you), so you can sop up left-behind egg with a crusty piece of baguette!
Insider’s Tip: Taberna Los Huevos de Lucio is located on the popular Cava Baja street. On weekends this area is abuzz with people young and old out to enjoy tapas and a drink. Go on the early side if you want to snag a table!
Address: Calle Cava Baja, 30
Juana La Loca
Named for the mad queen who ruled over Spain in the 16th century, locals and travelers alike go mad for the tapas at this cozy spot. Ask any savvy Spaniard where the best tortilla española (Spanish omelet) can be found, and 9 times out of 10 the answer will be Juana La Loca. This spot should always be on your list for where to eat in La Latina!
The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, so be sure to ask for a recommendation from their excellent wine list. Whether you’re coming in for dinner or stopping by for a quick bite, every item on the menu is guaranteed to delight your palette.
Insider’s Tip: This place is always packed, so call ahead to make a reservation or ask for the current status of how busy they are.
Address: Plaza Puerta de Moros, 4
La Posada de la Villa
For a traditional Spanish lunch in a roasting house that’s been there since the 17th century, head to La Posada de la Villa. Try the roast lamb, prepared in a wood-fired oven, and pair it with a bold, Ribera del Duero red wine. They also make a mean cocido madrileño, perfect for lunch during Madrid’s winter months.
Insider’s Tip: If you want to try the cocido, you have to pre-order it while making your reservation!
Address: Calle Cava Baja, 9
Casa Gerardo
Also known as “El Almacén de los Vinos,” Casa Gerardo is an amazing, super traditional tavern in La Latina. If you’re looking for an incredible selection of wines by the bottle and glass, and an out-of-this-world offering of cheeses, you can’t go wrong in this picturesque bar that looks like it’s straight out of another century.
Address: Calle Calatrava, 21
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As the daughter of a barbecue master and a pseudo-vegetarian, Amy’s culinary obsessions run deep. She spent time in Galicia before settling down in Madrid, where you’ll usually find her browsing the bottles of a local bodega or ogling the produce at the weekend farmer’s market.
Thank you for the travel tips!
Our pleasure, John! See you in Madrid soon!