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Dónde comer en Madrid

Where do locals eat in Madrid? Secret places that don’t appear on maps.

Discover where locals eat in Madrid and experience the city like a true madrileño. We’ll show you the bars, taverns, and hidden spots where you can enjoy great food at low prices, far from the tourist areas.

If you’re studying in Madrid, you already know that eating well without spending much is an art form. But don’t worry — here we reveal the secret spots where real madrileños eat, and where you’ll feel like just another local in the neighborhood.

Lunch-menu bars only the locals know about

These are some of the most authentic spots. In places like Casa Macareno (Malasaña) o El Búho (Lavapiés) you can find set menus for less than €12, including soup, main course, bread and dessert.

Local tip:arrive before 2:00 PM or you won't get a table.

star dish: Madrid stew or lentils with chorizo, like your grandmother's.

World Treasures: Home-cooked food from around the world

Madrid is a vibrant melting pot of cultures, and that's reflected in its food. If you're looking to sample international flavors without leaving the city center, head to Lavapiés or Cuatro Caminos. Locals flock there for their Moroccan tagines, Venezuelan arepas, or authentic Chinese dumplings.

Recommendations

  • Tandoori Station (Retiro).
  • Arepa Olé (Callao).
  • Bao Bar (La Latina).

Tips UniwordsIf you go in a group, share dishes and try everything.

Taverns with history (and free tapas)

Madrid without taverns wouldn't be Madrid.

Look for those places with old tiles, the smell of wine, and perfectly poured beers. En Taberna La Dolores (Barrio de las Letras) o Casa Labra (next to Sol) you can enjoy a free cold beer with a tapa, a tradition that still endures.

secret dish: breaded cod with homemade aioli

budget: 2-3 € per beer with a tapa.

Good, tasty, and cheap food for university students

Si estudiáis cerca de Moncloa, Malasaña o Ciudad Universitaria, estos lugares son casi obligatorios entre los estudiantes:

  • El tigre (Chueca): You pay for a drink, you get three tapas. Chaotic, but legendary.
  • 100 montaditosTake advantage of "crazy Wednesdays" or bars with university menus.
  • Bar Santander (Argüelles): baguette XL por 4 €.

Extra UniwordsShare photos or opinions on the Uniwords forum and earn Uwis to redeem for discounts or prizes for participating.

Gastronomic routes to discover as a community

En Uniwords nos flipa la comida y la buena compañía.

That's why we organize quedadas foodie para explorar barrios como La Latina, Lavapiés o Chamberí. Es una forma genial de descubrir nuevos sitios, conocer gente, saber los rincones donde comen los locales en Madrid y disfrutar de la ciudad desde dentro.

Are you up for the next one?

Visit Uniwords and find out about upcoming food tours. Plus, you'll earn uwies just for participating.

Tapapiés: The multicultural tapas festival you have to experience

And pay attention, because in 2 days Tapapiés begins, the most fun multicultural tapas festival of the year. For several days, Lavapiés is filled with music, flavors from around the world, and bars with unique tapas for less than €3.

Ideal for eating, laughing and discovering international and local flavors for those who love food and the good vibes of Madrid

¿Quieres unirte a la próxima? Entra en Uniwords para enterarte de las próximas rutas gastronómicas y ganar Uwies por participar.

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