“Where do locals eat in Madrid? Hidden spots that don’t appear on maps.”
Published on · 2 min read
Discover where locals eat in Madrid and experience the city like a true Madrilenian. We’ll show you the bars, taverns and hidden spots where you can eat well and cheaply, far from the tourist areas.
If you’re studying in Madrid, you already know that eating well on a budget is something of an art form. But don’t worry, because here we reveal the hidden spots where real Madrilenians eat, where you’ll feel like just another local in the neighbourhood.
Set-menu bars only locals know about
These are some of the city’s most authentic corners. In places like Casa Macareno (Malasaña) or El Búho (Lavapiés) you can find set menus for under €12, including soup, a main course, bread and dessert.
Local tip: arrive before 2pm or you’ll miss out on a table.
Star dish: Madrid-style stew (cocido madrileño) or lentils with chorizo, just like your grandma used to make.
Global gems: homemade food from around the world
Madrid is a brilliant mix of cultures, and that really shows in its food. If you fancy trying flavours from around the world without leaving the city centre, head to Lavapiés or Cuatro Caminos. Locals go for Moroccan tagines, Venezuelan arepas or authentic Chinese dumplings.
Recommended:
Tandoori Station (Retiro).
Arepa Olé (Callao).
Bao Bar (La Latina).
Uniwords tip: if you go in a group, share dishes and try a bit of everything.
Historic taverns (and free tapas)
Madrid wouldn’t be Madrid without its taverns.
Look out for those places with old tiles, the smell of wine and perfectly poured draught beers. At Taberna La Dolores (Barrio de las Letras) or Casa Labra (near Sol) you can enjoy a cold beer with a free tapa, a tradition that still survives.
Secret dish: battered cod with homemade aioli.
Budget: €2–€3 per beer with tapa.
Good, tasty and affordable food for students
If you study near Moncloa, Malasaña or Ciudad Universitaria, these places are practically essential for students:
El Tigre (Chueca): you buy a drink, you get three tapas. Chaotic, but legendary.
100 Montaditos: take advantage of “crazy Wednesdays” or student menu deals.
Bar Santander (Argüelles): XL sandwiches for €4.
Extra Uniwords: share photos or opinions on the Uniwords forum and earn Uwies to redeem for discounts or prizes.
Foodie routes to discover together
At Uniwords we’re big fans of food and good company.
That’s why we organise foodie meetups to explore neighbourhoods like La Latina, Lavapiés or Chamberí. It’s a brilliant way to discover new places, meet people, learn where locals eat in Madrid, and enjoy the city from the inside.
Fancy joining the next one?
Head over to Uniwords and find out about upcoming foodie routes. Plus, you’ll earn Uwies just for taking part.
Tapapiés: the multicultural tapas festival you have to experience
And listen up, because in just two days Tapapiés kicks off, the most fun multicultural tapas festival of the year. Over several days, Lavapiés fills with music, world flavours and unique tapas for under €3.
Perfect for eating, laughing, and discovering international and local flavours that love Madrid’s food scene and good vibes.
Want to join the next one? Head to Uniwords to find out about upcoming foodie routes and earn Uwies for taking part.