Eating, drinking and dancing
We've tracked down the best cafés for people-watching, the bars with the coolest cocktails, the most accomplished restaurants and the liveliest local nightlife in Madrid.
Restaurants
Europa Decó
This restaurant at the Hotel Urban in the centre of Madrid serves inventive Mediterranean cuisine in stylish minimalist surroundings. Their Glass Bar is also a lovely place to meet up and enjoy a drink or two.
Carrera De San Jerónimo 34
(+34 91 787 7780)
La Viuda Blanca and La Viuda Negra
The décor in 'The White Widow' restaurant is all white, including the light-box flooring. On the other side of the bar there's La Viuda Negra (yes, 'The Black Widow'), the bar/club – handy for impromptu after-dinner dancing.
Campomanes, 6, Centro
(+34 91 548 7529)
Iroco
Known for its nouvelle cuisine, this place in the Salamanca district attracts suits during the day and a trendier crowd in the evenings.
Calle Velázquez, 18
(+34 91 431 7381)
Rincón de Goya
This traditional tiled tapas bar has hundreds of great canapés to choose from and vermouth on tap; idea for a shopping pit stop.
Lagasca, 48
(+34 91 435 7608)
La Trainera
This was Francis Bacon's favourite restaurant in Madrid. There is no meat on the menu here, only fresh fish and seafood – including turbot, grilled hake, and more than a dozen types of shellfish.
Calle Lagasca, 60
(+34 91 576 8035)
La Broche
Don’t be surprised to see surreal-sounding ingredients such as cockscombs, lard, loin of horse and tomato bonbons on the menu at this cool, minimalist, Michelin-starred restaurant.
Calle de Miguel Angel, 29
(+34 91 399 3437)
Loft 39
This is a stylish place for lunch or dinner. It’s slightly more formal in the evening and has a hip bar for aperitivos or nightcaps.
Calle Velázquez, 39
(+34 91 432 4386)
El Bogavante de Almirante
This restaurant’s name translates as 'The Lobster', hence the lone claw dangling from the cavernous ceiling.
Calle Almirante, 11
(+34 91 532 1850)
La Salamandra
A cosy and welcoming restaurant-bar with a rustic décor. For lunch in La Latina after a morning in El Rastro market, come here and order some big plates to share; try one of the speciality salads or the duck with raspberry coulis.
Calle de Alfonso VI, 6
(+34 91 366 0515)
El Viajero
Grilling is big here with an emphasis on sausages and beef, but you’ll also find salads, shish kebabs and couscous. Very busy at lunchtime, especially on Sundays. On sunny days you can enjoy the view from the terrace.
Plaza de la Cebada, 11
(+34 91 366 9064)
Ramses
Style-conscious gatronomes will be delighted to find this Phillippe Starck-designed eaterie right next door to Hospes Madrid. The city's in-crowd have got their feet in the door and their names on the waiting list – make sure you book at least three weeks in advance if you want the bistro. The more informal area, Petit, overlooks the in-demand cocktail bar, and is ideal for intimate tête-à-têtes.
Plaza de la Independencia, 4
(+34 91 435 1666)
Le Garage
This restaurant is at the forefront of the city's Japanese cuisine scene – to stand a chance of getting a table, call two weeks beforehand and book for the first sitting at 9.30pm.
Calle de Valenzuela, 7
(+34 91 522 6197)
Cafés
Café Oliver
French, Italian, Spanish and Morroccan cuisines are dished up in this bistro-style restaurant. Sunday brunch, from 11:30, is one of the most popular in Madrid. There is no rush here, customers are encouraged to enjoy the weekend R&B, House and dance DJs.
Calle Almirante, 12
(+34 91 521 7379)
La Paninoteca d'E
In the heart of upmarket Salamanca is the brainchild of Michelin-starred chef Sergi Arola and it's perfect place for the perfect sandwich, salad (from foie gras and mango to bacon, rocket and walnuts), or plate of jamón ibérico and a bottle of rosé. Definitely one to head for if you've missed the strict 2pm–4pm Spanish lunching hours or if you fancy a mid-shopping aperitif.
Calle de Velazquez, 32
(+34 91 426 3816)