Culinary delights in Chamberí

The district of Chamberí, known for its foodie-friendly streets, boasts some of the most renowned restaurants in the area. Their range of offering—with everything from elegant to casual and typically Spanish to international—is as vast as the cultural and historic heritage of this part of Madrid, a true favourite among visitors and residents alike. So, what are you waiting for?

Published in esMADRIDmagazine November 2024

Chamberí is known by many for one of its most famous gastro streets, Calle de Ponzano, which some time ago became a mecca for those looking to enjoy an aperitivo (pre-lunch snack) or a nice meal with friends.

However, the various neighbourhoods which make up this district offer many other appetising spots. Take for example Plaza de Olavide, with its lively al fresco dining options, or the area known as “Little Italy” between Calle de Ríos Rosas and Calle del General Martínez Campos, full of trattorias, gelaterias and mercatos near the Scuola Italiana di Madrid international school.

In total, there are four municipal markets in the area: Barceló, Chamberí, Guzmán el Bueno and Vallehermoso, where you can choose between doing your shopping or enjoying a drink, quick bite to eat or gourmet food at the numerous stalls.

Seven of Chamberí’s restaurants have been awarded Michelin stars: Coque, El Invernadero, Clos Madrid, Smoked Room, Saddle, La Tasquería and Quimbaya. The tables—and plenty of bar space—at these traditional yet sophisticated establishments await you. Enjoy this fabulous culinary journey!

COQUE

Marqués de Riscal, 11. ALONSO MARTÍNEZ. Tel. 91 604 02 02

With décor and a layout designed to enhance the dining experience, this restaurant run by the Sandoval brothers (with Mario as the chef) is a real treat! Distinguished with two Michelin stars and multiple accolades, Coque is one of the city’s top establishments, taking diners on a voyage which revolves around flavours and innovation.

Its tasting menu is called “Chamberí”, a tribute to the district that welcomed the owners after they moved from Humanes—just outside the city—where they once ran the family restaurant. Fittingly, memory takes centre stage at Coque, where diners can sample intriguing dishes like cocido madrileño soup with peppermint foam, or juicy suckling pig with crispy skin and pork crackling seasoned with Sichuan pepper and molasses sauce. The restaurant’s creative, sensational cuisine showcases the finest seasonal ingredients.

SADDLE

Amador de los Ríos, 6. COLÓN / ALONSO MARTÍNEZ. Tel. 91 216 39 36

This Michelin-star establishment—located on the same site as the famous restaurant Jockey, which influenced 20th-century Spanish cuisine—is spread over two levels, boasting a bar/cocktail lounge, the main dining room and five private spaces. Saddle provides a true culinary experience, defined by a deep respect for seasonal ingredients and a masterful blend of classic and contemporary techniques, both in its service and food.

The menu brings back traditional recipes while also honouring nouvelle cuisine and the great chefs of the past. The same can be said of the drinks, which include distilled spirits from bygone eras and vintages that have made international wine history. Offerings include dishes like quail rosette, Mont Royal squab, the veal shank honouring chef Santi Santamaría, and wild grilled turbot.

INSURGENTE

Alonso Cano, 10 (Mercado de Chamberí). IGLESIA

Run by Argentine Agustín Mikielievich and Genaro Celia from Colombia, this Latin American food stall in Chamberí Market, with a slightly Asian twist, is shaking up our gastronomy experience.

Their menu features crispy chicken tacos with a hint of tandoori and a spicy mango glaze, grilled beef gizzard, Mexican stewed meat pasties, and shredded meat focaccia. Everything is so tasty at this little restaurant, it’s no wonder it’s the perfect place to stop during your culinary adventure. Just remember, they don’t accept reservations.

TRIPEA

Vallehermoso, 36 (Mercado de Vallehermoso). QUEVEDO / CANAL. Tel. 91 828 69 47

Savour the experience! This venture by chef Roberto Martínez Foronda, boasts an original fresh food concept centred around the joy of eating. Peru meets Southeast Asia in a jungle of intense flavours that will have you coming back for more.

The eight-course menu, which you’ll find at Vallehermoso Market, includes fried artichoke confit, homemade steamed bao buns stuffed with lomo saltado stir-fry, roasted pork cheeks stewed with bay leaves, and an unforgettable creamy coconut rice pudding.

LÚA

Paseo de Eduardo Dato, 5. RUBÉN DARÍO / IGLESIA. Tel. 91 395 28 53

Galician-style octopus, peach gazpacho with black scallops, stewed ray with Ibérico pork cream, a liquid version of tarta de Santiago almond cake... One look at the menu will confirm that this isn’t your average Galician restaurant. The offerings have been crafted by Ourense-born chef Manuel Domínguez, who drew inspiration from the recipes of “our mothers and grandmothers, transforming them into signature, contemporary cuisine”. As the team here says: dining is a pleasure to be enjoyed with each of the five senses.

GALA

Espronceda, 14. RÍOS ROSAS. Tel. 91 442 22 44

Since it first opened way back in 1989, the hallmark of this small restaurant has remained unchanged: sophisticated market cuisine, with every dish lovingly prepared from first-rate ingredients. The menu is redesigned with the arrival of each new season.

We especially love their caprichos, or special treats: citrus-perfumed king crab, XXL grilled scarlet prawns, bluefin tuna steak carpaccio and Iberian pork jowl brioche with caviar.

LAKASA

Plaza Descubridor Diego de Ordás, 1. RÍOS ROSAS. Tel. 91 533 87 15 / 626 93 30 81

Helmed by César Martín, this establishment which offers refined cuisine is based on careful ingredient selection and attentive service. Dishes include sautéed porcini mushrooms, roasted wood pigeon and stewed Bouchot mussel sudado.

LA TASQUERÍA

Modesto Lafuente, 82. NUEVOS MINISTERIOS. Tel. 91 451 10 00

Just a few months ago, Madrid-born chef Javi Estévez moved to this new location, where he continues to embrace his characteristic style which focuses on offal: an intense, visceral approach to cuisine that elevates humble organ meat to the highest levels. Leave your preconceptions at the door and get ready for a sensory experience!

PILAR AKANEYA

Espronceda, 33. RÍOS ROSAS. Tel. 91 330 76 99

The facts speak for themselves: this is the first sumibiyaki—Japanese charcoal grill restaurant—in Madrid and the first outside of Japan to serve Matsusaka beef, the most acclaimed variety of Wagyu. Here, beauty fuses with tradition to create an oasis of calm where the décor features rice paper lamps and jazz music.