Restaurants in Madrid
Cafe de Oriente
Address Plaza de Oriente 2, Madrid Map, Tel 91-547-1564 Call, Website
Cafe del Oriente may not have the cheapest pizza in town (prices begin at 10 euros) but it does have the perfect location, just opposite the Royal Palace, so that you won't have to drag the kids across the city for lunch. It also has a great selection of more grownup dishes. Seating is outdoors (our favorite way to dine with kids) and covered. more
Chocolatería San Ginés
Address Pasadizo de San Ginés, 5, Madrid Map, Tel 913-656-546 Call, Hours Mon-Tue 6pm-7am; Wed-Sun 9:30pm-7am
This excellent Chocolateria, close to Sol, serves fresh churros and rich delicious hot chocolate to dip it in. The setting is elegant, but kids are welcome. Note the "after dinner" hours. more
Chocolaterias Valor
Address Postigo de San Martin 7, Madrid Map, Tel 915-229-288 Call, Hours M-F 8am-12am; Sat-Sun 9am-12am Website
This shop is one of a chain of chocolaterias, and while the chocolate isn't as thick as I would like, it is quite delicious and the churros are hot and fresh. more
Giangrossi
Address Gran Via 42, 28022 Madrid, Spain Map, Tel 902 444 130 Call, Notes For free delivery service within central Madrid, call 902-444-130 (or have your hotel concierge call for you) Website
With locations throughout Madrid, you're sure to stumble across Giangrossi, one of the best gelato shops in Madrid. The location on this map is close to Cortes Ingles shopping. Now is the time to indulge yourself and your kids. more
La Casa Del Abuelo
Address C/ Victoria, 12, 28012 Madrid Map, Tel (34) 915 212 319 Call, Website
Shrimp, Shrimp, Shrimp. If you like shrimp, this is the place for you. They prepare them in several different ways (fried, in croquettes, grilled and more) but our favorite is boiled in garlic oil. Standing room only. more
La Mallorquina Pastelería (bakery)
Address C/ Mayor 2, Madrid Map, Tel 34 915 211 201 Call, Notes Mallorquina Website
At the entrance to the Sol metro station, this bustling bakery (opened in 1929) sells delicious pastry. They're famous for their sweet, cream filled Napolitana, and you will see customers asking for warm pastry from the racks behind the counter. The secret, though, is that it also makes excellent jamon serrano sandwiches (on fluffy, croissant-like bread) that you can take with you for a picnic or snack. more
La Paella Real Restaurante (Royal Paella)
Address C/ Arrieta 2, 28013 Madrid, Spain Map,
Tel 915-420-942 Call,
Hours Tue-Sun 1pm-4pm & 7:30-10:30
If your kids have good restaurant manners (and you have an arsenal of activities to keep them busy), this somewhat dressy restaurant is considered by many to be the best place in town for classic Paella. Expect a 30 minute wait for properly made paella. more
La Taparia del Prado
Address Paseo del Prado 22, Madrid Map, Tel 91-429-4094 Call, Notes tapas $4 to $23 Website
This popular tapas restaurant has outdoor seating in a small square. Try the mushroom confit with garlic mayonnaise and honey. more
Los Gatos
Address Calle de Jesus 2, Madrid Map, Tel 34-91-429-3067 Call,
This standing room only bar serves a variety of tapas served up on toast, in the traditional style. Everything is on view making it easy for kids to point at and choose what they'd like to eat. Prices are very reasonable. more
Maceiras
Address Calle de las Huertas, 66, Madrid Map, Tel 34-91-429-5818 Call,
This casual and bustling tapas bar specializes in steamed mussels and clams as well as octopus. There are lots of tables, and the atmosphere is loud enough that kid noises won't even be noticed, let alone bothersome. more
Panaderia Francesa
Address c/ hortaleza, 75, 28004 Madrid Map, Tel 91-702-46-58 Call, Website
If you're checking out the hip Chueca neighborhood, this French bakery is a great place to pick up a sweet snack or some savory treats for a picnic. Their croissants are the best I've had outside of Paris and their other cookies and pastry are also delicious. more
Taberna de Dolores
Address Plaza de Jesús 4, Madrid Map, Tel 91-429-2243 Call, Hours daily 11am-midnight, Notes tapas $3 to $22
This classic tapas restaurant has been serving locals since 1908 and is packed at lunchtime. Favorites include the tuna (bonito en escabeche) and the anchovy-stuffed pickels. more
The Wok
Address C/ Virgen De Los Peligros 1, 28013 Madrid, Spain Map, Tel 912 758 125 Call,
If your kids are exhausted with Spanish food, the Wok, a local chain run by the same company that owns VIPS, is a good alternative. There's a children's menu, a placemat to color on, and a good selection of noodle and rice dishes for your kids to choose from. Best of all for families with babies and toddlers, there are modern and safe high-chairs on hand! more
Vinoteca Barbechera
Address Calle del Principe, 27, Madrid Map, Tel 34-91-420-0478 Call, Website
This excellent wine bar is located on the edge of a bustling square with a playground. There is an excellent selection of cheese, plus many of the usual tapas and tortillas, but the "Tartaleta de Boletus" is exceptional. more
VIPs
Address Calle Gran Vía 43, 28013, Madrid Map, Tel 91-559-6457 Call, Location throughout the city
The VIPs restaurant chain is a Madrid institution. The coffee shop setting serves familiar foods (spaghetti, lasagne, burgers) and quality is good while prices are reasonable. There are high chairs and children's menus. This is the place to go if your kids are a little homesick. It's also the place for American-style breakfasts (with pancakes and more). more
