These Are the Most Affordable Restaurants in Madrid

As Madrid is a European capital, one might think many restaurants are fancy and expensive, making dining out on a city trip drain your vacation budget. But the Spanish metropolis shows a different side. Of course, there are elegant restaurants, but affordable taverns are booming-and the city boasts a great value for money. Let us take you to the most affordable restaurants in Madrid.

The simple bar 'El Tigre' is located in the heart of the Chueca district and has become one of the most typical tapas bars to go out in the area. This is due to the generous tapas offered for free with each drink-from Spanish omelet to Patatas Bravas, Croquetas, and Jamón Serrano. Students especially like to come here. The more drinks ordered, the bigger the tapas plates. 'El Tigre' has two more locations in the Chueca district.

Addresses: Calle de las Infantas 23, 28004 Madrid; Calle de Hortaleza 23, 28004 Madrid; Calle de las Infantas 23, 28004 Madrid

An institution in Madrid is the 'Chocolatería San Ginés', which opened in 1894. For 130 years, everything here has revolved around churros. The crispy pastry is served 'con chocolate' here. That means the churros are served with a cup of liquid chocolate for dipping. Six pieces of churros con chocolate cost 5.90 euros. Nowadays, 'Chocolatería San Ginés' is expanding worldwide-with branches in Tokyo, Shanghai, Bogotá, Mexico City, and Miami Beach.

Address: Pasadizo de San Ginés 5, 28013 Madrid

No trip to a big city is complete without a market visit. In Madrid, the 'Mercado de San Miguel' is considered a classic, taking place in a historic building from 1916. In 2009, the market was transformed into Madrid's first culinary market. Today, there are products from various parts of the country at over 30 stands: tapas and international snacks starting at 4 euros, as well as fresh fish, seafood, meat, fruits, vegetables, pastries, and a wide selection of fine cheeses from all over Spain.

Address: Plaza de San Miguel, 28005 Madrid

If you want to eat tortillas, 'Casa Dani' is the right place. The establishment won the award for the best tortilla in Spain in 2019. The tortillas sold here are all homemade with fresh products from the Mercado de la Paz and start from 4 euros. For the daily menu priced at 15 euros, you can choose from twelve appetizers and twelve daily changing main courses, including bread, a drink, dessert, and coffee.

Address: Calle de Ayala 28, 28001 Madrid

One of the main specialties of Madrid cuisine is breaded cod in tapas size. The best place to taste Bacalao is 'Casa Revuelta' near Plaza Mayor. Here, nothing else is on the menu. This means everything focuses on showcasing the fish particularly well. Since 1966, the same recipe has been used. A tapas portion of Bacalao costs 4.90 euros. A restaurant version of the tavern has since opened just one street away.

Address: Calle de Latoneros 3, 28005 Madrid

The Spanish tapas chain 'Lizarrán' launched in 1988 and has since opened several branches in Madrid. Spanish tapas classics are served at fair prices, with Pintxos being considered the specialty: These are tapas in the Basque style, usually consisting of bites on a piece of crispy bread. Tapas start at 6.95 euros, a tapas platter costs 11.95 euros.

Addresses: Calle de Bravo Murillo 24, 28015 Madrid; Avenue de Felipe II 28, 28009 Madrid; Calle de Alcalá 150, 28009 Madrid; Calle del Padre Damián 42, 28036 Madrid

'Museo del Jamón' is not a museum that ends up on plates but is certainly relevant to Madrid's history: Everything here revolves around Jamón, the Spanish cured ham. Ham legs hang from the ceiling, and plates with Jamón Ibérico or ham baguettes fill the counters. A portion of ham is available from 4.90 euros. The business is now in its third generation, with several branches in Madrid, ensuring the next bite of Jamón is never far away.

Addresses: Calle Gran Vía 72, 28013 Madrid; Calle Mayor 7, 28012 Madrid; Plaza Mayor 18, 28012 Madrid; Carrera de San Jerónimo 6, 28014 Madrid

If you want to drink wine and eat Spanish tapas in a cozy tavern, you should definitely go to 'Taberna los Madriles'. Surrounded by hundreds of black-and-white photos of regulars as children, there's a very special atmosphere here. In summer, there are tables outside. Dishes start at 7.50 euros; those just stopping by for a glass of wine get a tapa plate for an extra euro.

Address: Calle de Padilla 63, 28006 Madrid

If you need a break from Spanish tapas and want a taste of Asia, 'Chun Li' near Plaza Mayor is just right. The restaurant specializes in handmade gyozas in various forms, served steamed or fried as requested. Appetizers like edamame or seaweed salad are available from 3.50 euros, with ten gyozas starting at 5.95 euros.

Address: Calle de Toledo 28B, 28005 Madrid

Smashed burgers have long arrived in Madrid as well. If you are looking for fresh and affordable fast food, you should definitely check out 'Pink's Burger'. The hamburger restaurant has grown incredibly fast (currently with eight locations) due to a concept that's hard to find elsewhere in Madrid. Only 100 hamburgers are sold per day and 100 in the evening. Once they're out, the doors close. A smashed burger costs 9 euros, with fries and a drink, it's 13 euros.

Addresses: Calle de Hortaleza 98, 28004 Madrid; Calle de Alonso Cano 22, 28003 Madrid; Calle del Cardenal Cisneros 27, 28010 Madrid; Calle de Don Ramón de la Cruz 52, 28001 Madrid

The tapas bar 'Juana La Loca' is located in the lively La Latina neighborhood and is a place locals swear by. The specialty is Pintxos, available from just 4 euros. The bite-sized delights come in various forms-from traditional tortilla de patata to creations with foie gras and anchovies. The standout Pintxos Morunos, small meat skewers, are a crowd favorite.

Address: Plaza de Prta de Moros 4, 28005 Madrid

The line in front of 'Takos al pastor' is always long. There's a good reason for this: many people say they offer the best and most affordable tacos in Madrid. Prices start at an incredible 2 euros for a taco. The specialty is the tacos with the classic achiote marinade. The wait, often up to 30 minutes, can be demanding, but it's worth holding out: they taste really good!

Address: Calle de la Salud 13, 28013 Madrid

The restaurant 'Socarratt' is the ideal place to enjoy excellent paella in various versions. Run by two people from Valencia, the paella is served, as in Valencia, only at lunchtime. There are a few tables available, but most people take the paella to go. Especially on Sundays, many people carry large pans home for lunch. There are now several branches. A takeout portion costs 10 euros, but delivery is also available: a portion costs 13 euros if you order two portions.

Addresses: Calle de San Marcos 2, 28004 Madrid; Calle de Viriato 14, 28010 Madrid; Calle de Manuela Malasaña 5, 28004 Madrid

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