Tapas may not have originated in Madrid, but the capital definitely offers the widest selection of tapas bars in Spain...

CHUECA AND MALASAÑA

Albur
Tapas from the north of Spain are the speciality here, including stuffed roasted peppers and good quality Spanish hams and cheeses.  Albur also enjoys a good reputation for its non-tapas lunch menu.

Manuela Malasaña, 15| Tel: 915 942 733
Summary: Tapas…or lunch
Metro: Bilbao / Tribunal

Don Jamon
Spaniards are extremely proud of their ham and most believe it to be the best in the world.  You can find out what all the fuss is about in this bar/restaurant which specialises in Jamon (the Spanish word for Ham).  For anyone unfamiliar with this Spanish custom, the sight of scores of pig legs hanging from the ceiling can be a bit disconcerting, but that’s all part of the appeal.

Gran Via, 60| Tel:  915 599 825
Summary: Ham it up
Metro: Plaza de España / Santo Domingo

El Quinto Vino
As the name suggests (if you understand Spanish that is) this is an excellent place for wine lovers, with an extensive wine list on offer.  With regards to food, the croquetas are said to be particularly good here.

Hernani, 48| Tel: 915 536 600
Summary: Wine and Croquetas
Metro: Bilbao

Taberna de Angel Sierra
Of all the old tabernas in Madrid, this may well be the establishment which most faithfully maintains the original fittings and decorations.  It is certainly one of the most photographed taverns in Madrid, appearing in magazines and even being used as a film set on occasions.  For most of its history the Taberna de Angel Sierra has had strong links with the socialist movement and regulars include (so we’re told) leading members of Spain’s socialist party and trade unions.  All the usual tapas are served and there’s an excellent selection of beers and wines.

Calle Gravina, 11| Tel: 915 310 126
Summary: History and socialism
Metro: Chueca

NORTHERN MADRID

La Taberna del Sumiller
The tapas here tend to be quite elaborated and not your standard offering. However, the real draw of the bar is the wine list, with an extensive collection from the different areas of Spain, as well as wines from Chile, Italy and Australia, amongst others.

Víctor de la Serna, 37 | Tel: 913 598 595
Summary: Wine and unusual tapas
Metro: Colombia

El Tomillar
A good tapas bar if you’re stopping off on the way to, or from, a game of football at Real Madrid’s Bernabeú stadium, or if you have business in Madrid’s financial district.  El Tomillar offers an excellent selection of typical tapas, with the croquetas a particularly good option.

Profesor Waksman, 14| Tel: 914 582 910
Summary : Wine and unusual tapas
Metro: Santiago Bernabéu

Lateral
A new chain of trendy tapas restaurants, far removed from the image of the traditional tabernas.  If eating in a stylish, modern environment is for you, then Lateral is a good choice.

Castellana  132  | Tel: 915 613 337
Summary: Trendy and modern
Metro: Santiago Bernabéu

Abacerá de San Lorenzo
A Friendly, unpretentious  taberna run by a family from Andalucia.  As well as typical dishes from that region, the Albacera de San Lorenzo also offers a fine range of cheeses, while the mondatitos can also be recommended.

Av. Alberto Alcocer, 32  | Tel: 913 441 157
Summary: Cheeses and Andalusian dishes
Metro: Colombia / Cuzco

Txirimiri
This is a small tapas bar – with an even smaller kitchen – in the upmarket Salamanca district.  Despite the cramped conditions, the chef produces a delightful range of exotic tapas, often with Basque influences.  

Calle General Díaz Porlier, 91| Tel: 913 641 196