Madrid isn’t just a city—it’s an experience of rhythm, colour, and flavour. From grand historic hotels and world-class dining to vibrant plazas, hidden cocktail bars, and charming neighbourhoods, the Spanish capital blends timeless tradition with contemporary energy like nowhere else. Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning for another adventure, The Asia Collective’s Madrid Travel Guide is your insider’s guide to where to stay, dine, drink, and discover the very best of Madrid.
THE ULTIMATE MADRID TRAVEL GUIDE
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN MADRID
Whether you’re planning a romantic city break or an extended European escape, choosing the right hotel is key to experiencing the Spanish capital at its best. Our Madrid Travel Guide features the city’s finest luxury hotels, from iconic five-star landmarks to design-led boutique stays that perfectly capture Madrid’s effortless sophistication.
THE MADRID EDITION
Address: Plaza de Celenque 2, Madrid, Spain, 28013
Instagram: editionmadrid
Anchoring Madrid’s historic centre with unmistakable style, The Madrid EDITION stands as Spain’s expression of Ian Schrager’s globally influential hotel collection. Set within a beautifully restored building near Puerta del Sol, the property pairs heritage architecture with clean lines, warm textures, and a quietly seductive design language, making it one of the standout luxury stays in our Madrid Travel Guide.
The hotel has become one of the city’s most coveted social addresses, attracting a fashionable, international crowd of creatives and tastemakers. Destination venues including Oroya, Punch Room, and the panoramic rooftop terrace define the experience, creating an atmosphere that shifts effortlessly from daytime calm to late-night energy. For travellers deciding where to stay in Madrid, The Madrid EDITION perfectly balances sophisticated retreat with the city’s unmistakable creative rhythm.
BRACH MADRID
Address: C. de Gran Vía, 20, Centro, 28013 Madrid, Spain (Location Map)
Instagram: @brachmadrid
Brach Madrid brings bold, avant-garde energy to the heart of the Spanish capital’s most iconic avenue. Housed within a striking historic building, the hotel’s interiors have been masterfully reimagined by Philippe Starck, blending classic Madrid architecture with warm Mediterranean textures, raw wood, leather, and carefully curated contemporary art. With just 58 beautifully designed rooms and suites, it is one of the most distinctive boutique hotels featured in our Madrid Travel Guide.
Guests can indulge in Mediterranean-inspired cuisine at the hotel’s signature restaurant before heading to the panoramic rooftop terrace for artisanal cocktails accompanied by sweeping city views. A cutting-edge sports club and immersive wellness space complete this design-led sanctuary, making Brach Madrid an inspired choice for anyone seeking a stylish Madrid luxury hotel with exceptional dining and wellness.
ROSEWOOD VILLA MAGNA
Address: P.º de la Castellana, 22, Salamanca, 28046 Madrid, Spain (Location Map)
Instagram: @rosewoodvillamagna
Rosewood Villa Magna represents the pinnacle of refined elegance, discreetly positioned within Madrid’s prestigious Salamanca district. Following an extensive transformation, the hotel seamlessly blends contemporary luxury with the intimate warmth of a grand private residence. Its 154 beautifully appointed rooms and suites showcase understated sophistication through bespoke furnishings and carefully curated local artwork, securing its place as one of the finest hotels in our Madrid Travel Guide.
The property’s exceptional culinary offering is led by Amós, where traditional Cantabrian flavours are elevated through modern techniques, alongside the vibrant Tarde.O cocktail lounge and the elegant Flor y Nata pâtisserie. Guests can also unwind at Sense, A Rosewood Spa, home to restorative treatments and an authentic Moroccan hammam. For travellers seeking an indulgent stay in Madrid, Rosewood Villa Magna delivers impeccable service, world-class gastronomy, and timeless sophistication.
JW MARRIOTT HOTEL MADRID
Address: C. de Alcala, 2, Centro, 28014 Madrid, Spain (Location Map)
Instagram: @jwmarriottmadrid
JW Marriott Hotel Madrid offers a mindful, wellness-led approach to luxury in the heart of the Spanish capital. Occupying a beautifully restored 19th-century building beside Plaza de Canalejas, the hotel pays tribute to Madrid’s rich heritage through thoughtful design details, including signature fragrances inspired by the city’s historic perfumeries. Its 139 elegantly appointed guest rooms—many featuring private wrought-iron terraces overlooking the bustling streets below—create a calming urban sanctuary, making it a standout recommendation in our Madrid Travel Guide.
Dining centres around QÚ by Ramón Freixa, where traditional Spanish ingredients are transformed into refined contemporary dishes. Guests can further elevate their Madrid stay with personalised wellness experiences at the state-of-the-art fitness centre and tranquil spa treatment rooms. Combining thoughtful luxury with an unbeatable location, JW Marriott Hotel Madrid is an excellent choice for travellers looking to experience the very best of the Spanish capital.
BEST PLACES TO DINE IN MADRID
No Madrid Travel Guide would be complete without exploring the city’s extraordinary culinary scene. From Michelin-starred restaurants and contemporary steakhouses to refined tapas bars and globally acclaimed dining destinations, these are the restaurants redefining where to eat in Madrid.
SLVJ MADRID
Address: C. de Velázquez, 62, Salamanca, 28001 Madrid, Spain
Instagram: @slvjmadrid
SLVJ Madrid brings an explosive, avant-garde energy to the upscale Salamanca district, masterfully combining haute Japanese fusion with high-concept theatrical nightlife. The subterranean space boasts a wild, maximalist design featuring golden rhinos and lush jungle accents that set a dramatically seductive tone.
The kitchen takes a boundary-pushing approach to traditional Japanese flavours, turning out spectacular truffled white fish tiradito, premium wagyu fried rice and meticulously crafted robata skewers. Complemented by high-intensity live performances and custom mixology, it effortlessly bridges the gap between sophisticated dining and late-night social energy.
MANERO
Address: C. de Claudio Coello, 3, Retiro, 28001 Madrid, Spain
Instagram: @barmanero
Manero delivers a masterclass in modern Spanish hospitality, brilliantly reimagining the classic neighbourhood tapas bar as an ultra-glamorous boutique dining salon. The beautifully curated interior channels opulent, turn-of-the-century European elegance, wrapping guests in rich velvet, polished brass, and warm ambient lighting. It’s little wonder this stylish venue has become one of the standout recommendations in our Madrid Travel Guide for travellers seeking elevated Spanish cuisine.
The menu transforms traditional tavern staples into refined culinary experiences, spotlighting premium tinned seafood, acorn-fed Ibérico ham, and exceptional hot brioche sandwiches. Paired with an impressive private-label wine collection, Manero offers a sophisticated yet welcoming setting for leisurely lunches, aperitivo, or elegant evening drinks. For anyone exploring where to eat in Madrid, this refined tapas destination is an essential stop.
LEÑA MADRID
Address: P.º de la Castellana, 57, Chamartín, 28046 Madrid, Spain
Instagram: @lenadanigarcia
Leña Madrid by Chef Dani García delivers a masterclass in fire-driven gastronomy, redefining the traditional steakhouse through bold contemporary design and exceptional craftsmanship. The award-winning interiors showcase a striking architectural contrast, pairing sculptural jet-black timber with glowing amber accents that echo the beauty of open flames. It has quickly become one of the city’s most celebrated restaurants and a highlight of our Madrid Travel Guide.
The kitchen centres around traditional wood-fire cooking techniques, sourcing premium Spanish cuts alongside exceptional international Wagyu to create dishes with remarkable depth of flavour. From the iconic smoked burger to perfectly charred seasonal vegetables, every plate celebrates the artistry of fire. If you’re searching for the best restaurants in Madrid, Leña offers an unforgettable dining experience that perfectly captures the city’s evolving culinary scene.
TRAMO
Address: C. de Eugenio Salazar, 56, Chamartín, 28002 Madrid, Spain
Instagram: @espaciotramo
Tramo introduces a groundbreaking, completely sustainable culinary concept to Madrid, occupying a masterfully restored mid-century industrial warehouse. The striking architectural venue utilizes a cutting-edge, eco-conscious design language focused on self-sufficiency, using raw textures, recycled concrete and intelligent thermal controls.
The kitchen champions a fiercely local, hyper-seasonal philosophy, sourcing pristine ingredients directly from independent artisanal producers to celebrate natural textures and honest execution. Turning out exceptionally clean, beautifully presented plates of organic vegetables and responsibly harvested meats, it offers conscious diners a profound, future-focused dining experience.
DEESSA
Address: Pl. de la Lealtad, 5, Retiro, 28014 Madrid, Spain
Instagram: @deessa_restaurante_qd
Deessa, set within the Mandarin East Asian Ritz, Madrid, is a two-Michelin-starred dining room that leaves guests instantly in awe. Sunlight pours through garden-facing windows, illuminating the Belle-Époque architecture in a warm glow. At its centre is a creative dialogue between celebrated chef Quique Dacosta and Executive Chef Domenico Vildacci, whose refined sensibilities guide a kitchen that honours timeless elegance while redefining contemporary Spanish haute cuisine.
The Chronos Menu offers a streamlined, entry-level tasting experience that preserves the depth of its longer counterparts. Highlights include a vibrant beetroot-and-dill soup with kefir ice cream alongside impeccably executed seafood. Each thoughtfully composed dish bridges the gap between relaxed midday grazing and high-end evening dining with effortless charm.
OROYA MADRID
Address: Plaza de Celenque 2, 28013 Madrid, Spain
Instagram: @oroya_madrid
Perched atop The Madrid EDITION, Oroya is a sun-drenched Peruvian escape that crowns one of the city’s most stylish luxury hotels. Wrapped in climbing greenery and flooded with natural light, its elegant greenhouse-inspired dining room feels both tranquil and sophisticated. Led by Chef Diego Muñoz, whose impressive career spans some of the world’s finest kitchens, Oroya has earned its place as one of the standout restaurant recommendations in our Madrid Travel Guide, where modern Peruvian flavours meet refined European technique.
Signature dishes such as the Secreto Ibérico and an elevated Lomo Saltado showcase Muñoz’s talent for reinterpreting classics while honouring their origins. Every plate is a vibrant expression of Peru’s coastal flavours and Andean heritage, making Oroya one of the finest places to eat in Madrid whether you’re enjoying a leisurely lunch or an elegant rooftop dinner.
SADDLE
Address: C. de Amador de los Ríos, 6, Chamberí, 28010 Madrid, Spain
Instagram: @saddlemadrid
Saddle represents the absolute pinnacle of contemporary fine dining in the capital, sprawling across a magnificent multi-level venue that honors classic grand restaurant traditions. The bright, sophisticated main dining room features a striking geometric glass ceiling, bathing the sleek marble and rich leather textures in gorgeous natural light.
The Michelin-starred kitchen delivers an exceptional balance of classical French technique and modern Spanish sensibility, elevating seasonal estate ingredients through precise execution. Complemented by legendary table-side trolley service and a world-class wine archive, it provides an unforgettable, adult alternative for high-end epicurean journeys.
ZUMA MADRID
Address: P.º de la Castellana, 2, Salamanca, 28046 Madrid, Spain
Instagram: @zumamadridofficial
Zuma Madrid brings its globally renowned izakaya concept to Plaza de Colón, delivering a masterclass in high-end, contemporary Japanese dining. The expansive, beautifully stylized venue incorporates natural granites, solid timbers and warm textiles, mirroring the sleek aesthetic found across its international portfolio.
Dining centers around three vibrant components: the principal kitchen, an interactive sushi counter and the searing heat of the authentic robata grill. Standout dishes like the iconic miso-marinated black cod showcase a brilliant understanding of balanced flavour extractions, making it a favorite hotspot for an international crowd.
BIBO DANI GARCÍA
Address: P.º de la Castellana, 52, Salamanca, 28046 Madrid, Spain
Instagram: @bibodanigarcia
BiBo Madrid functions as a vibrant, whimsical culinary canvas where Chef Dani García unleashes his globetrotting travel memories through a high-energy brasserie concept. The spectacular dining room leaves guests instantly in awe, illuminated by thousands of twinkling fairground lights that surround a massive central hot-air balloon structure.
The playful menu effortlessly bridges the gap between Andalusian heritage and far-flung street food cultures, resulting in an eclectic array of highly expressive plates. Featuring signature oxtail brioches, crispy tuna tarts and vibrant ceviches, this neighborhood favorite offers a brilliantly fun, cosmopolitan dining alternative.
TATEL
Address: P.º de la Castellana, 36, Salamanca, 28046 Madrid, Spain
Instagram: @tatel.madrid
TATEL Madrid masterfully captures the golden age of 1920s glamour, operating as a glamorous, high-energy address on the iconic Paseo de la Castellana. The moody, elegant interior pairs plush Art Deco seating with dark woods and polished metals to create a quietly seductive, exclusive atmosphere.
The gastronomic program focuses on traditional Spanish recipes elevated through sophisticated global techniques, emphasizing fresh coastal seafood and premium local meats. Accomplemented by world-class live music, an exceptional cocktail program and tailored hospitality, it serves as the ultimate destination for an indulgent, sensory evening out.
BAKAN MADRID
Address: P.º de la Castellana, 5, Salamanca, 28046 Madrid, Spain
Instagram: @bakanmadrid
Bakan Madrid delivers an ultra-sophisticated, deeply authentic expression of Mexican artistry right in the heart of the capital opposite Puerta de Alcalá. The gorgeous, sun-drenched space is artfully designed with hundreds of indigenous Mexican cacti, warm artisanal masterwork and organic terracotta elements.
The kitchen relies entirely on pre-Hispanic culinary traditions, featuring an open-view kitchen where heirloom corn is ground daily for house-made tortillas. Showcasing wood-fired meats, complex homemade moles and an unparalleled artisanal mezcal library, it treats pork and agave purists to a fire-driven cultural odyssey.
AARDE
Address: P.º de la Castellana, 9, Salamanca, 28046 Madrid, Spain
Instagram: @aarderestaurante
Aarde brings a striking, organic energy to Madrid, establishing an avant-garde culinary sanctuary that pays deep homage to the textures and vibrant spirit of the African continent. The warm, beautifully stylized interiors celebrate raw earth tones, handcrafted pottery and woven fibers to foster complete structural serenity.
The adventurous menu takes a highly resourceful approach to ancient grains, distinctive spices and premium regional produce, resulting in clean, visually striking plates. Highlighting unique biltong carpaccios, spiced coastal fish and creative vegetable stews, this venue bridges the gap between high-end evening dining and a sensory cultural safari.
FISMULER
Address: Calle de Sagasta, 29, 28004 Madrid, Spain
Instagram: @fismuler.madrid
Fismuler occupies a deliberately raw, industrial-chic space between Chamberí and Malasaña, the work of chefs Nino Redruello and Patxi Zumárraga, both Michelin-guide regulars with roots tracing back to El Bulli. Concrete floors, exposed pipework, and unfussy white-clothed tables set a tone that is more about substance than spectacle, letting the daily-changing menu do the talking.
The kitchen draws on Nordic restraint as much as Spanish tradition, favouring market-fresh, seasonal produce over fixed signatures: smoked veal carpaccio, white asparagus with champagne cream, baked hake, and a now-celebrated potato omelette all rotate through. Dishes are designed for sharing across big communal tables, with portions generous enough to encourage ordering widely.
FILANDÓN
Address: Carretera de El Pardo a Fuencarral, Km. 1.9, 28049 Madrid, Spain
Instagram: @restaurante_filandon
Filandón, tucked into the wooded fringes of El Pardo, just minutes from central Madrid. It feels like stumbling upon a countryside retreat in the middle of the city. Since 2011, the Pescaderías Coruñesas group has filled this 7,000-square-metre property with rustic dining rooms, sun-dappled terraces, and cosy indoor lounges. The result is old-world, unhurried charm, a favourite among locals seeking refuge from the city’s pace.
At the heart of the menu is the grill, where market-fresh fish and prime cuts of beef are prepared with quiet, practiced precision. Whole turbot, succulent lenguado Evaristo, and tender chuletón share the table with vegetables plucked straight from the garden. It is unpretentious in spirit yet exacting in execution, a place where ingredient quality, not theatre, takes centre stage.
ARROGANTE
Address: Calle de Veláquez, 96, 28006 Madrid, Spain
Instagram: @arrogantemadrid
Arrogante turns dinner into an unapologetic spectacle, transforming a corner of Madrid’s Salamanca district into an Italian-inflected circus. Strings of lights crisscross overhead, carousel horses hang suspended from the ceiling, and masked performers weave between tables, part theatre, part trattoria, entirely immersive. It is maximalist design with a wink, built for an evening that feels like an event in itself.
The kitchen leans into comforting, generously portioned Italian classics: tagliatelle al ragù, truffle-laced pizzas, and pillowy gnocchi, paired with playful cocktails that match the room’s exuberance. Acrobats and musicians drift through the dining room as the night unfolds, turning each course into a cue for the next act. Arrogante isn’t chasing restraint; it’s chasing spectacle, and it delivers.
BERRIA WINE BAR
Address: Plaza de la Independencia, 6, 28001 Madrid, Spain
Instagram: @berriawinebar
Berria sits directly across from the Puerta de Alcalá, its terrace gazing toward Retiro Park. It’s a fitting backdrop for what owner Gabriela Alcorta has built into a serious wine destination. Inside, a sleek, modern interior unfolds across multiple cellar rooms, reds and whites in the main hall, sparkling wines in their own corner, and rare verticals reserved for devoted collectors.
The cellar holds more than 2,000 references. Close to 100 wines are available by the glass on constant rotation. Food plays a deliberately supporting role, shrimp and paprika eggs, hake fritters, and a memorable apple tart, all designed to complement rather than compete with what’s in the glass.
NUMA POMPILIO
Address: Calle de Veláquez, 18, 28001 Madrid, Spain
Instagram: @restaurantenuma
Numa Pompilio transports diners to a bygone, baroque Italy the moment they step through its doors in Madrid’s Salamanca district. Frescoed walls, antique mirrors, and trailing greenery set a romantic, cinematic scene, while an open kitchen reveals pasta being rolled by hand at the entrance. The crown jewel is the garden terrace at the rear, a leafy, string-lit retreat worlds away from the bustle outside.
On the menu, classic Italian dishes meet international influence. Poached gilt-head bream al acqua pazza, smoked venison carpaccio with Roman pecorino and Marsala, and silky vitello tonnato finished with Zahara tuna sauce all make an appearance. The wine list runs deep into Italian terroir, rounded out by Spanish and international labels, a setting built for slow, indulgent evenings.
STREETXO
Address: Calle de Serrano, 47, 28001 Madrid, Spain
Instagram: @streetxo.madrid
StreetXO is the most unfiltered expression of chef Dabiz Muñoz’s culinary universe. The restaurant occupies the top floor of El Corte Inglés in Salamanca. Concrete walls, graffiti-style artwork, and neon signage frame an open kitchen encircled by a long, communal bar, the only seating in the house. There are no reservations. Guests queue for the chance to watch the brigade plate dishes with theatrical speed.
The menu reimagines street food from across Asia and beyond through a haute-cuisine lens: Josper-roasted scallop, Korean-style “lasagne,” foie gras ramen, and crispy crab with curry leaves and Andean mayonnaise. Cocktails are equally inventive, built from liquid ceviche, yuzu, and tropical fruit. It is intense, theatrical, and unapologetically loud, precisely the point.
BEL MONDO
Address: Calle de Veláquez, 39, 28001 Madrid, Spain
Instagram: @bigmamma.es
Bel Mondo captures the effortless, sun-soaked charm of the Italian coastline, operating as a vibrant and wildly popular destination in the prestigious Salamanca district. The spectacular, multi-level venue is filled with thousands of books, lush plants and vintage treasures, creating an eclectic, highly photogenic environment that feels warm and perpetually welcoming.
The kitchen produces generous, crowd-pleasing Italian comfort food, from legendary carbonaras served in pecorino wheels to indulgent, oven-fired pizzas. It is a place that celebrates the joy of shared dining, offering a loud, friendly and intensely spirited atmosphere that feels both perfectly modern and timelessly nostalgic.
TRAGABUCHES
Address: Calle de Ortega y Gasset, 40, 28006 Madrid, Spain
Instagram: @tragabuches.danigarcia
Tragabuches brings chef Dani García back to his Andalusian roots. It recreates the spirit of his original 1998 Ronda restaurant within a three-floor address in Madrid’s Salamanca district. The space moves easily between registers, a lively, reservation-free bar for tapas and breakfast, a relaxed main dining room, and several private rooms, all bound together by an unmistakably southern Spanish warmth.
The menu draws on Andalusia’s home-style classics, given García’s signature polish. Seafood cocktail, oxtail ravioli, creamy black pudding and razor clam rice, and a roasted Málaga goat have all become house specialties. An extensive, wide-ranging wine list rounds out the offering, part homecoming for the chef, part introduction for Madrid to the cooking that built his name.
DANI BRASSERIE
Address: Calle de Sevilla, 3, 28014 Madrid, Spain
Instagram: @danibrasserie
Dani Brasserie is perched on the seventh-floor rooftop of the Four Seasons Hotel Madrid. It pairs sweeping skyline views with the polish of chef Dani García’s two-Michelin-starred pedigree. The space, designed by London’s Martin Brudnizki Studio, leans into colonial-inspired details and a relaxed, sophisticated atmosphere, equal parts elegant and easygoing, in keeping with the city it overlooks.
The menu spans García’s Michelin-honed technique and more casual Mediterranean fare. A raw bar showcasing premium tuna and seafood sits alongside The Best of Dani, a tasting journey through seven dishes that trace his career. A cellar of more than 400 references, curated by sommelier Claudia Gozalbes, completes the experience, best enjoyed at sunset as the skyline shifts from gold to dusk.
AMAZÓNICO
Address: Calle Jorge Juan, 20, 28001 Madrid, Spain
Instagram: @amazonico.madrid
Amazónico turns a corner of Salamanca into an immersive rainforest fantasy. It’s the brainchild of husband-and-wife restaurateurs Sandro Silva and Marta Seco, who opened the doors back in 2016. Hanging greenery, tropical prints, and a circular sushi bar set the scene, designed by Lázaro Rosa-Violan, with live music spilling up from the Jungle Jazz Club below.
The kitchen follows the Amazon’s geography loosely, drawing from Brazil, Peru, Japan, and India. Think yarikahua-style carabineros with purple corn, saikyou yaki black hake, and a sushi counter built for sharing. Cocktails lean tropical and bold, built from soursop, dragon fruit, and lychee, a sensory-forward evening of bold flavours, bold design, and a soundtrack to match.
We hope you enjoyed The Asia Collective’s Madrid Travel Guide, uncovering the city’s finest luxury hotels, exceptional restaurants, stylish cocktail bars, and unforgettable cultural experiences. Whether you’re visiting Madrid for the first time or planning your next return, bookmark this Madrid Travel Guide to help you discover the very best of Spain’s vibrant capital.
If your European adventure continues, don’t miss our Paris Travel Guide, where you’ll uncover the best places to stay, dine, drink, and explore in the City of Light. From iconic landmarks to hidden local favourites, it’s the perfect companion for planning your next luxury city escape.
