The 10 best places for Cocido Madrileño in Madrid, Spain
Pablo Escudero
Spain Travel Writer
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Madrid, culinary enthusiasts will find a treasure trove of establishments serving the quintessential Cocido Madrileño, a rich and hearty chickpea stew bursting with traditional flavors. Wander through the historic neighborhoods, where tucked away in charming, rustic taverns, you'll discover secret family recipes handed down through generations, each offering a unique twist on this beloved dish. For a taste of authentic Madrid, these local gems provide an unforgettable gastronomic journey, blending history and taste in every tantalizing bite.
Save destination1. Casa Carola
C. de Padilla, 54, 28006 Madrid, Spain
Nestled in the heart of Madrid, Casa Carola invites you on a culinary journey through time with its exquisite Cocido Madrileño, a traditional stew brimming with rich flavors. Since its opening in 1998, this beloved eatery has become an institution, cherished by locals and tourists alike for preserving the soul-warming essence of this iconic dish. As you savor each hearty bite in the cozy, rustic ambiance, you'll feel the legacy of Spanish hospitality come alive in every mouthful.
Learn more2. Malacatín
C. de la Ruda, 5, 28005 Madrid, Spain
Nestled in the heart of Madrid, Malacatín is a time-honored tavern that has been serving up its legendary Cocido Madrileño since 1895, a history as rich and flavorful as the dish itself. As you step through its storied doors, you are greeted by the comforting aromas of slow-cooked chickpeas, chorizo, and tender meats, a culinary symphony that promises to transport you back to the Madrid of yesteryears. Dining at Malacatín is not just about savoring a meal; it’s an immersive experience where tradition meets taste, and where each bite tells a tale of gastronomic heritage and local pride.
Learn more3. Txirimiri
C. de Ferraz, 38, 28008 Madrid, Spain
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Madrid, Txirimiri beckons travelers with the promise of a savory culinary journey steeped in tradition. As you step into this beloved establishment, rich with a history of blending Basque and Madrileño flavors since its inception, you are greeted by the aroma of Cocido Madrileño, a hearty chickpea stew that whispers tales of Spanish heritage and warmth. Allow yourself to savor each morsel in the cozy, rustic ambiance, where every detail, from the wooden beams overhead to the laughter of locals, invites you to experience the rich tapestry of Madrid's gastronomic legacy.
Learn more4. La Gran Tasca
Calle de Sta Engracia, 161, 28003 Madrid, Spain
Stepping into La Gran Tasca in Madrid, you can savor both the rich flavors and deep history of Cocido Madrileño, a traditional Spanish stew. Founded in 1942, this charming establishment has cultivated a reputation for preserving authentic culinary heritage, offering a warm ambiance adorned with reminiscent decor. Amidst the bustling energy of the capital, the experience of enjoying Cocido Madrileño here becomes a delightful journey through time, where each spoonful reveals the soul of Madrid's gastronomic legacy.
Learn more5. El Café de la Opera
C. de Arrieta, 6, 28013 Madrid, Spain
Nestled in the heart of Madrid, El Café de la Opera, a venue steeped in history and melodious charm, provides an unforgettable setting to savor the traditional Cocido Madrileño. As you walk into this iconic establishment, originally an elite 19th-century coffee house, the air is filled with the rich aroma of the simmering stew, a harmonious blend of chickpeas, chorizo, and tender meats. Each mouthful of this hearty dish is a culinary journey through Spain's past, a testament to the city's vibrant gastronomic traditions, all while the soft sounds of operatic arias serenade you in the background.
Learn more6. Casa Lhardy
Cra de S. Jerónimo, 8, 28014 Madrid, Spain
As you wander through the heart of Madrid, a culinary pilgrimage to Casa Lhardy is a must, where the essence of Spanish heritage seeps through every corner of this historic eatery, founded in 1839. Stepping inside, you are enveloped by an air of old-world elegance, the gilded mirrors and rich tapestries setting the scene for your first taste of Cocido Madrileño, a traditional stew that epitomizes comfort and warmth. Each spoonful transports you back through time, as you savor the storied flavors that generations of Madrileños have cherished, making your visit to Casa Lhardy a truly timeless experience.
Learn more7. San Mamés
C. de Bravo Murillo, 88, Chamberí, 28003 Madrid, Spain
Nestled in the heart of Madrid, San Mamés is a culinary sanctuary where the soul-comforting Cocido Madrileño is elevated to an art form. Stepping inside this historic establishment, you are immediately embraced by an ambiance that harks back to a time when bullfighters and artists alike sought refuge in its warm, lively atmosphere. With every sumptuous spoonful of this traditional chickpea stew, rich with meats and vegetables, you not only indulge in a timeless Spanish flavor but also partake in a centuries-old Madrilenian tradition.
Learn more8. La Bola
C. de la Bola, 5, 28013 Madrid, Spain
Nestled in the heart of Madrid, La Bola beckons with the tantalizing promise of authentic Cocido Madrileño, a beloved Spanish stew brimming with history and flavor. Established in 1870, this charming tavern has preserved its culinary traditions through generations, cooking their renowned dish in clay pots over a slow, wooden fire. As you savor each spoonful, you’re not merely indulging in a hearty meal; you’re partaking in a rich cultural heritage that has delighted locals and travelers alike for over a century.
Learn more9. Los Galayos
C. de Botoneras, 5, 28012 Madrid, Spain
Stepping into Los Galayos, tucked in Madrid’s iconic Plaza Mayor, is like entering a culinary time machine, where the legacy of Spanish cuisine is preserved with loving care. Since its founding in 1894, this historic eatery has been a bastion of traditional flavors, and there's no better dish to sample its rich heritage than the sumptuous Cocido Madrileño. Let the aromatic steam of this hearty, slow-cooked stew envelop you while you savor every spoonful, feeling the lineage of generations unfold in each tender bite.
Learn more10. Taberna La Daniela
C. de Cuchilleros, 9, 28005 Madrid, Spain
Stepping into Taberna La Daniela in Madrid, visitors are greeted by a charming blend of tradition and warmth, where the rich aromas of Cocido Madrileño beckon with promises of culinary delight. This restaurant, steeped in history since its founding in 1992, has become synonymous with the iconic Spanish stew, offering a hearty and authentic version that pays homage to the region's gastronomic heritage. Every spoonful transports you to a bygone era, as you savor the tender chickpeas, succulent meats, and robust broth that exemplify the soul of Madrid’s culinary tradition.
Learn moreHow to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Madrid, Spain by plane is to fly into Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport (MAD) from your nearest major airport. Many airlines offer direct flights to Madrid from around the world, so check with your preferred carrier for availability and pricing.
Car
If you are traveling to Madrid by car, the A-6 is the major highway that links Madrid with northwest Spain, while the A-4 links Madrid with southern Spain. Other routes may also be available depending on your starting location. Be sure to check for tolls and plan your route accordingly.
Train
While there are train routes to Madrid from other European cities, the best option will depend on your starting location. The most popular national railway company in Spain is Renfe, which offers high-speed trains that run to Madrid from several cities throughout the country.
Boat
While there are no direct boat routes to Madrid, some cruise lines offer packages that include a stop in the nearby port city of Valencia. Once there, you can take a train or bus to Madrid. The port of Valencia is serviced by several major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises.
Bus
Buses are a popular and affordable way to get to Madrid from other Spanish cities. Several companies, such as ALSA and Avanza, offer daily bus service to Madrid from cities like Barcelona, Valencia, and Seville. The main bus station in Madrid is Estación Sur de Autobuses.
