Paella is a Spanish rice dish, originating in Valencia. It typically includes saffron, meats, seafood, and vegetables, cooked and served in a large pan to be shared with friends or family. But what about paella in Madrid?
In Madrid, it’s a popular dish despite not being originally from the region. It’s widely available in restaurants, often with local twists and diverse ingredients, catering to both locals and tourists. Did you know that you can actually do a paella cooking class in Madrid? It’s an incredible way to learn about the famous Spanish dish with a local chef and eat the best paella of your life!
Here are the best places to eat paella in Madrid:
Gaditana Castellana
Gaditana Castellana serves the best paella in Madrid.
Located just north of Madrid city centre in the upscale Castellana neighbourhood, you’ll find this hidden-gem Andalusian restaurant catering to a mostly local crowd.
Choose between the traditional seafood paella, the lobster option or a rich, hearty version with mushrooms and Iberian pork.
Gaditana Castellana also does the best Madrid paella according to Tripadvisor.
La Taberna de Peñalver
La Taberna de Peñalver is another one of the best places for paella in Madrid.
The laidback tavern serves Alicante-style paella and tapas with a whopping 1000+ 5* reviews on Tripadvisor.
This Andalusian restaurant is also pretty cheap, offering a starter, a big rice dish to share and dessert for just €21.
Found in the trendy Salamanca neighbourhood, a trip to this restaurant is a great way to escape from the tourists in the city centre and experience some authentic suburban vibes.
El Sur de Moratín
El Sur de Moratīn is an incredible restaurant with a 5* rating on Tripadvisor (which is pretty rare!).
Located in the vibrant Antón Martin area of Madrid, you can head to the Prado Museum for a morning of classic art exploration and then have a long lazy lunch just round the corner at this lovely modern restaurant.
The traditional seafood paella is great and they also offer it as one portion, which is a refreshing approach as many paella spots mandate a minimum of two people per serving.
Restaurante Lola Sí Mola
Lola Sí Mola in another top restaurant for paella in Madrid.
The Mediterranean restaurant, located in Madrid city centre near the Prado Museum, also does the best vegan paella in Madrid.
They also do really good seafood and meat rice dishes (and tasty cocktails!).
The Literary Quarter or ‘Barrio de las Letras’ is one of my favourite neighbourhoods in Madrid – definitely check it out and stop off Lola Sí Molas for some of the best food in the city.
Rosi La Loca
For the best paella near Sol right in the centre of Madrid, you have to choose Rosi La Loca. Don’t be put off by the crazy pink vibes at this restaurant, because the food is outstanding.
Rice lovers rave about both the chicken and the seafood paella, paired perfectly with the restaurant’s innovative cocktail offering.
I hope you enjoyed this guide to the best paella in Madrid, which was created in collaboration with OMIO, the best transport website to use whilst travelling.