€€ Cheap eats
Photo: Serrano ham
Madrid has literally countless options for those of you who don’t want to break the bank but still want to eat well, and I’m talking real restaurants where you can sit down and get served. With great food. For, like, pocket change. Check out the suggestions below and tuck in to all kinds of tasty treats at what are, shall we say, very unique eateries.
Museo del Jamon
This could very well be unlike any museum you’ve every visited. No curators, no headsets, no gift shop. Just ham. Everywhere. Yep, no shortage of ham here. Ham in every way, shape or form, hanging from the ceiling (kind of like an art exhibition), together with about another billion options in small portions (called raciones), best accompanied by round after round of beer. Here you should expect to expand your stomach (your mind, not so much) and get your fill of Spain’s number one delicacy for very little money indeed.
Carrera de San Jerónimo, 6
Metro Sol (L1, L2, L3)
Tel. 91 521 0346
Calle Mayor, 7
Metro Sol (L1, L2, L3)
91 531 4550
Jia Xiang Xiao Chi (also known as the Chino under Plaza España)
You may think you didn’t come to Madrid to eat Chinese food, but that’s obviously because you didn’t know about this little restaurant. Hidden beside a parking garage under Plaza de España, this is the real deal–Chinese food for Chinese people, and the rest of us who are in the know. Enjoy the views while you eat (consisting of a Christmas tree, a karaoke machine, and the walls of the underground car park) and dig in. The menu may be small, but everything is equally delish and cheap!
Under Plaza de España
Metro Plaza de España (L3, L10)
Casa Mingo
Whether you’re lucky enough to grab a seat outside in summer, or you’re sitting at a long wooden table inside and sharing it with other guests, as is customary, you are in for a real treat. The roast chicken here is TDF, as is everything else on the menu, which, by the way, is only comprised of a handful of options. But that’s just typical Asturian (northern Spain) food for you: finger-lickin’ good. Wash it down with an entire bottle of Asturian cider, and for a truly authentic experience, have the waiter pour it for you. Eating and drinking on a budget never tasted so damn good.
Paseo de la Florida, 34
Metro Príncipe Pío (L6, L10)
The two little bars on the far side of Plaza Mayor in the alley
Tucked away in one of the alleys behind Plaza Mayor are two really great bars. The only thing better than their typical Spanish décor is the fried calamari sandwiches for which they are world-renowned. If you’re not a squid fan, fear not: there is a wide range of budget dishes on offer that are sure to rock your world, but not your wallet. Grab some Spanish omelets, fried green peppers and ham, plop yourself down at a table if you’re lucky, and eat yourself silly.
Rey de Tallarines
This restaurant may not look like much from the outside, but oh dear traveler, are you in for a pleasant surprise. This is the unofficial noodle capital. Grab a table, sit back and watch the chefs perfect their art, as they make the noodles fresh daily and put on what can only be called The Greatest Noodle Show on Earth. With great service, and an inexpensive and extensive menu featuring everything from spicy Thai dishes to your favorite Asian specialties, this restaurant could very well be a reason to extend your stay in Madrid.
Plaza Conde de Toreno, 2
Metro Noviciado (L2), Plaza de España (L3, L10)
Tel. 91 542 68 97
Visiting European cities on a tight budget? Check out our other dirt cheap guides!
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Vienna budget travel guide.