Where to eat near the Retiro (places within 10 minutes walking distance)

You've left the Retiro hungry and the last thing you want is to fall into a place for tourists where the food is mediocre and the bill will make your walk bitter. Around the park there are many bars and restaurants, but not all of them are worth it.

In this guide we have compiled bars and restaurants that are less than 10 minutes away of some entrance to the park, which we have personally tested with good food, reasonable prices and no tourist traps. There is everything from quick tapas to places to sit quietly and eat.

Manolita Chen - Puerta de Alcalá

A restaurant that plays at mixing the best of the Asian cuisine with creative touches. Here you will not find the typical Asian dishes, but surprising combinations that make each bite a little experiment (very well done, by the way).

We dove headlong into the duck gyozas with foie delicate and full of flavor, followed by the Manolita Roll The main course, which combines Korean pear, avocado, shrimp and sea bass, is pure fantasy. For the main course korean tacos of beef tenderloin that were spectacular. And yes, the dessert was not far behind: the coulant with black sesame ice cream left us speechless.

The site has a roll modern and cosmopolitan with high tables, minimalist decor and a terrace perfect for summer evenings. The atmosphere is lively, ideal to go with friends and let yourself be carried away by the menu. The average price is around 30-35€ per person which, for the location and quality, did not seem at all unreasonable to us.

• Average price: 30-35 € per person
• Favorite dish: Sirloin steak tacos

Bel Mondo - Puerta de Alcalá

Bel Mondo is the trendiest Italian restaurant in Madrid. Between its dreamy decor and lively atmosphere, it seems that you have teleported to a party in Rome. You will not only want to eat there but also take endless pictures in each of its beautifully decorated spaces.

We are committed to the carbonara pasta that they finish making directly into a giant cheese We were already convinced before tasting it. We assure you that not only the show is worth it, it's really good, but only for cheese lovers because it tastes strong cheese. In addition, the burrata salad was the perfect counterpoint, soft, fresh and with a very Mediterranean touch that balanced perfectly.

The site is large, lively and with a lot of personality It is ideal to go with friends or as a couple if you like the hustle and bustle. The service is fast and friendly, although at times there is so much movement that it seems that you are in the middle of an Italian market. The average price is around 30-35 € per person and, based on the quantity and experience, we believe it is fine.

• Average price: 30-35 € per person
• Favorite dish: Carbonara in cheese

La Bistroteca - Zona Goya

La Bistroteca is a site of top hamburgers with a point of originality that you can't find anywhere else. We have been there several times because it is one of those places that never fails and you always want to come back.

One of our must-haves is the guacamole prepared at the table The hamburger is served in front of you, with just the right amount of lime and coriander, very tasty. As for burgers, the Sabuesa is one of our favorites with cheese, Iberian jowl and grated truffle at the table. And the Wellington is no slouch either: mushrooms, foie gras and matured Iberian jowl, all on homemade brioche bread.

There are two locations very close to each other. Both have a roll casual but careful Ideal to go with friends or as a couple without complicating your life. The service is fast and friendly, and although it is usually full, it is always worth the wait. The average price is around 30 per person. They are not the cheapest burgers but we assure you that they are worth it.

• Average price: 30 per person
• Favorite dish: the Sabuesa

Los Rotos - Goya Zone

At Los Rotos there is no mystery: we come here to eat broken eggs. It is a bar specialized in this dish, which you can order at frying pan or in a muffin with a menu full of combinations for all tastes.

Rations are huge and, for what they offer, the price is a real gift. We love the classics with ham, which never fail, and those of old clothes They have that little homemade touch that makes you wet your bread. The truth is that it doesn't matter what you order, because everything is good and well served.

The premises are decorated with Pleased to meet you The ambience of the restaurant fits perfectly with the experience: simple, hearty food to be enjoyed without haste. It is perfect to go with friends, fill the table and share, because here it is difficult to stay hungry.

• Average price: 15-20 € per person
• Favorite dish: Broken eggs with old clothes

Alfredo's Barbecue - Menéndez Pelayo

At Alfredo's Barbecue American-style hamburgers, big, juicy and with that taste of fire that hooks you from the first bite. It is the ideal place if you are looking for well-done meat without weird inventions.

Our favorites are the Southern Jack with its Monterrey cheese and spicy, and the Goat with goat cheese and a touch of sweetness that goes luxuriously with it. Even so, whichever one you order, it is spectacular. The starters are quite basic -nachos, onion rings, wings-, so the burgers are the main attraction. In addition, from Monday to Friday at noon they have menu of the day perfect to indulge yourself without spending a lot of money.

The local has a roll casual and very yankee with simple decoration and a relaxed atmosphere that invites to go in informal plan. The average price is around 20-25 € per person and you leave more than satisfied.

• Average price: 20-25 € per person
• Favorite dish: Southern Jack

La Castela - Puerta de Alcalá

In Madrid there are many new and modern places, but sometimes what you want is to go back to the usual: a good traditional restaurant, with quality products and without being overpriced La Castela is just that, a tavern with a lively bar and a menu that smells like real cooking.

Your millefeuille of tuna belly fillets is the star dish and no wonder: juicy, delicate and full of flavor. We also tried the oxtail tender and mellow. Here the tapas and portions do not fall short, so the sharing comes out round.

The environment is traditional but with a touch of elegance Ideal to go for tapas at the bar or to eat at a table. The service is fast, attentive and with that "castizo" touch that makes you feel at home. The average price is around 25-30 € per person The quality and quantity are among the best in Madrid.

• Average price: 25-30 € per person
• Favorite dish: Millefeuille of tuna belly fillets

El Brillante - Atocha

This bar, a classic in front of Atocha, is famous for its squid sandwich and it doesn't mess around: crispy bread, tender squid and a size that you almost have to hold with both hands.

You won't find haute cuisine here, but you don't need to. The charm is in the simple: well-drawn beer The fast service and constant hustle and bustle is part of the experience. We always fall for the squid sandwich They also have other typical dishes to go with it.

The premises are very traditional with a lifetime bar and waiters who seem to have been there for decades. It is perfect for a quick stop before continuing touring the city. The average price is around 8-12 € per person if you go just for a sandwich and something to drink, and you leave satisfied and with a happy stomach.

• Average price: 8-12 € per person
• Favorite dish: Squid sandwich

Tips for eating near the Retiro without overpaying

• Avoid the terraces right on Independence Square if you don't want to pay inflated prices.
• Book in advance In Madrid, it is a must in any place.
• If you can, go before 14:00 or after 15:30 to find a table without waiting.

If you want to read other articles ideal for your trip that complement Where to eat near the Retiro (places within 10 minutes walking distance) you can visit our posts about Madrid.