How to Avoid Tourist Traps in Madrid – and Actually Eat Well

Here’s a simple rule: if there are laminated menus with photos of paella outside, keep walking. Another trick? If there are no prices listed, be cautious — it's rarely a good sign.

And about paella: while you can find some decent ones in Madrid, remember that this dish originally comes from Valencia. A good local spot may serve it, but if it's the star of the menu in the capital, it’s often aimed at tourists.

Madrid has hundreds of incredible food spots — and just as many overpriced, underwhelming ones. The key is knowing what to look for: hand-written menus, a crowd of locals, a short but solid wine list, and staff that greet regulars by name.

Trust your instincts, skip the clichés, and don’t be afraid to head a few blocks off the main squares. That’s usually where the good stuff lives.

Want to explore it with us? Join our Authentic Madrid Tour – a tapas experience that goes beyond the free bites with your drink. We order real dishes, local specialities at each stop, and guide you through the flavours Madrileños actually go out for.