7 Recommended Madrid Restaurants
WHERE TO EAT? A question that will probably come-up at least twice a day on your Madrid vacation. Here are seven local establishments we tried and loved. They should help make your next trip to the Spanish capital that much more of a breeze. For dinner, we ate like a Madrileño, that is in the 9:30-10:00PM range. The city scene is in high-gear at that hour.
LAMIAK LA CAVA - in Centro/Plaza Mayor
The perfect cafe in the afternoon when the city is quiet, but you want (need) to eat. Lamiak, just south of Plaza Mayor offers hearty rustic Basques pinxtos (tapas), wine, and refreshingly cold beer in a cozy space - a cool gem of a cafe.
Step down into this bustling contemporary restaurant situated amongst the luxury shops and tree-lined streets of the chic Salamanca neighborhood. The great food comes promptly served, and its cool patrons make for good crowd-watching.
Photos above: La Maruca in Salamanca District; below: Mama Chico in Chueca. 
MAMA CHICO - Chueca
Chic and small, Mama Chico's modern take on Spanish cuisine was one of our most memorable meals. Everything was fresh and beautifully presented.
THE OMAR at the THOMPSON MADRID - Centro/Plaza del Carmen
With giant windows overlooking Plaza del Carmen, the contemporary Spanish cuisine of The Omar is perfect for a leisurely afternoon lunch after a day of exploring in the hot sun. Leave room for dessert as The Omar has its own on-premises bakery.
LA TERRAZAS DEL THYSSEN - Paseo del Prado
A refreshing lunch on the terraces of the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza was just the ticket before we entered to see the world class art collection. Great for lunch, an afternoon drink or a cappuccino.
SRA. SMITH- Chueca
Located on charming Plaza del Rey is SRA. Smith, a lovely place for a dinner of classic Spanish cuisine presented by a welcoming staff in a warmly-decorated dining room. Plaza del Rey also has a few neighborhood bars for you to chillout with your daily Aperol Spritz.
LAMUCCA - Centro/Plaza del Carmen
Order their signature black dough pizza as you sit under Lamucca's umbrellas overlooking Plaza del Carmen. Lamucca is ideal for an afternoon lunch and stays busy into late evening.
Photos below, top row: Pizza at Lamucca; Risotto and pasta at The Omar. Second row: Dessert and interior of SRA. Smith; Las Terrazas at Museo Thyssen.
