Lorraine Williamson
Madrid has secured its place among the world’s top five cities for food, according to a global survey by Time Out magazine. The Spanish capital now ranks as the best food city in Europe, surpassing culinary heavyweights such as Paris.
The ranking is based on thousands of votes from city residents around the world and was influenced by factors including food quality, diversity, innovation and local reputation. Madrid was placed fifth globally – a position that reflects its rising international status.
A dynamic food scene, rooted in tradition
Each Spanish region has its own culinary heritage, from Valencia’s paella to Córdoba’s salmorejo. In Madrid, dishes like cocido madrileño and callos continue to define local tradition. But what makes Madrid stand out now is how the city has managed to reinvent itself while honouring these roots.
As Time Out puts it: “Madrid’s food scene has always been legendary, but it’s more exciting than ever right now.” And the numbers back it up – 90% of locals rated the city’s dining scene highly, with many describing it as “diverse” and “experimental”.
Innovation and experience
The capital is home to an increasingly diverse range of culinary experiences. Michelin-starred La Tasquería offers high-end offal dishes, while El Invernadero has been recognised by the Green Guide as the world’s best plant-based restaurant. Meanwhile, Corral de la Morería stands out as the only fine-dining venue inside a traditional flamenco tablao.
Up-and-coming chefs are reshaping Madrid’s gastronomic identity at restaurants like OSA, Chispa, Lur and Tonton. Natural wine bars are thriving. Small bakeries continue to multiply. The Trafalgar neighbourhood, in particular, is bursting with new openings.
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Madrid’s culinary duality
Despite the wave of innovation, locals remain loyal to Madrid’s stalwarts. Longstanding favourites like fine-dining institution Sacha and the 25-year-old La Tasquita de Enfrente continue to draw steady crowds. The city’s traditional casas de comidas, small family-run eateries, also remain a key part of everyday dining, often resisting the pull of passing trends.
And for those seeking the latest highlight, Time Out recommends heading to Pabú, where chef Coco Montes transforms seasonal vegetables into “an almost poetic achievement of skill, knowledge, elegance, hospitality and sustainability”.
Madrid in global context
While Madrid leads the way in Europe, New Orleans topped the global list. The Louisiana city, celebrated for its blend of French, Spanish and Vietnamese influences, was praised for seasonal specialities like boiled crayfish. Other cities on the list include Bangkok, Medellín, Cape Town, Mexico City, Lagos, Paris and Jakarta.
As Madrid continues to evolve, its ability to fuse deep-rooted traditions with forward-thinking creativity has helped cement its reputation as one of the most exciting food destinations in the world.
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