Madrid-5 Budget Friendly Restaurants For The Resourceful Traveler

You can experience affordable traditional food in Madrid easily. Enjoy!

Peter Locuratolo
4 min readMay 29, 2024
Photo by Terri Cnudde showing a beautiful table setting in a restaurant.

Sampling the culinary offerings of a city can give you a great taste (pun intended) of the local culture. This is certainly true of Madrid. Having a variety of affordable dining options can really enhance your travel experience while saving you money. Here are five dining choices that are worth considering during your visit to Madrid.

1. Petisqueira

Petisqueira is a hidden gem in Madrid known for its incredible value. For just 1.75 euros, you can get a beer along with a heaping plate of free tapas. The tapas include Madrid staples like patatas bravas, tortilla española, and croquetas de jamón, making it a fantastic spot to experience traditional Spanish flavors without breaking the bank. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, perfect for a casual meal.

Address: Calle Churruca, 6, 28004 Madrid, Spain
Website: TripAdvisor

2. Shapla Indian Restaurant

Shapla Indian Restaurant offers a large, scrumptious meal for under 10 euros. Their menu includes an appetizer, a main dish (such as lamb Tikka Masala), naan flatbread or rice, a drink and dessert, all for 9.50 euros. This tiny, always-packed restaurant in the Lavapiés neighborhood is a favorite among locals and tourists alike for its delicious and affordable Indian cuisine.

A photo of the Shapla Indian Restaurant in Madrid

Address: Calle Lavapiés, 40, 28012 Madrid, Spain
Website: TripAdvisor

3. Ni Hao Chinese Restaurant

Ni Hao Chinese Restaurant is the go-to place for authentic Chinese food in Madrid. The dim sum, soups, and fried noodles are bursting with flavor and are very reasonably priced. A heaping table full of food at this downtown restaurant won’t break the bank, making it a great option for those looking to enjoy a variety of Chinese dishes without spending too much.

Address: Calle de Silva, 20, 28004 Madrid, Spain
Website: TripAdvisor

4. Sidrería El Tigre

A photo of food selection at Sidrería El Tigre in Madrid

Sidrería El Tigre is a legendary spot in Madrid, especially popular among students and backpackers. For just 5 euros, you can buy a drink and receive a plate loaded with tapas and pinchos. The atmosphere is lively and fun with friendly servers who keep the food coming as long as you keep ordering drinks. It’s an excellent place to enjoy a hearty meal and experience the vibrant local culture.

Address: Calle de las Infantas, 30, 28004 Madrid, Spain
Website: TripAdvisor

5. El Respiro

El Respiro is another fantastic budget-friendly option in Madrid. Known for its generous portions of free tapas with each drink, this bar offers a great variety of traditional Spanish dishes. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, making it a perfect spot for tourists to unwind and enjoy a taste of local cuisine without spending too much.

Address: Calle de las Infantas, 34, 28004 Madrid, Spain
Website: TripAdvisor

These restaurants offer a great mix of traditional Spanish and international cuisines, ensuring that tourists visiting Madrid can enjoy delicious meals without straining their budgets.

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Peter Locuratolo
Peter Locuratolo

Written by Peter Locuratolo

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I am a senior citizen who continues to enjoy learning new things, staying fit, traveling and sharing those interests with others.

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