Eating near the Puerta del Sol is one of the best ways to enjoy central Madrid. The area is packed with historic taverns, food markets and restaurants for every taste, most of them just a few minutes’ walk from the square.
What to try
Madrid’s cuisine offers dishes full of character. Among the essentials are cocido madrileño, callos a la madrileña, the classic fried calamari sandwich and, to finish, some churros with chocolate or torrijas in season.
Tapas in the center
The area around Sol and the neighboring Plaza Mayor are ideal for going out for tapas: sharing plates, local wines and a lively atmosphere. The Mercado de San Miguel, a few minutes away, is a good option for sampling a bit of everything.
Dining with views of the Puerta del Sol
If you want to combine good food with an unbeatable location, dining with views over the square is an experience that is hard to match: enjoying Madrid cuisine while watching the bustle of kilometre zero.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I eat Madrid cuisine near the Puerta del Sol?
What typical dishes should I try in Madrid?
Keep exploring
History of the Puerta del Sol
From medieval gate to the symbolic centre of Madrid: the history of the Puerta del Sol, its great 19th-century renovation, the arrival of transport, its monuments and its role as a gathering place.
LeerThe great renovation that created the Puerta del Sol
The 1857-1862 renovation that created today's Puerta del Sol: the competing designs, the demolitions, Lucio del Valle's arc of buildings and the cost of the new square.
LeerKilometre Zero
The Kilometre Zero plaque, in front of the Real Casa de Correos in the Puerta del Sol, marks the historic origin of Spain's six radial highways. Its history since 1856 and today's compass rose.
LeerWhy It Is Called Puerta del Sol
Puerta del Sol was once a gateway into medieval Madrid, decorated with a sun. Discover how that vanished gate gave the square its name.
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