Shaped by Greek, Roman, Jewish, and Moorish culture, Madrid’s gastronomy is more than just paella and tapas. Each year, countless restaurants in the country’s capital are added to the Michelin Guide, making this city a must-visit for gourmands seeking flavorful, boundary-pushing dishes. The ones that receive coveted stars have mastered clever innovation, the art of consistency, as well as celebrating the land’s natural environments and this region’s rich traditions. Discover the blood, sweat and tears behind these eight restaurants in Madrid that have rightfully earned their recognition.

 

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Situated a short walk from Puerta del Sol is Paco Roncero. This eponymous institution highlights two stars, three Repsol Suns, and frequently tops international charts. Designers Jaime Hayon and Julio Guixeres collaborated to fabricate a bright, elegant interior and cozy outdoor terrace. The dining experience is centered around Esencia, served at lunchtime, and Afirmación, offering 18 courses.

Nestled inside the Mandarin Oriental Ritz, two-star Deessa is overseen by head chef Domenico Vildacci. Refined flavors from Mediterranean and Extremadura region are depicted between Histórico Quique Dacosta, which displays the chef’s signature dishes from his three-Michelin-starred eatery in Dénia, and Contemporáneo QDRITZ. The lavish interior is adorned with white walls, gold touches, and busts of Greek Gods.

Visionary in and out of the kitchen, DSTAgE is housed in vibrant Chueca district. On the ground floor, artists showcase their skills in an event space, which guides diners upstairs where two menus can be devoured: DSTAgE and Denjoy. Chef Diego Guerrero’s determination to bring visitors out of their comfort zones creates a fun culinary journey around the world, infusing cultures and cuisines. Click here to discover our favorite bustling markets in Madrid.

At Coque, the legendary Sandoval brothers—Mario, Rafael, and Diego—elevate dining by providing various sensory experiences. The 18 courses begin in an English-style cocktail bar and transport guests to a wine cellar, sacristy, and kitchen, where each stop demonstrates elaborate preparation processes before ultimately leading travelers to the dining room. Once seated, don’t miss out on devouring tender, roasted suckling pig.

Nestled inside of Hotel Unico is Ramón Freixa, an opulent establishment focusing on the pursuit of happiness. The deep tones of furniture and glass-fronted terrace, resemble a veranda, to deliver a grandiose space for diners. Tradition and innovation merge to integrate four memorable degustation menus: temporalidad RFM, descubriendo RFM, universo freixa, and petit menú.

Confiar (to trust) is the word. The exclusive Smoked Room is situated inside Hyatt Regency Hesperia and shares its space with Leña Madrid. Grab a front-row seat at the Japanese maple wood bar to view a team of skilled chefs in action. The 15-course “Fire Omakase” menu is a mouthwatering experience to voyage through charcoal-grilled dishes with seasonal ingredients, including: fish, meat, and seaweed. This is an homage to Japanese’s respectful culture of entrusting the chef with meticulous control. SEE MORE: 4 Of The Best Modern Spanish Restaurants In Madrid.

Chef Dabiz Muñoz pushes the limits of Spanish gastronomy in the three-star DiverXO by constructing hedonistic and visionary combinations. The final product is a food journey which transports visitors through various cuisines. Invasive species and Pyrenean ecosystem are recurring themes to represent Muñoz’s boundless approach. Make sure to savor Japanese paella, roasted caviar, and nigiri matured for 45 days.

Since 1956, Corral de la Morería has offered world-class flamenco tablao with dinner. Split between the Tablao restaurant, where viewers can admire a live show, and an intimate dining space for eight travelers. The latter is overseen by chef Basque David García, who shines a light on his native classics, including: scallop carpaccio, roasted lamb, and grilled salmon drizzled in a smoked leek sauce. Don’t miss out on the caramelized torrija topped with fresh milk and banana ice cream.