Best Cafes in Madrid

Bar Mirador El Estanque

My first destination in Madrid was one of my favorite spots, El Retiro Park. I wanted to start my trip here in a relaxed mood.This was one of the cafes near the pond in El Retiro where people row small boats. I sat at one of the empty tables and order churros. The churros was an excuse, I just wanted to sit by the pond. It is one of the places where I would recommend spending time because of its location rather than what you eat. And if you are lucky like me, you may come across live music from an uncle while you are sitting.

People rowing on the pond, others stopping to take photos around the pond, and the romantic music playing in the background had drawn me into peace. I found myself thinking that it would be nice if a marriage proposal was made while rowing. The possibility of falling into the water out of excitement and joy is a risk that I wouldn’t be willing to take though.

Honest Greens Madrid

After wandering around El Retiro a little more, I returned to the hotel and check in. My room was very large and full of little treats. My trip to Madrid seemed to be getting better despite the cold. After leaving my hotel, my new direction was Chueca region. We had enjoyed walking around last time we were here. I even sat in one of its squares and drank coffee while my friend was endlessly shopping at Primark.

My intention this time was the cafe in the courtyard of the Museum of Romanticism (Museo del Romanticismo), which was closed due to hours when we last went. On this visit, I learned that they have closed it completely in 2020.I am heading towards the square where I drank coffee before, but the building of a cafe I have saved is also under restoration. Has my luck suddenly turned around? 🙁

Honest Greens was one of the places we discovered by chance on our last trip, but since then, has become a regular in my visits to Spain. It’s a safe choice to me. I had banana bread with oat milk latte. The banana bread is one of the best I had recently.

My cafe tour ended for today. On the way back, I stopped by Wow Konsept on Gran Via. This is almost a museum-like store where products of different and often expensive brands are sold. There is a different concept on each floor, footnote toilets are also very clean 🙂 There was also a rooftop bar on the top floor, but it seemed to be temporarily closed.

Café Del Art

My next stop in the morning was Cafe Del Art, one of Spottedbylocals’ local recommendations. This place blowed me away with its decor. A ceiling decorated with greenery on a long table in the middle. Mostly wooden details, but materials reminiscent of the past, such as velvet chair covers, were also used. A wooden world map stands on the wall. Since it was a Saturday morning and I went at the opening time, I was able to find a seat, but it got crowded after I left.

I started the day with croissants and coffee at Cafe Del Art. The croissant was large, but to be honest, it was not the best I have eaten in terms of taste and texture. The coffee was also a little strong for me. The ambiance was so nice that even the food I ate tasted better than it actually was.

Hola Coffee

After Cafe Del Art, I went to El Retiro Park again. If I lived in Madrid, I would be a regular. Since it was Sunday, everyone was doing sports activities and the park was lively. As I left the park, I passed by the green wall near Caixa Forum. There was Hola Coffee, another local recommendation, that I bookmarked near the park. The location of the second coffee of the day was thus determined.

This is a very small cafe. Both tourists and locals prefer it. In addition to normal chairs and tables, there are also seating arrangements that resemble benches. Their desserts look pretty good too, but since I’m not hungry yet, I just settle for coffee. The coffee is delicious but the cups are a little small. Of course, like almost all the 3rd wave coffee shops, the price is a bit high. You can also buy ground coffee here. Since it is small and crowded, I think it is not a place for long conversations.

La Bicicleta Cafe

After Hola Coffee, I walked towards the Palacio Real de Madrid. This place was also very lively and is a popular spot for tourists. Since it was not sunset time, I couldn’t find those beautiful views I have seen in my previous visit.

After visiting the stores of the familiar brands on Gran Via, I needed to drink my third coffee of the day because my battery was getting lower. So a coffee shop was a must-go destination. I dived into the streets of Chueca District via Gran Via again.

When I visited this area the day before, the front of Bicicleta Café was very crowded. However, when I luckily found a seat, I didn’t get what is so appealing about this place. The coffee was way too strong in my opinion, but I guess there are people who like it that way. Maybe it is the name attracts people.

La Rollerie

The last cafe I stopped at before leaving Madrid was La Rollerie. It has branches in different locations, I have chosen the one close to my hotel, Hotel Casual Teatre Madrid. Although it looks like a luxury restaurant, it actually serves more like a patisserie and the prices are not too high. Since this place is usually very crowded in the morning and at noon, I was curious to try.

I ordered carrot cake and mango smoothie. Especially the carrot cake was incredibly delicious. Even though it was late in the evening, it was still fresh. The smoothie was also not too sweet, just the way I like. It definitely went well with the carrot cake. The service was a little slow late in the evening, I guess because they were tired.

The Fix Coffee

This cafe was from our previous trip yet in 2019 yet its rating on Maps is still very high. I assume it’s still recommendable. Near Alonso Martinez metro station, we spotted “The Fix” unitentionally, it was looking quite charming. It was not a very famous café back then but I guess it is now. We recommend it for a break with fresh drinks. They have a nice variety of healthy juices as well.

La Mallorquina

Second recommendation from our previous trip to Madrid. La Mallorquina, located in Plaza Del Sol, is famous for its chocolate croissants. It’s usually quite crowded, but we were satisfied with the taste.

You might also want to read my post on “Things To Do in Madrid” and “Best Restaurants in Madrid“.