Try avoiding restaurants that are close to tourist attractions, especially those around Plaza Mayor. Prices here are extremely high and the quality of food is far from being the best. It is better to get recommendations from the Madrileños themselves – they know what tastes good.

Many restaurants have a lunch menu on offer, called “el menu del día”. This will usually cost you between 6 and 9 €. In more expensive restaurants a meal could cost you at least 35€ or more depending on the wines you choose to accompany your meal.

Restaurant categories in Spain are indicated through forks, not stars. The highest category carries five forks.