El Museo Nacional del Prado, known by most as just the Prado, is one of the world’s greatest places to see priceless art. Here you can gaze at masterpieces by Velázquez, El Greco, Hieronymus Bosch, Titian, Goya, Albrecht Dürer, Rafael, and Caravaggio, among many others. For most visitors, browsing art galleries and museums is one sure fire way to build up an appetite. But, you don´t need to stray too far to find the best restaurants near the Prado museum. This is Madrid, after all.
So, when your stomach starts to rumble and you’ve taken in nearly all the masterpieces in the museum, here are the best places to eat near the Prado.
Traveler’s tip: The famous Prado features a mind-boggling amount of art work. So much so that its quite a daunting task to see all there is to see. If you’d like to see this world-renowned museum in the most efficient and interesting way possible, consider signing up for our VIP Early Acesss in the Prado Tour.
Restaurants near the Prado Museum
Casa Alberto
Just 10 minutes walking from the museum in Las Letras, Casa Alberto is a century-old tavern that oozes with ambiance. If you like paintings and photos of famous bullfighters, even better. Cozy up to the casual bar for some outstanding tapas, such as fried calamari, crispy patatas bravas, and veal meatballs. Alternatively, nab a table at the more formal restaurant for their famous Russian salad, cod-stuffed peppers, tender beef cheeks, and rich oxtail stew.
La Sanabresa
Walk 10 minutes west until you reach Calle del Amor de Dios and you’ll find La Sanabresa (C. del Amor de Dios, 12). This restaurant, opened in 1965 and has been very popular with the neighborhood locals for the last 6 decades. Here three waiters work the table-crammed dining room, serving home-style Madrid fare to the loyal crowd. This is about as old-school as it gets in Madrid.
Lhardy
Not far from La Sanabresa and close to bustling Puerta del Sol is Lhardy, a 185-year-old restaurant serving up Spanish fare with a slightly French accent. The handsome dining room features wooden clad walls, opulent chandeliers and crisp white cloths covering the tables. Lhardy isn’t the cheapest restaurant in town, but if you want a splurge-worthy meal in an elegant environment, this is it.
Emma Cocina
Located near Puerta del Sol, about 15 minutes from the Prado, Emma Cocina (Pl. de San Miguel, 4) serves up tapas and full portions of mouth watering fare. The menu leans toward Spain but also takes a jaunt around the Mediterranean, offering Turkish kofte, pasta dishes, and spinach-and-feta wraps. There’s a long list of jamón Ibérico to consider and the lunchtime menu del día is a two-course affair priced very reasonably.
Traveler’s tip: Do you want to explore more of Madrid’s top culinary spots? Why not back up your morning Prado tour with an amazing food tour in the evening? Our small group Tapas & Flamenco Tour in Madrid will let you experience the passion of an authentic flamenco performance with some local tapas and drinks.
Barracuda Mx
Around the corner from Puerta de Alcalá and 10-minutes walk from the Prado is Barracuda Mx. This place serves up award-winning haute Mexican fare from celebrated chef Roberto Ruiz. The seafood-leaning menu will bring your taste buds to a coastal town in Mexico. And the tequila and mezcal cart, moving about the dining room, adds to the dining joy.
Los Gatos
A six-minute walk from the museum brings you to Los Gatos (C. de Jesús, 2). This is a beer-focused tavern with a wonderful list of tapas delights. Order Galician octopus, tinned seafood, jamón Ibérico, and anchovies from Cantabria, among other Iberian treats. The wild decor with skeleton images on the tiled wall, chandeliers, and various portraits of famous bullfighters is a feast for the eyes.
Cervecería Alemana
Since the turn of the 20th century, the Cervecería Alemana has been pouring frothy golden ales for Madrileños. The German beer spot was also a favorite of Ernest Hemingway. His favorite table was apparently in the front and to the right, if you want to sit where Hemingway frequently got tipsy. The place has a large beer selection including some German and Czech brews and the menu includes Spanish staples, as well as some requisite German sausages. A 13-minute walk from the Prado Museum, the beer spot sits on decadent Plaza de Santa Ana.
Salmon Guru
This chic and fun spot may be known as a cocktail bar—it’s currently on the list of the World’s Top 50 Bars and is one of the best bars in Madrid—but there’s a fantastic and eccentric food menu on offer at Salmon Guru. Think tempura prawns wading in a tangy salsa verde, duck yakitori, and Chinese pork belly and caramelized popcorn wrapped in a blue corn Mexican tortilla.
And oh yeah, the cocktails are worth every sip here. It’s a 10-minute walk from the Prado. The bar opens at 6pm, so time your visit to the museum in the afternoon so you can arrive as the bar opens.
Nunuka
If you need a descanso or a break from croquetas and jamón, head to Nunuka, a 15-minute walk from the Prado. Nunuka serves up the cuisine of Georgia, for the uninitiated, that would be the Republic of Georgia, located in the Caucasus Mountains. The Georgian food is one of the great cuisines of the world, serving up baked cheese bread called khachapuri, broth-holding dumplings called khinkali, plus walnut-sauce slathered roasted chicken and pomegranate-seed-spiked salads. Nunuka is a casual but inviting place to enjoy this Georgian feast.
FAQ´S – Restaurants near the Prado Museum
What is the best time to go to restaurants near the Prado Museum?
Most restaurants near the Prado museum get busy during lunchtime (1–3 pm) and dinner (8–10 pm). For a more relaxed experience, consider arriving slightly earlier or later than peak hours. Some tapas bars also offer a lively late-evening scene after museum closing time.
Are there vegetarian or vegan options?
Yes! While traditional Spanish cuisine often features meat and seafood, many restaurants now offer vegetarian and vegan dishes, such as vegetable croquettes, grilled vegetables, salads, and plant-based tapas. It’s always worth asking the staff for daily specials.
Do these restaurants accept reservations or walk-ins?
Most fine-dining and popular spots (like Lhardy or Salmon Guru) recommend reservations, especially on weekends. Smaller tapas bars often welcome walk-ins but may have a wait during peak hours. Calling ahead can help guarantee a table.
Want to explore Madrid’s most prestigious art museum before it opens to the public? Join our VIP Prado Exclusive Early Access Tour to do just that! Dive into masterpieces with the guidance of an expert storyteller and see Spain’s artistic heritage come alive – without the crowds.