These are iconic restaurants, steeped in centuries of history and steeped in Madrid’s tradition, culture and cuisine.

Some have witnessed pivotal moments in politics, literature or painting.

Here you can enjoy perfectly poured cañas, vermouth on tap, fine wine, and traditional tapas and dishes.

Today we’re telling you about five of them – the ones you’ll find closest to the city centre and to SLEEP’N.

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Founded in 1725, it is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest restaurant in the world. It is situated near the Plaza Mayor. Roasts cooked in its wood-fired oven are its speciality.

It is said that Goya worked in its kitchens as a dishwasher, and it was a meeting place for many writers such as Ernest Hemingway, Truman Capote and the finest Spanish writers.

Address: Calle Cuchilleros, 17. 28005 Madrid

CASA ALBERTO

Photo: Casa Alberto

Casa Alberto is situated in the very same building where Miguel de Cervantes once lived, on Calle Huertas. Founded in 1827, it still retains its original tap and mementos of Cervantes.

In the time of Ferdinand VII, the people of Madrid would go there for a glass of wine with a hard-boiled egg and a piece of cod.

One of the regulars was Enrique Tierno Galván, Madrid’s first mayor of the democratic era.

Today, you can sample traditional dishes such as Madrid-style tripe, cod or oxtail, considered one of the best in Madrid.

You can also enjoy a fine vermouth on tap, made right in the tavern itself, accompanied by a cone of torreznos.

Address: Calle de las Huertas, 18, 28012 Madrid

CASA LABRA

Photo: Casa Labra

The Casa Labra tavern, situated near the Puerta del Sol, has remained unchanged since 1860. Inside, as well as the zinc bar and traditional marble tables, you can read the graffiti and numerous sayings that allude to the establishment’s history.

Most notably, it witnessed the clandestine founding of the PSOE on 2 May 1879.

Aside from its history, its main attraction is its tapas, particularly those featuring cod – served as freshly fried slices or in croquettes – as well as typical Madrid dishes such as oxtail or tripe, alongside a carefully curated selection of wines.

Address: Calle de Tetuán, 12, 28013 Madrid

LHARDY

Photo: Lhardy

It opened in 1839 as a patisserie and gradually began to serve meals as well.

Much of its décor has been preserved since its early days, so both the façade and the entire interior seem to form part of a museum.

It became famous thanks to the Marquis of Salamanca, who began taking Queen Isabella II there. The tradition was continued by his son, Alfonso XII, and his grandson, Alfonso XIII. They were followed by the whole of Madrid’s bohemian scene: intellectuals, artists, writers…

Even Benito Pérez Galdós mentioned Lhardy in his *Episodios Nacionales*.

On its ground floor, business deals have been struck, political pacts signed, novels written and even governments toppled.

Some of the dishes that made Lhardy famous include Madrid-style tripe, consommé, kidneys in sherry… and, above all, its cocido.

It currently operates as a restaurant with several dining rooms and a delicatessen selling gourmet dishes.

Address: Carrera de San Jerónimo, 8. 28014 Madrid

LA CASA DEL ABUELO

PHOTO: La Casa del Abuelo

La Casa del Abuelo, near the Puerta del Sol, is a traditional tavern founded in 1906.

It is said that Andy Warhol would take his place at the bar whenever he came to Madrid and would sit there motionless, watching as glasses of wine and plates of prawns were served.

Ever since it opened, it has served its sweet wine ‘El Abuelo’ and its famous grilled prawns with garlic.

Address: Calle de Núñez de Arce, 5, 28012 Madrid