Bar El Brillante — Restaurant in Madrid

I couldn't believe that this very well known establishment (famous for its calamari sandwich) was just a stone's throw from my accommodation! I had just arrived in Madrid from Paris and was very hungry once dinner time came around. I had dinner slightly late and I ordered the croquettes and the calamari sandwich for dinner and downed it with tinto de verano. My first time trying tinto de verano and I can't say that it's my favourite but not to fear there is so much on the beverage menu but I don't think it's all listed on the actual menu from what I saw. My waiter was telling me to slow down and he was so right because I struggled to finish my dinner (but I did finish it as I don't like to waste food) so I'd advise to start small if it's your first time and you're dining alone. I did like my calamari sandwich but it was a bit dry and I discovered later that you need to ask for lemon slices and mayonnaise (and possibly other sauces?). I find it strange that the lemon slices aren't offered by default though. I liked this spot so much that I came back for brunch the next day and I thoroughly enjoyed my meal. The Spanish omelette had great flavour and the bread is fresh as always but I really love butter and I feel like fresh bread needs a generous spread of butter or at least offered as an option for us butter lovers. Also ordered tea with milk and sugar (I'm a tea lover and have to have a cup with my first meal of the day) and a glass of orange juice. The orange juice tasted so fresh and delicious and I would've been happy to have a litre of it! Waiters are nice and very animated with their fellow waiters and even the chef and bartenders. It's kind of like watching a show whilst you're dining! It's not a fancy place at all (in fact the stools are very uncomfortable - perhaps this is on purpose) but all you really need is good food prepared with love and served with speed. Great location and the fans are on high speed so you won't melt if it...

Bar El Brillante is a Madrid institution, beloved by locals and tourists alike for one thing above all: its legendary calamares fritos (fried calamari sandwich). Conveniently located just across from Atocha Station and steps from Reina Sofía Museum, this no-frills tapas bar has been serving classic Madrid flavors since 1952.

The interior is old-school and bustling, with stainless steel counters, bright lighting, and quick-moving waiters — the kind of place where tradition rules and service is fast and to the point. While it may not be about fine dining, it’s full of authentic charm and a deep sense of place.

The star of the show is undoubtedly the bocadillo de calamares: crisp, golden rings of squid stuffed generously into crusty bread, best enjoyed with a cold beer or a glass of vermouth. It’s simple, satisfying, and exactly what you’d hope for in a true Madrid staple. The menu also offers other classic tapas — croquetas, jamón ibérico, tortilla — all solid, though the calamari is what keeps people coming back.

Prices can be a touch higher than similar spots in less touristy areas, but the quality, speed, and iconic status make it worthwhile — especially for a quick bite before catching a train or visiting nearby cultural sites.

Bar El Brillante is not fancy, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s bold, traditional, and proudly Madrileño. A must-visit for anyone craving a bite of Madrid’s...

Six of us were staying at the hotel next door and went for breakfast. We went inside as it was a cold December morning. All the seating was on high stools by the bar or at high tables.. We are an elderly group with the usual issues–back pains etc.– and for health reasons shouldn't sit high up with legs dangling. We asked for a table and was told very peremptorily by the waiter that if we want to sit at a normal table we would have to sit outside (in the cold and next to the traffic!) I asked why there were not tables inside - there was plenty of room. He said that it was since covid and it was the owner's decision. I said that was nonsense as we had had breakfast there several times on a visit to Madrid earlier that year. If the reasoning was because of reducing the chance of transmitting infection it was also nonsense as the people at the bar were sitting shoulder to shoulder, much closer than if they had been sitting at a normal table; also people sitting around a small circular high table on backless chairs tend to lean forward, increasing the risk of passing on infections. I suspect that the real reason is to discourage people from sitting too long and taking up space. We sat outside, in the cold, and had a good breakfast, staying longer than intended as the surly waiter was inattentive when we were wishing to pay the bill, We were in Madrid for several days, but when elsewhere...