Taberna La Carmencita — Restaurant in Madrid

Taberna La Carmencita is a lovely spot nestled in the heart of Madrid, offering an authentic taste of traditional Spanish cuisine. The food is good—simple, honest, and distinctly Spanish. From classic dishes to more rustic offerings, everything feels like it’s been crafted with care and respect for tradition. It may not be extraordinary or overly innovative, but that’s what makes it so enjoyable. It feels like you’re being served the same comforting, homemade meals that Spaniards have been enjoying for generations. The wine selection is equally impressive, with a variety of excellent Spanish wines that complement the flavors of the dishes perfectly.

What truly makes Taberna La Carmencita stand out, however, is the atmosphere. The restaurant has a warm, cozy feel that immediately puts you at ease. It’s the kind of place where you want to linger, enjoying the friendly, relaxed vibe that fills the room. The decor adds to the traditional experience, with its rustic touches and intimate setting, making it feel like you’ve stepped into a small, timeless corner of Spain. Whether you’re here for a casual meal or a special evening, the ambiance alone makes it worth a visit.

Overall, Taberna La Carmencita is the perfect place if you’re looking for a true taste of Spain in a comfortable, unpretentious setting. It’s not about gourmet flair but about enjoying the authenticity of Spanish flavors in an atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. Whether you’re a local or visiting Madrid, I highly recommend it for anyone seeking a relaxing meal filled with traditional...

The ambiance is absolutely charming—old-world elegance with a relaxed, welcoming feel that makes you feel right at home. It carries nostalgic touches that reminded me of childhood visits to relatives and grandparents, yet it still feels refined. Despite being in one of the busiest parts of the city, once you step inside, it feels like a quiet retreat.

I always make it a point to come here for callos a la madrileña, and once again the quality of the tripe was excellent—tender, perfectly cooked, and full of authentic flavor. Callos is hard to find outside Madrid and Spain, and truly good callos is even rarer. This dish brought back many memories of growing up. This time, the callos was more tangy than usual, but still delicious. The rice that accompanied it could have been cooked a bit longer, though those who like a firmer bite may prefer it that way.

We also tried the stuffed peppers. The flavors were enjoyable, though the veal stuffing was a little too soft in texture for my taste—perhaps a different meat would have suited it better. The complimentary pâté at the beginning of the meal, however, was a wonderful touch and very tasty. The white wine selection by the glass is limited, but the few varieties available were very enjoyable.

This was the first time I needed to make a reservation here, likely because of the busy season. The process was easy and flexible, with no advance payment required. Definitely worth planning ahead so you...

I was just there, this evening, 6/9/23.

I just did a walk- in, and they happily gave me a table, despite no reservation. The place fills up quickly after 8/8:30pm, as it is deservedly popular-with locals, visiting Spanish and international tourists (mostly well-behaved British and Americans).

The fabric and decor date back to 1854, and the continuity makes it the second oldest restaurant in the city-after Botin (and frankly, this is a lot more fun).

Manager and staff were excellent: friendly and attentive. The chef is surprisingly young and good looking.

The atmosphere is busy and buzzy, without being obnoxiously loud. Great background music-including flamenco, and the Concierto de Aranjuez, which was perfect.

FOOD: was extremely good, even by Madrid standards. The hors d’oeuvres are freshly made, in house. Excellent fried calamari. And the steak was the best I’ve had this week. Sourcing of the ingredients is clearly of a high standard. And very well cooked. Dessert was a delicious chocolate cake.

Good selections of everything on the menu: meat/fish, etc.

Strong recommend. I shall defo return.

Will

(London, mostly; part...