A stone's throw from Plaza Mayor, this restaurant is a must for culinary tourists, as it's considered to be the oldest in the world. It opened in 1725 and it has a Guinness Book of World Records title to prove its claim displayed in the window. The menu specializes in traditional Castillian dishes like Roast Suckling Pig and Lamb that are best accompanied by strong red wine. . The interior of solid wooden roof beams, exposed brickwork, and soft lighting helps create the atmosphere of an 18th Century tavern.

This is one of those restaurants that has been around forever and, fortunately, does not seem to have changed over the years. It maintains its old-fashioned interior and continues to prepare traditional dishes the way it always has. Although it is famous for its version of Cocido Madrileño (a popular Madrid two-course soup/stew), it is also worth trying the delicately grilled sole or any of the other popular stews. The wine list has an acceptable range of varieties to choose from.

It is much more than a café. In fact, this is a restaurant that is good enough to have been awarded a Michelin star for its creative and modern style of cooking. The house specials are cod prepared in a variety of ways and duck liver paté. There is a gourmet menu and an excellent wine cellar. The restaurant is built on top of the ruins of an old convent close to the Teatro Real, and tends to fill up after performances and on Sunday afternoons, when the outdoor terrace is very popular.

One of the hottest spots for tapas in Madrid, Baco y Beto serves a hip and youthful crowd. After 9p, it's packed with madrileños ordering pinchos with beer. Baco y Beto is consistently rated among the best tapas bars in town, due to its ever-evolving menu. The chef’s traditional take on tapas includes local, seasonal offerings with fusion twists, like the inclusion of fois gras and caramelized bananas. While wine is taken very seriously here, with dozens of Spanish specialties available, you can also get beer on tap to wash down those tapas. Rub elbows with the well-heeled crowd here, and you'll feel the true magic and spontaneity of Spanish cuisine at its best. -Veronica Lo

A regular meeting place for intellectuals and writers since it opened in 1888, this café still attracts a loyal clientele made up of journalists and literary types. Famous poets and novelists like Federico García Lorca, Antonio Machado, Rubén Darío and Pérez Galdós all have spent time here. The restaurant specializes in international cuisine with an emphasis on meats. However, you can also choose from a range of regional Spanish dishes. The Asturian varieties are the best. Try Hake cooked in Cider, for example, or Grilled Sea Bass. The wine list features fine wines from Rioja and Ribera del Duero.

Abraham García has been one of the star chefs in Madrid kitchens since the early 1990s and he's had time to develop his own unique style. It's now available here, where he adds exotic touches to traditional Spanish recipes to produce dishes like Smoked Goose Liver, Calamares al Martini (squid with Martini sauce), Rape en Salsa de Cava y Almendras (monkfish in sparkling wine and almond sauce) and Solomillo a las Trufas (sirloin with truffles). Try the Grapefruit Sorbet for dessert. There's an extensive wine list to choose from, the service is good and the dining room is attractively decorated with photos from Luis Buñuel's movies.

Cerveceria la Bodega is a charming, spacious bar with a sprawling patio that gets a lot of sun. It's a convenient place to satisfy your hunger before or after a visit to Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, which is just across the street. The bar is great for groups, and you'll be dining in a lively, yet relaxing atmosphere among a non-pretentious clientele. Munch on complimentary olives and chips while enjoying your chilled beer or tinto de verano, and order from a great selection of typical Spanish tapas. The service is quick and friendly at this wallet-friendly bar. - Veronica Lo

In this temple for the luxury tapas, you can either eat standing up or at one of the tables (if you come early enough). The star tapas are Spanish omelette and grilled pork loin. However, the list is endless and other good options include crab, 'Boquerones En Vinagre' (marinated anchovies), croquettes, tuna and more. As for drinks, you can choose from cider, wines, or beer. At Jose Luis, they also offer a range of traditional dishes.