Whether you’re new to Basque cuisine or a connoisseur, the family-run Arima Basque Gastronomy is a great choice for lunch or dinner. This cozy and warm restaurant offers a peaceful retreat from the busy streets of Madrid. Once seated, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy some delicious tapas and traditional dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. Wash it all down with some wine, Basque beer, or a glass of one the most popular items on Arima’s drinks menu, vermouth.

Hip and cool, Toma Café looks like it could rival coffee shops in NYC with its quirky décor that includes bicycles and exposed brick walls. Don’t be fooled, though. Here, specialty coffee is the main attraction and star of the show. Many locals consider this place one of the best in Madrid to get an espresso or a café con leche done right, so make sure you drop by while you visit the city.

Café Central Madrid is unlike any other coffee shop. For over 35 years, this iconic space has housed live music concerts that focus on jazz, making its way on various ‘best jazz clubs’ lists. The emblematic café and bar is a destination in of itself, and a must-visit place for music lovers.

Apart from celebrating cycling culture in a creative and fun way, La Bicicleta Café does something most coffee shops generally avoid. It encourages people to work there, welcoming freelancers and their laptops with open arms, comfortable sofas, large tables, plenty of plugs, and universal chargers. Free Wi-Fi, fantastic coffee, and a selection of food and alcoholic drinks are also provided. This friendly atmosphere makes the café feel like a neighborhood hub.

Lolina Vintage Café welcomes its customers in a charming retro décor with bright colors and items that reference the ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s. The coffee shop is open all day, so you can drop by for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or even dinner. The menu includes everything from amazing coffee to sweet and savory delicacies and cocktails, as well as tea and infusions brought all the way from California.

Stepping inside Café Manuela, customers discover a traditional, old-school interior that combines familiarity with a welcoming atmosphere. The vintage décor includes artworks, columns, art nouveau details, and traditional wooden chairs. On the menu, coffee and cocktails appear alongside milkshakes and ice cream. To make get-togethers with friends even more fun, a large selection of board games is also provided.

Mür Café offers a complete menu which features the expected coffee and pastries as well as cakes, savory options and cocktails. The coffee shop also serves a fantastic brunch on Fridays and weekends, but keep in mind that for the latter you’ll need a reservation. Leather sofas and upholstered armchairs provide extra comfort, while a fireplace takes the level of warmth and coziness to a whole new level.