How Madrid's Culinary Scene Transformed The City Into Europe's Must-Visit Food Destination

Amongst Europeans, there is always competition to steal the position of top culinary destination of the year. From croissants and escargot in Paris to food tours in Italy, the continent is abundant with variety, each country claiming its place at the top. In recent years, Madrid has become a top contender, emerging as one of Europe's best cities for food. With old markets that sell traditionally aged produce to Michelin-star restaurants that serve modern fusion dishes, the Madrid food scene seems to have rapidly overtaken the neighboring city of Barcelona as Spain's ultimate foodie destination and become one of Europe's most attractive destinations.

Madrileños are known to truly savor their meals, ditching the traditional three-meals-a-day routine and indulging in a five-meals-a day one, with a small, light breakfast followed by almuerzo before lunch, and a pre-dinner snack called merienda. Mealtimes and communal eating are taken very seriously in Spain, with the Madrileño culture indeed being rooted in feasting, so you'll just have to go there to savor this next-level dining culture for yourself.

So, where do you begin in Madrid's rich culinary landscape? Like all Europeans, Spaniards love their bread, and where else can you pick up a coffee and try some of what claims to be the best bread in Madrid than the famed Cientotreinta bakery in Chamberi? With a team of internationally trained bakers, Cientotreinta employs dedication, humility, and observation in the baking process, and you really do notice the commitment to these words when biting into one of the bakery's extraordinary loaves. To accompany some astounding bread, you must visit some of Madrid's extraordinary delis. Quintessential cheese pit-stop Formaje, also located in Chamberi, offers an encyclopedic array of cheeses, with the Spanish-originating variety manchego being a must-try. Other essential Madrid deli eats are jamón Ibérico de bellota, which is made from acorn-fed pigs and aged for a minimum of three years, giving it 'gran reserva' status. Although this is available everywhere, Museo del Jamón has a ridiculously large selection of cured meats for the carnivore in you.

Traditional dishes to look out for while in Madrid are bocadillo de calamares, a battered squid sandwich, and cocido Madrileño, a hearty chickpea-based stew that contains a variety of meat (and bones!) and dates back to the medieval period. You can find these traditional meals and more at Posada de la Villa, one of the city's most traditional restaurants for these types of Madrileño specialties.

There are currently 28 Michelin-star restaurants in Spain's capital, with a standout being downtown Madrid's CEBO, a restaurant with a rooftop terrace that serves seasonal specialties such as Galician selected cow with chocolate pepper. Also look out for DSTAgE in Cheuca, a high-concept modern dining experience set in an industrial loft. But to immerse yourself in Spanish culture, its the ancient establishments, markets, and tapas bars that will really give you something to write home about. Madrid's restaurant scene is dominated by places that specialize in one particular dish. Though a small menu may be divisive if you're traveling in a large group, it's the best way to discover some of the city's traditional specialties. For example, you'll find some of the Madrid's famed gambas al ajillo (shrimp in garlic) at La Casa del Abuelo.

Finally, the Mercado de San Miguel has earned an international reputation for being one of Europe's most important food hubs. If you can get a seat at this bustling market, one of Spain's most visited places, you'll find delicious specialties from the Basque country such as pintxos (traditional tapas bites that are often served on picks), croquettes (perhaps Madrid's most famed tapas dish), and an incredible array of regional olives and other delicious snacks to pick at. Make sure to try the Asturian cider before leaving, or you'll definitely regret it.