La Latina, far from the weekend noise and the clichés of tapas, is now living its best moment. More mature. More gastronomic. More yours. We propose a whole day to savor it well, with three stops that define its moment.
The best snacks in Madrid in the Las Letras neighborhood
Discover the essence of the Barrio de Las Letras neighborhood through a gastronomic tour that takes you to five iconic locations where each dish tells a story about Madrid. A stroll through aromas and flavors that celebrate the city's history and culinary diversity.
Madrid dawns differently when you walk without rushing. The streets of the Barrio de Las Letras, steeped in history and life, wake up to the sound of the first coffees being served, the murmur of the terraces, and the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting from the corners. Here, where Cervantes and Lope once lived, today chefs, tavern owners, and curious visitors find a way to tell the story of the city in every bite.
Going out to discover its flavors is an experience that goes beyond eating: it is experiencing Madrid through the palate, exploring its character and history with a drink in hand. On this route, we suggest a morning stroll to stop at five iconic places where each dish tells a story about what this city is all about.
Today’s route begins in a century-old tavern and ends with a dessert that tastes of the Mediterranean and nostalgia. In between, a succession of bites and drinks that celebrate the culinary diversity of this booming neighborhood.
La Casa del Abuelo: classics that are still alive and kicking
A variety of food items are displayed in an appetizing way.
We begin with a classic that needs no introduction. At La Casa del Abuelo, garlic prawns sizzle in clay pots, releasing an unmistakable aroma of garlic and the sea. This is Madrid in its purest form, a place where time seems to have stood still. A well-chilled Godello is the ideal accompaniment: fresh, salty, and with that Galician elegance that balances the intensity of the dish.
Askuabarra. A nod to today’s Madrid
Las patatas bravas de Askuabarra
A few blocks away, Askuabarra reinterprets tradition with a fun and contemporary twist. Its patatas bravas are pure Madrid spirit: golden, crispy, with a sauce that balances spice and elegance. A glass of Verdejo wine adds citrus and floral notes, cooling the heat and prolonging the pleasure. Here, every bite invites you to raise your glass and continue the journey.
Chuka Ramen Bar. Travel without a passport
El falso nigiri de Chuka Ramen Bar
The journey takes on a cosmopolitan flavor at Chuka Ramen Bar, where Asian cuisine blends with local produce. The faux nigiri made with aged beef and chipotle mayonnaise is pure fusion: intense, creamy, vibrant. We pair it with a full-bodied, mineral Mencía wine. A stop along the way to explore Madrid’s most diverse side.
Triciclo. A journey of flavors
La gamba shiso y el ceviche de mango de Triciclo
At Triciclo, creativity is served up in dishes that are like little sensory journeys. The shiso shrimp and mango ceviche strike a balance between sweet and sour, marine and tropical. The fresh, aromatic wine from Mallorca is a subtle accompaniment. A stop that reminds us that today’s Madrid cuisine is also about curiosity, openness, and respect for the product.
La Esperanza. The sigh of the perfect dessert
La tosta de helado de chocolate con AOVE, sal y naranja de La Esperanza
We end up at La Esperanza. Their chocolate ice cream toast with EVOO, salt, and orange is the perfect ending: a contrast of textures, temperatures, and emotions. A dessert that, like the neighborhood, combines the classic with the unexpected. Each bite leaves a feeling of gentle closure, of an eternal Sunday.