Brunch is one of our favorite meals of the week: it’s a leisurely way to catch up with friends and family over a feast of sweet and savory favorites. From pancakes and French toast to bacon and smoked salmon, there is truly something for everyone. And the right wine can be the finishing touch to brunch. The variety of dishes on the table open a wide rage of wine pairing.
We’re going to list you our recommendations to have the best brunch ever in Madrid, I hope you like them:
The Westin Palace
For the ultimate brunch experience, The Westin Palace Hotel pulls out all the stops. Their in-house restaurant La Rotonda puts on a magnificent all-you-can-eat spread every Sunday from 1.30pm to 3.30pm that caters to all and every brunch craving (lobster anyone?).
Be sure to try the foie grascanapés and don’t forget to leave some room at the end for the dessert buffet (the chocolate desserts are to die for). As you gorge yourself silly and sip on champagne in opulent surroundings beneath a dazzling stained glass dome, live opera is performed before your eyes. The whole experience comes at a hefty price of €83 per person but, trust us, it’s worth the splurge at least once during your time in Madrid.
Plaza de las Cortes, 7
Mama Framboise
This cosy nook filled with repurposed wood and over-stuffed leather banquettes brings Paris straight to the heart of Madrid. Usually packed, it is well worth the wait for one of their absolutely delicious pastries (which they take very seriously indeed). In a city where pastry reigns supreme (almost every major fiesta comes with a dedicated sweet treat), 27-year old pastry chef Alejandro Montes (and winner of best young pastry chef in Spain) is out-baking everyone!
If you can, bag a window seat to experience the holy grail of leisurely morning coffee breaks. Frothy artisan blends are served in delicate mismatched china, alongside glistening tartes aux fraises and jewel-like macaroons. You won’t find a dedicated brunch menu here, but with treats on tap, you won’t be disappointed! Swap your fluffy short-stack pancakes for their more refined French cousin, with a delectable range of savoury crepes. Oui, s’il vous plait!
C/Fernando VI 23
Carmencita Bar
One of the most affordable and acclaimed brunches in el capital. Carmencita Bar may be nestled down an unassuming lane in Malasaña, yet it is fiendishly challenging to get a reservation for the same week (we recommend at least calling pre-Tuesday for a weekend brunch). Hosting dedicated “Brunch feast” sessions with a prix-fixe menu from Friday-Sunday (12-5.30pm), portions are generous and the coffee is strong.
Carmencita is also one of a handful of places serving real hash browns in Madrid (we never thought we’d miss them – “you don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone”)! Their 1€ mimosas are legendary, and a surprisingly delicious hair of the dog treat that’s friendly for your wallet, if not your waistline.
Carmencita is also popular international hangout, hosting a laid-back language exchange on Tuesday evenings (9pm) – if the prospect of perfecting your Dutch/French/English doesn’t tempt you, their “Tuesday special” bellinis might.
C/San Vicente Ferrer 51
Martinez Gin Bar
Don’t let Martinez Gin Bar moniker put you off pre-midday – at weekends they are all about NYC style brunch and its sacred cornerstone, the humble bagel. For less than a tenner, enjoy yours any-which-way with a freshly squeezed OJ (entertainingly pressed by one of those huge omnipresent Zumo juicers reminiscent of an invention from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, where the oranges roll down a metal tube to meet their juicy fate), a cuppa and obligatory wedge of cake (one would never refuse cake)!
C/Barco, 4
Café Federal
Australians are well known for their barista skills and appreciation of a hearty brunch and this popular Aussie-run café in the Malasaña neighborhood doesn’t disappoint. Taking its name from a small, peaceful town in New South Wales, the café boasts a quiet, leafy garden that provides the perfect setting in which to ease your hangover from Saturday night. The freshly brewed coffee is excellent (the flat white is made just right) and the brunch menu (served until 1pm on weekdays and 4pm on weekends) features all the classics such as homemade granola, French toast and maple syrup (plus some delicious caramelized bananas) and scrambled eggs on sourdough toast. It might be worth getting up an extra 30 minutes earlier for this place as there’s often a line for tables.
Plaza Comendadoras, 9
Ojalá
Tucked away down one of Malasaña’s tiny side streets, Ojalá serves an all-day brunch daily from 10am to 8pm. The brunch menu offers both sweet and savory options that all come artfully presented and include a coffee or tea, juice and a choice of soft drink, beer or wine (we love their freshly baked organic bread). You can also get your kale or acai fix with one of their tasty smoothies.
You can sit upstairs in the trendy colorful interior and watch your eggs being fried in the kitchen or head downstairs to the ‘beach’ where you can get comfy on the lounge chairs and low tables on a floor of sand and almost believe you’re at the beach (they even have heated lighting to recreate the feeling of the warm sun on your face).
Calle de San Andres, 1
La Mallorquina
If you’re looking for a more Madrileño-style brunch then La Mallorquina is a classic. This historic café has been around since 1894 and is famous for its sweet, flaky pastries that are mouthwateringly good.
Do like a local and order a coffee and a pastry and sit in the salón upstairs as the aromas from the enormous ovens downstairs waft up and entice you to order a second round. Get there on the earlier side and enjoy the sweet treats fresh out of the oven.
Calle Mayor, 2
Don’t forget to pair all this delicious food with our wonderful Spanish wines, no matter red, white or sparkling, you will have a terrific brunch with all of them.
Enjoy!!
