Everyone thinks eating near the Royal Palace means tourist prices. Then I found La Paradita Tapas Bar, where every tapa on the menu costs 1.95 euros.
I have passed by this bar many times without trying it. Every time I have guests from the Philippines, the Royal Palace is a required stop, so now I finally have a place to bring them after their Palace tour. La Paradita is on Calle Carlos III, 1, right between the Teatro Real and the Royal Palace. If you are coming by metro, get off at Opera (lines 2 and 5) and you are there in two minutes.
How it works
This is not a sit-down-and-wait kind of bar. You scan the QR code on your table, pick what you want from the menu, pay, and they call you when it is ready. No waiting for a waiter to notice you, which I appreciate when I am hungry.
A caña (small beer) costs 1 euro. The tapas are 1.95 euros each. Bigger portions (raciones) are around 5 euros. You can genuinely eat and drink here for under 10 euros per person, a few steps from the Royal Palace.
What we ordered
We had the chorizo, the croquetas, the paella de la huerta, and the ensaladilla rusa. The chorizo was the simple kind that tastes like every Spanish abuela’s kitchen. The croquetas are homemade, creamy inside with a proper crust. The paella de la huerta and ensaladilla rusa rounded out the tray. For 1.95 euros each, I had low expectations and they beat them easily.
The verdict
La Paradita is not fine dining and does not pretend to be. It is cheap, fast, and central, and the food is honest. The place is cool and edgy, and it is right on the main street. If you are doing the Royal Palace with kids and everyone is melting down hungry, this is the answer. If you want a proper sit-down meal in the area, check my Michelin Bib Gourmand reviews instead:
- Michelin Madrid Bib Gourmand: La Monteria
- Michelin Madrid Bib Gourmand: Tepic
- Michelin Madrid One Star: La Tasqueria
La Paradita Tapas Bar
Calle Carlos III, 1, Madrid
Metro: Opera (L2, L5)
Open daily 11:00 to 01:00
