Top 10 Restaurants Near Opera, Madrid

The Opera neighbourhood is one of Madrid's richest areas for food. Just steps from the Royal Palace and the Teatro Real, you'll find everything from century-old taverns serving classic cocido madrileño to modern restaurants with creative menus. Here's our pick of the 10 best places to eat near Opera.

1. Casa Ciriaco

On Calle Mayor since 1917, Casa Ciriaco is an institution of traditional Madrid dining. Their signature dish is pepitoria de gallina, a hearty stew made with chicken, hard-boiled egg and almonds that has won over generations of locals. The dining room still has its original tiles and vintage photographs. Perfect for an unhurried traditional lunch.

2. Taberna del Alabardero

Right next to the Teatro Real, this elegant tavern blends Basque and Madrid cuisine and has become a reference point in the neighbourhood. The jamón ibérico croquettes are a must-order, and their bacalao al pil-pil is unmatched in the area. The interior is refined but welcoming, with white tablecloths and a solid wine list.

3. Café de Oriente

Overlooking the Plaza de Oriente and the Royal Palace, Café de Oriente pairs a privileged location with polished cooking. It's not the cheapest spot on this list, but it's worth it for a special dinner. The terrace is one of the most beautiful in Madrid, especially at sunset when the Palace lights up.

4. La Barraca

If you're looking for a good paella in central Madrid, La Barraca has been specialising in rice dishes since 1935. It's on Calle de la Reina, about a 10-minute walk from Opera. Their Valencian paella and squid-ink black rice are the most popular orders. The venue has a pleasant Mediterranean feel.

5. Mercado de San Miguel

Technically a gourmet market rather than a restaurant, Mercado de San Miguel deserves a place on this list. Less than five minutes from Opera, its stalls offer oysters, hand-carved jamón ibérico, croquettes, stuffed olives and draught vermouth. Ideal for grazing across several stalls and tasting a bit of everything.

6. Taberna La Bola

Founded in 1870, La Bola is the temple of cocido madrileño. Their version is cooked in individual clay pots over charcoal, exactly as it was done 150 years ago. The cocido is served in three courses: first the broth, then chickpeas with vegetables, and finally the meat. A culinary experience that doubles as a history lesson.

7. Restaurante Botín

Recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest restaurant in the world (since 1725), Botín is a short walk from Opera down Calle Mayor. Their roast suckling pig and baby lamb are prepared in the original 18th-century wood-fired oven. It's touristy, yes, but the quality remains excellent and the experience unforgettable.

8. Lateral Ópera

Lateral is a more modern, laid-back option. Located on Plaza de Isabel II (Opera square), it offers sharing plates with a creative twist: tuna tataki, beetroot hummus, ceviche, gourmet burgers. The terrace overlooks the Teatro Real and is a popular meeting spot for locals and travellers alike.

9. Casa Labra

About an 8-minute walk from Opera, on Calle Tetuán near Puerta del Sol, Casa Labra is famous for its battered cod slices and cod croquettes. It has been going since 1860 and keeps prices remarkably low. The trick is to order at the bar, pair it with a cold draught beer and eat standing up, the way locals do.

10. El Anciano Rey de los Vinos

This century-old tavern on Calle Bailén, facing the Royal Palace, is famous for its house vermouth and tostas. The vermouth is served from the barrel and is sweet, aromatic and dangerously easy to drink. Tostas topped with loin, Manchego cheese or piquillo peppers make the perfect accompaniment. A place with old-world charm where time seems to stand still.

General tips for eating near Opera

• Meal times: Restaurants generally serve lunch from 1:30 pm to 4 pm and dinner from 8:30 pm to 11 pm. Many close between services.
• Reservations: For Friday and Saturday dinners, book ahead at popular spots like Botín or La Bola.
• Menú del día: On weekdays, many restaurants offer a set lunch menu that includes a starter, main, dessert and a drink for between 12 and 18 euros.
• Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory in Spain, but it's common to round up the bill or leave 5-10% for good service.

The neighbourhood

Most of these restaurants are clustered in the triangle formed by Plaza de Opera, Plaza Mayor and the Royal Palace. It's a perfect area for a post-meal stroll, whether you head down through the Sabatini Gardens or cross over to the Temple of Debod for a sunset view.

If you stay at ROX Madrid, you'll be on Calle de la Priora, literally around the corner from the Royal Palace and within easy walking distance of every restaurant on this list. No transport needed: everything is a pleasant walk through the most authentic part of Madrid.