With almost 6,000 restaurants in Madrid, this city might be one of the best places for a memorable first date. You might prefer something super romantic and intimate, or a swanky tapas bar that’s a bit more laid back; Madrid has it all and for every budget!

Here we’ll give you a few recommendations that will make for a perfect first date spot…

Come for the terrace, stay for the food

Some of the best terraces the restaurants in Madrid have to offer

1. LATERAL Santa Ana

Plaza de Santa Ana, 12. Metro: Tirso de Molina or Sol

Let’s start with the one that might be amongst the most popular restaurants on this list, but we can’t deny that it’s great for a first date. Lateral is an excellent chain with low prices and multiple locations around Madrid. The one in plaza Santa Ana is a personal favorite because of its central location and romantic terrace. Most of their dishes come in two or three different portion sizes, so you can order various dishes and share them with your date. Additionally, if everything goes well and you’d like to continue the date, there are plenty of great bars in the area.

2. Saporem

Calle Ventura de la Vega, 5. Metro: Sevilla / Calle Hortaleza 74. Metro: Chueca

Live music, a cozy terrace, and a wide variety of dishes are among the many reasons this place would be perfect for your first romantic outing. Saporem has two locations in Madrid and both are small oases smack bang in the center of the buzzing city. If you go here, you have to try their sparkling wine sangria to add some fizz to your evening.

3. 80 Grados

This boujee tapas chain is a must-try! You can choose from one of their six locations in Madrid to enjoy their alternative take on Spanish Tapas. They serve signature cocktails of their zingy twist on Agua de Valencia and Sangria and at a very reasonable price.

Restaurants for every taste – each one with its twist

4. El Jardín Secreto de Salvador Bachiller

 Calle de la Montera, 37. Metro: Gran Vía or Sol

This small oasis, courtesy of the Salvador Bachiller store, provides its customers with a calm refuge amongst the loud city crowds. Located on the rooftop of the store, this popular brunch spot transports you to the magical forest full of candles and lanterns. It’s one of the best places for brunch in Madrid and if you prefer a daytime date – this is the one to go with!

 5. Dpipo pizza y pollo

Calle Miguel Ángel, 26. Metro: Rubén Darío

Pizza is always a safe choice for a date! This restaurant is an excellent choice for a first date for its rustic design, good food, and more than affordable prices. They also offer great deals and Menus. If both of you aren’t in the mood for a fancy place – be sure to check this one out!

6. Bar Galleta

Calle Corredera Baja de San Pablo, 31. Metro: Callao

Don’t let the name fool you, Bar Galleta isn’t actually a bar, but a beautifully romantic restaurant. Fun and full of light, this spot is famous for its French atmosphere and tasty food. The staff offers excellent service and prices are very reasonable for this type of establishment. This place won’t disappoint and will make for a memorable date!

7. Mercado de San Ildefonso

Calle de Fuencarral, 57. Metro: Tribunal

This place has a buzzing atmosphere and a variety of food stalls so there’s something for everyone! You can start with a few drinks on the terrace. After that slowly move to tapas or order full plates of food from different stalls if you’re in the mood for something more substantial. Finish it all with one of the tastiest sweet crepes in Madrid. You’re not obligated to have a full meal, and their terraces are atmospheric and romantic. It can get crowded, so we advise going early to get a table and you’ll be able to chill there for a few hours.

8. Superchulo

Calle de Manuela Malasaña, 11. Metro: Bilbao

If you or your date are healthy food lovers – this is the perfect place to choose for your first date. Superchulo with its modern style, dim evening lights, fresh flowers, and high-quality food is a lesser-known gem in the center of Madrid. The design in itself is a mix of different artists’ works and photos of the owner’s family members. Even the smallest detail there has its story and place. Try it out and you won´t regret it for a second!

It’s tapas time!

Because it’s always tapas time somewhere!

9. Tandem

Calle Santa María, 39. Metro: Antón Martín

Tandem is like the younger sister of one of the best restaurants in Madrid, Triciclo. It is equally as interesting but significantly more affordable. It specializes in cold appetizers gourmet style that goes perfectly with a beer or a glass of wine. Go there just to chat, have a few drinks, and try tasty food in an atmospheric tapas bar. As a bonus, some of Triciclo’s dishes tend to appear on the Tandem’s menu giving you a chance to try them out without going to the expensive restaurant.

10. La Tape

Calle de San Bernardo, 88. Metro: San Bernardo

A paradise for beer lovers! La Tape offers more than 40 craft beers and traditional Spanish cuisine with some modern touches. They organize beer tastings and have really interesting seasonal offers, like their Valentine’s Day Menu. It occupies two floors with a spacious bar area if you’re only meeting for drinks, although we strongly recommend you try some of their food. At the very least share a piece of their carrot cake, which some consider being the best in Malasaña!

With these suggestions, you’ve no excuse not to organize an unforgettable date night. Are there any other restaurants in Madrid you’d recommend as first-date destinations? Leave a comment on our Facebook page and share your favorites.

Madrid is an incredible city with so much to discover and perfect to work abroad for a short or long period. Take a look at some of our other posts about Madrid and the foodies out there can also find a list of Five of the best restaurants in Chueca.