Malacatin

A century-old tavern, perfect for trying Madrid stew, either in full or half portions.

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C/ Ruda, 5

28005 Madrid

913655241
malacatin.com

Opening hours:
Sunday to Tuesday 11:00 to 17:30
Wednesday to Saturday 11:00 to 23:00

A Madrid classic, best known for its cocido madrileño (Madrid stew). A member of the Association of Centenary Restaurants of Madrid, it was founded in the late 19th century and is currently run by the fourth generation of the same family. With its typical mid-20th-century tavern decor, it’s a must-visit.

It’s very popular, so if you want a table, it’s best to book in advance. If you’d like to try a smaller portion of their famous stew, arrive before 1:00 PM to see if you can find a spot at their small bar, or in the evening before dinner, which usually starts around 9:00 PM. There you can sample some of their specialties. You can also order full portions of various dishes, including their stew, by phone (through Uber Eats, Just Eat, or Glovo) or by going to the restaurant. The stew can be ordered in full or as a smaller portion for a lower price.

At the bar, you can order a portion of six croquettes (half cocido and half of one of their other flavors) for €8.80, or a serving of cocido broth in a cup for €2.80. The broth is very good and especially comforting in the cold winter. A full cocido served at a table costs €26.50 per person and cannot be shared; everyone must order their own. At the bar or for takeaway, you can order a half portion for approximately €18.

I don’t know if it was a coincidence without malice or if they do it regularly, but I fell into one of those traps for the unwary, typical of places with questionable ethics. When I ordered my vermouth and tapas, they asked if I wanted a Gilda (an anchovy skewer with an olive and a pickled pepper). Thinking it was complimentary, I said yes, and when it came time to pay, I got the unpleasant surprise of being charged €2.30 for said skewer. My fault for being naive, but that’s just not right. I don’t think a customer should have to ask if something is free or not when they’ve been offered something so explicitly, especially when I had already ordered two other things to eat. As a small revenge, the waitress who tricked me didn’t get the couple of euros I was planning to leave as a tip. I’m telling you this so you don’t fall into the same trap, but even so, the place is worth it.