Madrid’s food scene. Credit: Shutterstock, EGT-1
A Spanish city has officially been crowned the best city for food in Europe, beating gastronomic gems including Paris, Porto, and Naples. The prestigious title was awarded by Time Out, which surveyed thousands of locals and consulted food experts to compile the rankings.
What is the best culinary destination in Europe?
According to Time Out, 90 per cent of Madrid residents described the city’s food scene as “diverse” and “experimental,” securing its top spot in Europe. On a global scale, Madrid also impressed, ranking as the fifth-best city for food worldwide, tying with New Orleans in the food expert rankings.
Madrid’s food scene has long been celebrated, but what’s driving its popularity right now? According to Gorka Elorrieta, Time Out Madrid’s Food and Drink editor, the city is evolving with cutting-edge culinary experiences. Elorrieta says: “We’ve got the world’s best plant-based restaurant according to Green Guide (El Invernadero), a Michelin-starred spot dedicated to offal (La Tasquería), and the only fine-dining restaurant inside a historic flamenco tablao (Corral de la Morería).”
Additionally, the city is seeing a surge in natural wine bistros, a revival of small artisan bakeries, and a new generation of young chefs pushing boundaries at renowned restaurants like OSA, Chispa, Lur, and Tonton. The Trafalgar neighbourhood, in particular, has become a hotspot for dining experiences.
Madrid: Top restaurants in the city
Madrid’s latest accolade places it ahead of some of Europe’s most famous culinary destinations. Paris came in at number nine, while Porto and Naples ranked 17th and 19th.
For those planning a visit to Madrid, Time Out has also updated its list of top restaurants in the city, providing inspiration for food lovers looking to explore its thriving gastronomic landscape.
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