An ongoing list of the best restaurants in Madrid

One day, I was wandering around Madrid, not paying much attention to the people walking on the street, until my eyes locked onto two women walking my way.
They were these young Black girls visiting Spain; somehow, we all knew we were from the States. If you're a Black American, you understand this superpower.
We shyly smiled at each other, and then, without hesitation, they asked
" Do you know of any good places to eat around here?"
My heart jumped.
The first word to leave my mouth was " Um."
As my eyes scanned the perimeter, I hoped to point out a good restaurant within walking distance. But my heart sunk to my stomach, and I remade eye contact to say, "I don't, so sorry."
At the time, I had been living in Spain for 3 years, but I had only come to Madrid to pass through, so my knowledge of where to eat was non-existent.
Madrid was a new beast for me. It was the playground of restaurants, theaters, and bars, and I had barely dipped my toes into the sand.
When I told these girls I didn't know, they replied with disappointment and a splash of gratitude, saying," Aw, well, thanks anyway."
Later that day, I met with a friend I was staying with and told her the story. She gave me the same disappointing look.
My friend, who is a fantastic cook and a knowledgeable foodie, said I should have called her because she had the recommendations.
I know, I know, my bad.
Since those two shameful moments, I've been exploring some restaurants and am proud to say I have a few I'd like to recommend.
In no particular order, here is my list of some of my favorite restaurants in Madrid.
I hope it provides you with some insights and happy bellies. I must also mention that this is n list is not complete, and I'll continue to add to it when I visit Madrid.
One more thing, this list has restaurants serving non-traditional Spanish foods. Still, these restaurants support the community and are not some limbs of an evil corporate beast.
Mad Mad Vegan
I'm not vegan, but I love vegan food and vegan restaurants because of my food restrictions of no red meat and no dairy. Mad Mad Vegan is my go-to spot to eat like a meat lover without harming any animals.
I was overwhelmed yet excited to have the rare opportunity to order anything on the menu. I decided to go with The Orginal Mad, a legume patty hamburger with a side of scrumptious sweet potato fries.
website: https://madmadvegan.com/
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/BEcqHm3NMED16pVw7
Scarlett
This place can get packed during the weekend, so get there early. It is a small breakfast joint with a fancier take on breakfast. Typical Spanish breakfast includes a tostada or toast with olive oil and various toppings. At Scarlett, I got a little fancy and got a tostada with eggs Benedict.

Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XtksqVNqDjfHeano9
Located across the street from Atocha, so you can sneak in a healthy breakfast before your travels.
Honest Greens
If you want to eat something healthy and delicious and feel like you're doing some good for the planet, then have a meal at Honest Greens.

Meals are prepared fresh every day without additives or preservatives. All food is served on sustainable and recycled materials.
My favorite is the flavored water, which you can get endless refills.
website: https://www.honestgreens.com/es/
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Vmi55gPQUWsVLySGA
Falafeleria
If you like falafels and healthy street food, then you have to check out Falafeleria. My first time here, I got a bowl, which was surprisingly more filling than I had anticipated. It's a great place to eat well without breaking the bank.
website: https://www.falafeleria.es/
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/i6iFAv9pxt1Rwrok6
Hattori Hanzo
I'll be honest and share that I haven't had a full meal here. When I went, it was the middle of August, a scorcher in Madrid, so I wanted to cool off with a traditional Japanese dessert called Kakigori, which I would describe as a giant bowl of flavored shaved ice.

Their servers have the best knees because the seating mimics the Japanese dining style, where the tables are low to the ground. As a result, the waiters bend on their knees when serving your meal.
Website: https://hattori-hanzo.com.es/
Google Maps:https://maps.app.goo.gl/MgpX62eDRMSufn4x5
Mercado Maravillas
If you like Latin food, this is the place to be; there are dozens of stalls selling Colombian and Venezualan food and many options for empanadas.
Check out my YT short here.
website: http://mercadomaravillas.eu/
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JgrjQTFrsCjya4G98
El Criollo - Tacos a la Parrilla
If you're a taco lover like me, you must try El Criollo.
Founded by a friendly couple who moved from Mexico to Spain, they have carefully blended the flavors from their country for an authentic food experience.

Being from California, I grew up on street tacos, so when I took my first bite of their juicy chicken tacos, I was transported back to my days of ordering from the taco truck to sober myself up after a night out.
8.Ndiambour
This is a traditional Senegalese restaurant with friendly service, delicious options, and a budget-friendly menu. Meals are between 9 and 12 euros.

I got the Thiebou Ganar, which came with rice, chicken, and vegetables.

Daaraji
Another African restaurant with traditional food.The first time I came here was for drinks. I had their food when they catered an event I attended. I got the vegan Jollofol rice, which was flavorful and filling.
Instragram: https://www.instagram.com/daarajibar/?hl=en
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/UcMFpd3UW4NGEh8v5
Well, that concludes the list for now. I'll add more places after my next trip to Madrid.
Comment below if you've tried any of these restaurants.
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