🍞 At The Sun Places we know that luxury is also found in the simplest and most authentic pleasures.
That's why we invite you to discover the famous squid sandwich, the undisputed king of traditional Madrid cuisine. This humble but delicious treat, consisting of battered and fried squid served in crispy bread, is a true symbol of the capital.
And there is no better place to enjoy it than around the Plaza Mayor, where the city's best sandwich shops are concentrated.
The Sun Places invites you to discover its history, its secrets and the best places to savour it, while staying in our Luxury Apartments in Madrid.
The famous squid sandwich is one of the most recognisable gastronomic icons of Madrid. Although its origins date back to the mid-20th century, its popularity has continued to grow until it has become almost a tourist product.
The combination of fresh squid, crispy batter and soft bread (or crispy, according to taste) is an explosion of flavour that defines the traditional character of the capital.
Walking through the arcades of the Plaza Mayor, with the smell of boiling oil and the bustle of the terraces, is an experience no traveller should miss. The Sun Places wants this experience to be part of your stay.
It is not easy to determine the exact origin of the famous squid sandwich. Some sources place it in the 1950s, when some bars in the Plaza Mayor began serving fried squid between two slices of bread.
The success was immediate and soon spread to other establishments in the capital. What is certain is that the squid sandwich is inextricably linked to the history of Madrid and the tradition of tapas in its bars.
Today, it is a top tourist attraction and a dish that Madrileños still enjoy on their Sunday strolls.
Below, we tell you which are the best places to try it and how to enjoy it like a true local.
📍 The best places to eat the famous squid sandwich
The range of sandwich shops in Madrid is wide, but these are the most emblematic and traditional establishments, many of them located around the Plaza Mayor:
- La Campana (calle de las Botoneras, 6): Considered by many to be the best sandwich shop in the city. It originated in a modest 19th-century tavern, and its squid sandwich is a classic that never disappoints. The bread, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and the squid, battered and fried to order, are the perfect combination. It is a must-stop for lovers of this delicacy.
- El Brillante (calle de los Tres Peces, 1): Another classic of the capital, founded in 1940. It is famous for its squid sandwiches and its traditional, family-friendly atmosphere. Its location, next to the Embajadores roundabout, makes it a meeting point for Madrileños and tourists looking for a quick and tasty meal.
- Restaurante Viaducto (calle de los Restauradores, 5): Located next to the Viaduct on calle de Segovia, it offers one of the best views of the city while you enjoy its squid sandwich. It is an establishment with tradition that has maintained its quality over the years.
- La Ideal (calle de Botoneras, 4): Very close to La Campana, this bar also offers an excellent squid sandwich. Its bread is crispier and its squid are slightly thicker, an excellent option for those who prefer a different texture.
- El Brillante on calle Mayor: Although the original is in Embajadores, this branch on calle Mayor is equally popular among tourists touring the centre of Madrid. Its sandwich is just as tasty and the service is fast and efficient.
The price of the famous squid sandwich ranges between 4 and 6 euros, depending on the establishment and the size of the bread. It can be eaten at the bar, standing up, or at the small tables that some of these venues offer.
Most places also offer the possibility of accompanying it with a beer, a soft drink or a house vermouth.
🍽️ How to enjoy the squid sandwich like a true Madrileño
To enjoy the famous squid sandwich like a true local, there are some rituals to follow:
- Order it "very hot": The squid must be freshly fried, crispy and hot. Don't hesitate to ask for it to be prepared on the spot.
- Accompany it with a drink: Most Madrileños accompany it with a cold beer, although it is also typical to have it with a soft drink or vermouth.
- Eat it standing at the bar: The traditional way is to eat it standing at the bar, like any other tapa. This is the most authentic way to enjoy it.
- Add lemon: A few drops of lemon enhance the flavour of the squid and give it a touch of freshness. Don't hesitate to ask for it with lemon.
- Don't rush: Enjoy the moment, watch the bustle of the square, listen to the conversations of the Madrileños and savour every bite.
🎭 Plaza Mayor: The perfect setting for the squid sandwich
There is no better place to enjoy the famous squid sandwich than in the arcades of the Plaza Mayor. This square, built in the 17th century, is the heart of Madrid's social and commercial life.
Its arcades, terraces and constant bustle create a unique atmosphere.
After savouring the sandwich, you can stroll around the square, admire the surrounding buildings (the Casa de la Panadería and the Casa de la Carnicería), visit the Christmas market (in December) or simply sit on a terrace for a coffee and watch the comings and goings of people.
The Plaza Mayor is the perfect setting for this gastronomic and cultural experience.
🎭 What the squid sandwich represents for Madrid and The Sun Places
The famous squid sandwich is much more than a dish; it is a symbol of Madrid's gastronomic and cultural identity. It represents the tradition, authenticity and traditional character of the capital.
It is the food of the Madrileños, the one eaten on Sunday strolls, in quick meals among friends or on tourist visits. For the city, the squid sandwich is a top tourist attraction that attracts thousands of visitors every year.
For The Sun Places, discovering the famous squid sandwich is a natural extension of our philosophy of offering authentic luxury experiences.
That's why our Luxury Apartments in Madrid are located in the most central areas, just a few steps from the Plaza Mayor.
Furthermore, the squid sandwich is connected to other great attractions of the capital that we have explored in other articles: Chocolatería San Ginés, the San Miguel Market, the Royal Palace of Madrid and the Cibeles.
All of this makes Madrid a unique destination in the world, and the famous squid sandwich is one of its must-see stops.
✨ The perfect plan with The Sun Places to enjoy the squid sandwich
Friday: Arrival and first immersion. You check into your Luxury Apartments in Madrid. In the afternoon, a walk through the Plaza Mayor and its arcades. Dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant in the Salamanca Neighbourhood.
Saturday: Day of history and sandwich. In the morning, you visit the Royal Palace and the Almudena Cathedral. You have lunch at La Campana or La Ideal, savouring the authentic squid sandwich in the Plaza Mayor. In the afternoon, you explore El Rastro de Madrid (Sundays) or the Barrio de las Letras. In the evening, dinner at El Campero de Madrid.
Sunday: Relax and farewell. You wake up late. You have churros with chocolate at Chocolatería San Ginés. A final walk through the Plaza Mayor and the Cibeles before returning.
Ready to discover the famous squid sandwich with The Sun Places?
📞 Contact us and let us organise your perfect getaway.
But if you prefer other destinations, The Sun Places also has prepared for you: Luxury Apartments in Barcelona, Luxury Accommodation in Costa Brava, Luxury Apartments in Seville, Luxury Apartments in Cádiz, Luxury Apartments in Puerto Banús, Luxury Accommodation in Sanlúcar de Barrameda and Luxury Apartments in Córdoba.
CEO's word: At The Sun Places we have shared this Madrid classic on many occasions with our guests, and each time it moves us just as much. The combination of tradition, authentic flavour and the bustle of the Plaza Mayor make it a unique experience. Every time I go to Madrid, my first stop when I go by train is El Brillante and its famous squid sandwich. I encourage you to discover it.
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