Spain is internationally known for its food and Mediterranean diet. Every corner of the Iberian Peninsula honors its customs with a traditional dish on the table.

Madrid is no different. So, if you plan to visit the capital of Spain, remember these dishes and have these taverns on your list, where you will enjoy the authentic flavor of traditional cuisine.

Casa Ciriaco

This spot started as a wine shop in 1887 on Calle Mayor. Today, it is considered one of the oldest and most popular restaurants in Madrid.

The menu highlights its historical dishes, such as chicken in pepitoria and Madrid stew.

Malacatín

Located in the heart of the central neighborhood of La Latina, this tavern became famous in the El Rastro area due to the friendliness of owner Julián Díaz García and his family.

The name "Malacatín" comes from a beggar that played the guitar at the door humming "tin, tin, malacatín." It was then that García's tavern began going by Malacatín.

The name was registered a little later and this was followed by the growing popularity of its homemade food, affordable prices and good, quality raw ingredients.

At this tavern, the Madrid stew is a must.

Lhardy

Located on Carrera de San Jerónimo, a few meters from Puerta del Sol, Lhardy is considered the most fancy restaurant in Madrid.

It has a main hall, rooms for parties or private events and a shop, where visitors can buy items from a delicatessen.

The restaurant's menu highlights the Madrid stew, the tripe, the stew croquette, the Canetón Duck from the Landes roasted with orange, the Lhardy Consommé, to which a free-range egg and fresh truffle are added; the Sirloin Wellington with crisps; the 'Foie' from Ampurdán in pickle, and a Partridge in pickle with chickweed.

Botín

This restaurant opened in 1725 next to the Arco de Cuchilleros, near the Plaza Mayor in Madrid. It is considered the oldest restaurant in the world, recognized and registered in the Guinness Book of World Records, and one of the most classic in the world, according to Forbes. 

At Botín, you must try the roast suckling pig and Castilian-style lamb.

Posada de la Villa 

This inn-turned-restaurant opened its doors in 1642 in Cava Baja in La Latina neighborhood, right in downtown Madrid. 

Its menu highlights dishes like the Madrilenian stew, made over a low fire, and a roast suckling lamb cooked in a wood oven.

Check out more in "Restaurantes y tabernas centenarios de Madrid: Mapa cultural ilustrado" from Madrid Destino on Vimeo.

Would you like to take a look at other traditional restaurants? Also, don't miss this illustrated map with recommendations of the main food spots in Madrid.