A Week of Eats in Madrid: 9 Spots for Sweet and Savory Treats

Exploring Madrid one bite at a time during my first week abroad

Fresh off the plane in Madrid, I dove fork-first into the city’s food scene. In my very first eight days, I sampled everything from creamy cheesecake to handmade gyoza — and each bite made me fall a little more in love with this city. Here’s my Week of Eats (WOE): nine fun, affordable, and Instagram-worthy spots you won’t want to miss.

Oakberry Açaí

After a long travel day, nothing hit the spot like a cup of açaí. Oakberry is a global chain I’ve tried in London and Portugal, but Madrid’s version did not disappoint. For about €13, you can pile on toppings like peanut butter, fresh fruit, granola, or even a protein boost. It’s on the pricier end, but worth it for a grab-and-go breakfast or refreshing snack.

Pez Tortilla

This cozy spot felt wonderfully local. I ordered a Spanish omelet (tortilla de patatas) with tomato, basil, and parmesan — served with bread for just €3.50. The flavors were rich, the atmosphere authentic, and the price unbeatable. I’ll definitely be back.
 

                                                                  Spanish omelet (tortilla de patatas) served with bread

Gazteka Malasaña

Burritos and cookies? Say less. Gazteka is the ultimate sweet-meets-savory hangout. For €3.50, I grabbed a gooey Nutella-filled cookie, and they even offer a cookie-plus-burrito combo for €5. Perfect for students on a budget.

                                                              Nutella-filled cookies on display at Gazteka Malasaña

Llaollao

This frozen yogurt chain is everywhere in Madrid, and for good reason. Spanish froyo is tart, tangy, and customizable with fruit, cookies, or syrup. My small cup was €4 — a quick and satisfying post-dinner treat.

99 Cheesecake

Yes, cheesecake for just 99 cents. Even with toppings, it’s rarely more than €2. Creamy texture, buttery crust, and unbeatable value make this shop a must-visit for dessert lovers.

Cuadra

Tucked away in Trafalgar, Cuadra is equal parts café and bakery. I ordered a slice of pound cake (€3), topped with icing and fresh berries. Dense, flavorful, and made with care — the perfect afternoon snack.

                                                               Freshly made baked goods at Cuadra café in Madrid

Toma Café Madrid

This café serves up not just coffee, but a vibe. With “No computer, no drama” signs on the tables, it’s a space to be present. My friends ordered matcha and coffee — both smooth and delicious, with an ambiance that makes you want to linger.

Gyoza Go

If dumplings are your weakness, Gyoza Go is your place. For €6, you get a plate of 10 handmade gyoza, fried or steamed. Watching the staff fold dumplings through the front window is half the fun.

Kohi Bakery

Think flowers, window seats, and matcha dreams. This aesthetic café feels like a hidden gem. I ordered a vanilla-kissed matcha (€5) and nearly missed out on their pastries — most were sold out by 2 p.m. A spot I’ll definitely revisit. 

Final Bite

And that’s my first Week of Eats in Madrid! From €0.99 cheesecake to budget burrito-cookie combos, this city has already treated me to incredible flavors. I can’t wait to keep exploring (and sharing) more of Madrid’s food scene — as long as I remember that the phone eats first.

                                                                     Savoring my first week abroad, one sip at a time