Spring 2025 we returned to Central Madrid on Grande Via, a location just perfect for exploring nearby historical sites, and the local culinary scene. Our Madrid stopover allowed us to take advantage of earlier culinary discoveries, plus add some new ones. You always pay a little extra for a good location however, you are also in walking distance to major historical sites. Fortunately, it is because of earlier gastronomic adventures that I discovered some gastronomic delights in Central Madrid. Moreover, it is fun to discover foodie favs like La Finca de Susana (an Andilana Restaurant), tapas bars, historic taverns, wine and more.
La Finca de Susana, Madrid April 2025 © Spaswinefood
La Finca de SusanaIt was years ago when we (John and I) did Spawinefood’s stopovers in Madrid and discovered some of Madrid's culinary hotspots. Returning April 2025, we were delighted to revisit one of our earlier Andilana Restaurant discoveries, like La Finca de Susana, a small restaurant with great food and wine at fair prices.
Lunch, La Finca de Susana © Spaswinefood
Menu, La Finca de Susana © Spaswinefood
We made a 3:30 pm reservation for late lunch. In Madrid often lunch ends at 4 pm. We often like arriving just before 4 pm.La Finca de Susana © Spaswinefood
Late lunch in the springtime is great because most restaurants will not be crowded.La Finca de Susana © Spaswinefood
Obviously in Madrid we had a good list of Spanish wine to select from.
Wine List © Spaswinefood
From the wine list we chose a:
2020 Marqués de Riscal Reserva, DOC RojaMarqués de Riscal Reserva, DOC Roja 2020 © Spaswinefood
Marqués de Riscal Reserva, DOC Roja 2020 © Spaswinefood
We were not disappointed Marqués de Riscal Reserva 2020 was a good choice.
Appetizer & Wine, La Finca de Susana © Spaswinefood
Enjoying a good Spanish wine before our plates arrived was a great beginning.
Relaxing at La Finca de Susana © Spaswinefood
They offer the options: the menu of the day, or ordering from the menu. In the past we have often selected menu of the day however, for this visit we chose to order from the menu. For our main courses we choose the following: Delightful Meat Plate, La Finca de Susana © Spaswinefood
Risotto, La Finca de Susana © Spaswinefood
Dining in Spain is a relaxing experience.
Wine Time © Spaswinefood
Of course on the way out, one last look at the menu.
Menu on Display, La Finca de Susana © Spaswinefood
I love late afternoon lunches in Madrid -- arriving before 4 pm in most cases is just perfect.
Until Next Time, La Finca de Susana © Spaswinefood
When we left La Finca de Susana it was time to head back to our hotel. Again, nothing like a good walk after lunch. I always love to explore the nearby historical sites, and the culinary scene of Madrid's historical center. Madrid has many squares, or plazas that have evolved over time. As always our first stop, after checking into our Gran Via accommodations is Plaza Mayor, one of Madrid's most historic squares.
Gran Via, Madrid May 2024 © Spaswinefood
I consider myself to be very fortunate to have visited Madrid both Spring 2024 (April) and 2025 (May), for three day stopovers. I prefer stopovers, and not to just pass through on a flight to somewhere else in Spain, or nearby Portugal. Both of these visits were just perfect to get reacquainted with Madrid.
Enjoying theViews, Historical Taverns, Tapas Bars and More
Exploring Central Madrid, May 2024 © Spaswinefood
Given the high temperatures in Madrid at the end of May 2024, it was so welcoming to return to our apartment on Gran Via after exploring.Roof Top Views from Gran Via Apartment, Spring 2024 © Spaswinefood
More Roof Top Views, Gran Via, Spring 2024 © Spaswinefood
Watching sunsets and sunrise over Central Madrid from our apartment on Gran Via was a special treat.
Sunrise over Gran Via, Spring 2024 © Spaswinefood
Tapas and More in Madrid's Historical Center
Much has been written on Madrid's tapas bars and historic taverns. Others have focused on traditional Spanish dishes, or the rich diversity of cuisine that is offered at many Madrid restaurants. For sure, no trip to Madrid is complete without visiting its historic taverns and tapas bars. I have heard many stories from fellow travelers about Madrid's tapas bars. Amongst my earlier gastronomic adventures in Madrid I discovered delightful restaurants, and of course a few tapas bars. Fortunately a hotel on Grande Via in Central Madrid, which is the perfect location for exploring nearby historical sites, and checking out the local culinary scene. Of course, Madrid's tapas bars and historic taverns, is a must.
Time for Vinos y Tapas, Madrid April 2025 © Spaswinefood
Soon after we arrived in Madrid April 2025 we booked a Tapas Tour. For more on that tour see:
See also earlier Historic Taverns and Tapas Tour (May 2024):
Tortilla Española and Cerveza, La Buha, May 2024 © Spaswinefood
Besides exploring on my own, I have discovered that taking a tour of Madrid's tapas bars and historic taverns, is a must. Our May 2024 tour of Madrid's tapas bars and historic taverns was definitely a highlight of that visit.
Vermú at La Concha: Vinos y Tapas, May 2024 © Spaswinefood
La Buha, May 2024 © Spaswinefood
La Concha: Vinos y Tapas, May 2024 © Spaswinefood
Without a doubt checking out Madrid's historical sites while doing culinary explorations are a perfect mix. Central Madrid is packed with historical sites, many good restaurants (such as Andilana Restaurants), and there is also plenty of Spanish wine available to sample. Madrid is the perfect place for combing historical and culinary adventures
. I invite you to join me in my wine travel adventures in Spain and elsewhere at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon and at Spaswinefood on Bluesky and Facebook.
CHEERS!
Sharon
April 2025
Madrid, Spain
© Spaswinefood
Central Madrid, Spain May 2024 © Spaswinefood
