Bar El Brillante

An amazing experience at hear of madrid, a must go place for tourists. They seem to be super busy but worth experiencing. They have a wide range of affordable food and booze and serving you very fast. Try the calamari sandwich and jamon iberico sandwich with vermut if you are a tourist

I bought this in the morning to eat during a long journey. I went on a weekday before 9 AM and there was no line — I could order right away. We got one each, but since it’s about the size of a whole baguette, a mini version or sharing one might have been enough. It was delicious!

Great tapas bar you could try any Spanish tapas but the atmosphere was really noisy and a bit chaotic. It felt quite crowded and a bit disorganized, if you don’t mind the noise and bustle, it’s a great spot.

Had to try the famous calamari sandwich in Madrid. The calamares was freshly fried, hot, and tender, and the bread is not as hard or dry as it might look. I think the steam from the calamari gave it some moisture. I wish they served with lemon!

A must in Madrid We've now been here twice during our stay in Madrid, and it's easy to see why it's always busy. This spot serves up a local favourite — a soft baguette filled with freshly cooked calamari — and they do it very well. Today we also tried the steak sandwich alongside a couple of local beers, and both hit the spot. They’ve got a queuing system for seating on either the front or back terrace. It may look long, but don’t let that put you off — the line moves quickly. Everything is fresh, tasty, and great value. If you go for the calamari baguette (which I highly recommend), make sure to grab the little sachet of aioli — it’s a game-changer. Honestly, best price and quality combo we’ve found in Madrid. We’ll definitely be back.

This restaurant was recommended to us as exceptional. I’m not sure if it is an anomaly, but our service and food were sub par. There was one waiter outside on the terrace and it took 15 min for him to come to the table. He was seating people, clearing tables, taking orders and serving - so he was very busy. When our food arrived the patatas were very cold - no warmth at all - the sauce was like a slightly spiced tomato sauce. The bacon con queso bocadillos was ok. My salad with tuna and olives took so long that the rest of the food was almost finished. It was ok. I would not return.

A tradicional restaurant close Reina Sofia Museum, I recommend the bocadillos and the Callos a la madrileña and the cheese cake

Bar El Brillante is a Madrid institution, beloved by locals and tourists alike for one thing above all: its legendary calamares fritos (fried calamari sandwich). Conveniently located just across from Atocha Station and steps from Reina Sofía Museum, this no-frills tapas bar has been serving classic Madrid flavors since 1952. The interior is old-school and bustling, with stainless steel counters, bright lighting, and quick-moving waiters — the kind of place where tradition rules and service is fast and to the point. While it may not be about fine dining, it’s full of authentic charm and a deep sense of place. The star of the show is undoubtedly the bocadillo de calamares: crisp, golden rings of squid stuffed generously into crusty bread, best enjoyed with a cold beer or a glass of vermouth. It’s simple, satisfying, and exactly what you’d hope for in a true Madrid staple. The menu also offers other classic tapas — croquetas, jamón ibérico, tortilla — all solid, though the calamari is what keeps people coming back. Prices can be a touch higher than similar spots in less touristy areas, but the quality, speed, and iconic status make it worthwhile — especially for a quick bite before catching a train or visiting nearby cultural sites. Bar El Brillante is not fancy, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s bold, traditional, and proudly Madrileño. A must-visit for anyone craving a bite of Madrid’s culinary soul.