Bar La Campana

If you find yourself near Mayer Plaza and crave an unforgettable squid calamari experience, this is the place to be! Renowned for its incredibly flavorful and perfectly crispy squid, this spot draws a bustling crowd, and for good reason. Be prepared to wait in line if you wish to dine inside, or opt for a convenient grab-and-go option. Either way, the wait is well worth it. Generously portioned, a single serving is more than satisfying for one person. A must-try for seafood lovers!

Easily one of the best sandwiches I ever had. The rave and hype was well deserved. Tender calamari on a soft hoagie style roll. Service was excellent even with a huge crowd. Would've gladly paid more than 4 euros for this delight. Can't wait for my next trip back to Madrid.

recently visited this restaurant after hearing all the buzz, and while the food was great, it didn’t quite live up to the viral hype. The dishes were flavorful and well-prepared, and the ambiance was nice. However, be prepared for a wait if you want a seat — you’ll likely need to queue for about 30 to 60 minutes before being seated. Overall, I would recommend it, but just manage your expectations and be patient with the wait times!

The best fried calamari sandwich I’ve ever tasted! Located in the center of Madrid, this place is worth the visit. There was a waiting line, but it moved quickly. The prices are affordable, and the food is delicious. I highly recommend it!

The queue for dining in was sooooo long… and we decided to take away. We ordered a cup of fried squid. First bite was good, fresh and soft flesh; but after several bites, it’s getting oily and oily.. anyways, somehow a “must try” place in Madrid when you first came here.

The calamar itself was very delicious but I think the bread was too thick. There were two lines: one for the take away and the other one was for dine-in so just watch out.

Great classic in Madrid with many locals going to this place. Super classic food, actually sandwiches. You can’t go wrong with this place. Depends on the time you go, line outside might be big. They have a pickup option that can be helpful during busy days.

Long queue on weekend. Recommend to buy takeaway the queue moves faster. The calamari rings were so fresh, plump and I like the deep fried batter that is light but so crispy. Huge portion for only €4...only downside is would be better with some sauce that comes with €2 not worth it so we didn't get that. Still nice to eat without.

Amazing and cheap local eatery. If seating is sparse you can get quick takeaway and eat in the plaza nearby. The calamari was to die for - super crispy and flavorful, pairs great with mayo. Loved the olives which come with each drink.

Damn good calamari sandwich. Not greasy at all on a very nice hoagie roll. Get the picante hot sauce, sprinkle with lemon wedge and garlic aioli. This place is so popular that the shop next door selling the same thing was empty while Campana was bursting with calamari lovers.

I went back to get another bocadillo de calamares and it's still GREAT! I was here just after opening time, and they had two queues already. This time they had a sign that charges 0.25 euros for extra sauce. I don't know if that is why they didn't give me any this time?? I should have checked before I left.

Touristy area right by Plaza Mayor, known for their calamari sandwiches. At rush hour there is usually a long line, but we came around 9pm and there wasn't much of a wait. It was only 4 euros, and comes with garlic aioli/salsa (but we did have to ask for it). Loaded with plenty of calamari, and tastes great with the aioli sauce. (only comes with one packet, any more costs additional) I like the calamari here because it was crispy and more salted with fresh calamari. The bread was also good, not dry and the crust isn't too hard or flakey. This is a perfect grab and go kind of food, and we took it home to eat for a quick meal. Would come again!

After all the hype and seeing the line on 03.01.24, we decided to get the much lauded calamari sandwich to have in Plaza Mayor. This is a ritual for newly arrived visitors to this site. The line was long but moved rather quickly - the staff was making and bagging the sandwiches in anticipation of the orders. We unwrapped our sandwiches in the plaza and after a few pics, dove right in. Whomp whomp. The sandwich wasn't bad, but I would just leave it at that. It was stuffed to the max and the calamari texture was good, but it wasn't seasoned at all and the aioli it came with was just okay. The bread did hold up nicely, and it all stayed together. Maybe we caught them on a heavy rush, but we didn't get the fanaticism surrounding this sandwich - everywhere we looked people were having them. All in all, not bad, but there is so much better food to be had in the area.

I'd heard this place has one of the best calamari sandwiches so we decided to try it for lunch. We walked over from Plaza de Mayor. Despite being smack dab in tourist central, other patrons were Spanish speaking, which was a good sign. They have separate lines for takeout and dine in. You order at the counter and take it back to your table. My partner got the patatas bravas, which he enjoyed. I went for the calamari sandwich. The calamari was salty and well-seasoned with the perfect amount of crunch. I probably would have dug it even more with aioli or some kind of sauce, but I wanted to enjoy it the way it was intended. I washed it down with a glass of Mahou, which is ubiquitous in Madrid. In true tapas tradition, I got a complimentary nibble with my drink, in this case some excellent garlic olives. Staff was nice although still quick and efficient. Definitely worth a stop if you're in the city.

Was told this is the spot for calamari. But it was just too salty I didn't know what was the hype for. There are better calamari in the world, and the line up is not worth it.

Wowowow calamari so fresh so good! But get there early or prepare for a long line. This is right outside Plaza Mayor, and I recommend just getting a racione, I like to call it a bucket ... but it's easier to eat from a bucket instead of the sandwich. And also easier to share. Mmmm I would go back!!!

Calamari was fantastic, maybe just grab the bucket to go. We got there to see a huge line at which point we considered turning around but fortunately that was the dine-in line. The to-go line was much shorter (maybe 3 parties) and we got our sandwhich within 10 minutes. I've had plenty of calamari in the states and the majority I hadn't thought to be rubbery/tough but the calamari throughout Spain, and especially here, was springy yet incredibly tender. The texture was amazing, perfectly fried and salted - it set the new standard for what fried calamari should be in my opinion. The bread was okay and the sandwich form factor really didn't add to the experience, perhaps even detracted (?). Would recommend giving the calamari a try.

I thought this 4 euro calamari sandwich was going to be a tourist trap but surprisingly it was so delicious. I saw calamari sandwiches at the nearby market that was priced at 8+ euros. THAT would have been a tourist trap. This sandwich was remarkably simple but remarkably delicious. Who knew fried calamari would go so well with bread. It's like a match made in heaven. The calamari comes piping hot (be careful not to burn yourself) and the crispiness pairs so well. I would get this over and over again if I could

I liked this little restaurant. They put a generous amount of calamari rings inside a sandwich loaf ( I just ate the rings, though ) and give you a plate of olives too. Price is very reasonable.

As the locals say, at visit to Madrid is not complete without a Bocadillo de Calamares from La Campana. Worth the wait in line in my opinion.

Food was quite salty, and honestly nothing special. It's just salty calamari in a bread. The tortilla was on the colder side, temp wise. We came in the morning and there was no line at all (it's quite a popular place I think).

I stopped by La Campana in Madrid recently and tried their Calamari Sandwich. The restaurant is in a great location as it's just seconds away from Plaza Mayor. The sandwich was loaded with calamari and it was overall a good combination. The calamari was fresh and tender with great flavour and thin but crispy breading. Also, it cost just a few euros. I highly recommend trying this high quality and excellent value item (especially considering the location) and I'd rate my experience 8.8/10

We leaned from our tour guide that this shop has the best Bocsdillo in Madrid. There were two queues in the restaurant, one for takeout and one for dine in. We got a takeout within a few minutes wait. The Bocadillo was 4 Euro and tasted great.

Best calamari sandwich in Madrid. Excellent bread. Meaty calamari rings. The line to sit is very long. The to go line takes a couple minutes.

It tasted like what the ingredients consist of: calamari and bread. Didn't really taste anything special - tasted plain... maybe I was missing a lemon to add some zest.

Looking for authentic bocadillo de calamares while in Madrid? Then head over to Bar La Campana near Plaza Mayor. Each bite of the tender calamari was balanced well with the slightly crisp coating. Fast, simple, and tasty sandwich. This bustling restaurant operates like a well oiled machine. There are two queues, one for takeaway and one for dining in. I recommend dining in, and pairing your bocadillo with a cold beer.

A squid sandwich is surely part of a full Madrid experience. Yet, too much of a good thing, is....well...maybe too much! If there's two of you, suggest you both share a sandwich. And then save room for gelato or some tapas!

Stopped by this social media famous spot in Madrid by myself and enjoyed it! You don't come here for the ambiance but for the delicious food. The place could've felt cleaner but I think that's the vibe of the restaurant as it feels very in and out. Plus my sandwich + beer was only 6 Euros! Everything was in Spanish (which is fine and more authentic) but I wasn't able to figure out how to order the calamari sandwich with a dressing on top as I saw others with. This would've made the sandwich less dry, but it was still great! Very friendly staff - was nice that it came with olives as well

Delicious for a quick pit stop for a calamari sandwich, olives and quick beer. Definitely grab a table if you can, more enjoyable to sit down and enjoy then taking it out. Service is super fast and friendly! Ambiance is retro counter style and fun! Sometimes there's quite a line out the door but worth it!

I'm reading a lot of reviews calling the calamari tender, but at least on this day (or at least in my sandwich) it was quite rubbery. I threw most of it out, but I'm now curious enough to give Campana another try (or maybe to try the equally popular Ideal next door). On a positive note, the line moves quickly and the price of 4e makes this quite a bit less expensive than most such sandwiches in the area (though I'm also now curious to try one of the pricier versions of the sandwich).

The calamari sandwich is flavorful. Be sure to put the aioli packet onto the sandwich as it is delicious. The line moves fast, do not be discouraged by it. The patatas bravas were crispy and more mild than hot. Good stop at a historical establishment!

Simple but SO good. There were a few calamari sandwich shops all next to each other but I chose this because there was a line. Don't be deterred; the line moves fast. This was really just an untoasted baguette and calamari. No sauce or anything added but the calamari is seasoned and the balance seemed perfect. The texture was my favorite. The crispy outside with the chewy but tender calamari inside was delicious. They sell other things here but their star is the calamari sandwich. I highly recommend for an inexpensive but delicious meal. If you're at the Plaza Mayor, it's in one of the alleyways right when you step out.

Saw this as a place to get the best bocadillo de calamares. This was my first time having one of these and I don't know if any could top it now. The calamari was so moist and tender and the breading was nice and light. I thought fried calamari in a sandwich would be too heavy, but it was actually really balanced. The sandwich bread was crunchy, but not dry at all. The place is really cute aesthetically too. When you order at the bar, you just have to get a staff member's attention, otherwise, super quick service, even when it's bustling. Quick, cheap eats that you need to try!

I did some research on Madrid food and it led me here, fast service and ordering for take away. Asked for a lemon (thanks to Yelp for the tips!), and ate it at Plaza Mayor while people watching. The calamari is incredibly tender, not chewy at all. Breading is light, and it balances so well with the fresh bread. Can't beat lunch for four euro! I shared the photos with my friends, and those who have been to Madrid confirmed this was the best place for a bocadillo calamares.

Would rate it a 3.5. The line was long but the service was fairly fast and the employee was patient in explaining the dishes to us. -calamari sandwich (bocadillo de calamares): good. Simple flavors, very oily. Given with aioli packets on the side making for an extra sinful sandwich. -pork sandwich (bocadillo de lomo): good, thick and lean pork pieces. -chorizo: very good but quite oily and very salt. Would go better in a sandwich to cut the saltiness. Overall, pretty basic street food. Accepts credit cards.

Great spot to try local staple sandwiches and also very good price. Tried Calamari and Bacon. Both really great! Tip: ask for some mayo and lemon to add to calamari sandwich for enhanced taste.

Excellent calamari sandwich just steps away from Plaza Mayor. Easy to get seated. Very good deal on the sandwich, cold beer and the free olives that come with the order. Always a stop for me when I come to Madrid. The bread is very soft but with crunch edges, the calamari is perfectly cooked. The sandwich looks huge so I'm always surprised when I eat the whole thing

The calamari was really tender. We didn't have it as a sandwich but just the calamari alone. It was delicious! Definitely ask for some of the aioli sauce to go with it.

Saw this place online for must eat in Madrid. The line for dine in was incredibly long for about 1:30pm on a Friday. To the right, is a take away line and I ordered and got my food in just about 5 min. I ordered the calamares sandwich and it did not disappoint!!! I took to plaza mayor for a nice view. It was so simple yet so delicious and you can tell they're cooking it fresh! If you're hungry and don't want to wait, I would suggest doing the take away line and sitting elsewhere. Regardless, worth the wait.

A challenging first stop We just arrived in Madrid today, our first visit to Spain. After a short nap we ventured out to see the city and to get something to eat. We walked past so many places to eat, my wife having done some small amount of research and was heading to La Campana. We found it and it was busy. Busy and confusing to me, not being able to read the signs or understand the language. In my still tired state, I felt frustrated that I didn't know what to order or where to go, and I was too often standing in the way of others. I wanted to bail, but my wife took charge and got us a calamari sandwich that we shared, as well as a couple of drinks. Kudos to her, I would have gone to a less popular and more touristy place. This was a challenging first stop, but we were eating a popular Spanish sandwich with the locals. Unfortunately, I'm not a big fan of calamari in general. The sandwich was just calamari in a soft bread roll, no sauces or other sandwich fillers. I was hungry enough that I ate my half of the sandwich and liked it, although my favorite was a dish of olives I believe you get if you order drinks. I can't fairly rate the food, this may have been an excellent Spanish lunch. I also didn't interact with anyone, except my wife. The place was humming and busy places usually offer very good food, and it also seemed quite inexpensive. My wife earned 5 stars. The restaurant did too, while I failed the challenge, I'm very glad in hindsight that we stopped in and ate like a local.

This calamari sandwich is undoubtedly a local favorite in Madrid, and it's worth having for sure. That being said, is it a life-changing sandwich? No, it isn't. Is it worth having to get some local, cheap eats while you're in Madrid? Absolutely. The sandwich is incredibly simple, and that's part of the charm. Breaded and fried calamari on a roll. That's it. No lemon. No mayonnaise. No tartar sauce. No cocktail sauce. You pick it up para llevar (to go) for the full experience for 3 euro (as of November 2019), and then take it to Plaza Mayor to eat it while standing next to locals doing the same. You'll eat most of the pieces. You'll drop a few. It's part of the simple process that is this traditional Sammy. While the calamari has good flavor considering how little spice is added to it, it's still not going to change your life. It is amazingly affordable, very filling, and absolutely worth a try to take in the local experience of being in Madrid, but this won't be a top 10 sandwich you've had in your life.

In Spain and especially in Madrid, the calamari sandwich or bocadillo de calamares is a local favorite. La Campana is one of the best spots in the city to pickup the sandwich for a quick bite. The small shop & bar is located only steps away from Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol in the heart of the city. Although tourists pass by, locals pack the popular shop for this simple sandwich. I visited on an early morning while strolling the beautiful streets. As soon as their gate slid open, I walked in and was met by a mound of golden calamari rings that were lightly fried in olive oil. The shop owner filled up a sandwich with loads of calamari. It was incredible value (3€) even if this traditional version is enjoyed without sauce. No need for that when each crunchy bite is solid seafood.

I ate a bocadillo de calamares 3 days in a row. I have no shame admitting that. Around Plaza Mayor, this is the cheapest and best thing you can have for only 3€!! Salty, lightly friend calamari rings loaded onto a semi-soft baguette roll...life cannot get simpler. I personally think no sauce is needed, as it's not as dry as you would think; the bread soaks up the bit of grease. The guys taking the orders are really nice to tourists. They even give you some cherry lollipops once in a while when you order to go. Dining here is tight and the place is always packed. We'd get lucky snatching up limited seats for a late lunch on a weekday. Pro Tip: Order a 6€ ración de calamares to go. Thank me later when you have a giant cup of it to enjoy. Plus you'll save money compared to other overpriced tourist traps that charge more than double that.

Heard this is the best fried squid sandwich in the area. There's a long line to wait for dine in but we just got one sandwich to go. I would recommend to get the fried squid without bread because it was cold and hard. The fried squid rings portion is good for its price and fresh. You can ask them for Mayo or other sauce as the seasoning isn't as strong for the squid.

Enjoyed the beer, chorizo and patatas bravas. The line for a table inside was short when we arrived - our wait time was less than 30 minutes. Service was quick - we had our food in less than 10 minutes after placing our order. Ambiance feels a bit hurried here, after all you can see the growing queue of people outside waiting for a table.

Very popular place in Madrid that offers up calamari sandwiches that are pretty good. Gets pretty crowded around noon and after as the line ends up out of the door...the place isn't the biggest. Pretty inexpensive and definitely fills you up. Grab a beer or wine to wash it down! A must try when in Madrid !

So excited to try this place out! When in Madrid you must have a calamari sandwich. First off we got our sandwiches to go. Our sandwich came in paper to go bags that got greasy real fast from the sandwich inside. Overall calamari was really good. Fried and seasoned perfectly and lots of it! The bread though was nothing special. There was also too much of it. I wish the sandwich came with a sauce you could slather on the bread to make the sandwich complete. If I got the calamari alone it would be four stars for sure. The calamari within the sandwich... everything was a bit dry for me. Overall a good cheap meal that is super filling. We got our sandwiches and sat in plaza mayor to people watch :)

If you are in Madrid you have to go to this place. You can get a Calamari sandwich anywhere but this place is the best by far. Make sure when you order it get lemon, mayo, and olives on the side.

3.5 stars, but if you're touristing around plaza mayor you should just stop by here to get one and check it off your list! Get the bocadillo de calamares which is a steal at 3.50 euro (as of 2022). There are separate lines for take out and dine in. We went when it was over 100 degrees out (I do not recommend Madrid in July btw lol) - so if you're there on a hot day just wait a bit for the dine in line to more comfortably eat in their AC (albeit weak) environment. Take out is great for munching while walking around (don't expect there to be any shaded public seating). As for the sandwich itself, the calamari was soft and delicious. Wasn't as crispy as I would like but this is probably because it was put into bread. Which I have to say - the sandwich format didn't do much for me. It's exactly what you expect, they give you a pack of mayo to add. The bread was nothing special. And honestly next time I'd just ask for the calamari by itself sans bread. The whole bocadillo thing just seems like an inadequate / dry Po boy. That being said, the squid itself was yummy and the price a steal esp given its location.

Worth the wait. It's right on the side of plaza mayor. There are two calamari places next to each other, this one has the line. It moves very fast. The calamari is breaded and fried right in front of you. It's delicious! You can taste how fresh it is, not chewy at all. They serve you the sandwich in a plastic bag to take away or there is a limited amount of seating inside. Most people get the sandwiches and eat outside on the streets. I would recommend this place if you like calamari it was the best I've had all trip and a cool experience ordering it!

There are only a few things in life that beat a fresh 3 euro calamari sandwich. Its truly amazing that Madrid is land locked but has amazing, affordable seafood like this. Their menu is simple, so any lines move quickly. You can watch them fry the squid through the front window. The calamari is so good, we went back the next day. It would be nice if it came with some creamy dipping sauce, but I'm guessing that's not Spanish tradition. In any case, the food is cheap, fresh and delicious.

This guys have been around for a very long time, they know really well what they're doing and how to do it. Get there - order - eat - move along. People is really friendly and if they see you wondering they ask, if you have any questions in order to help out. Didn't know anything in a sandwich form is called "Bocadillo" and that did help me a lot ordering in many places. Ordered a Bocadillo de Calamares. Plain and simple. Perfect for that hangover. Since I'm Mexican I had to order some type if salsa to put it all together. Served warm and fresh, comes with a beer (like any other tapas place), and a lolly pop... cool right? 5€ totally well spent. Cheers

This is the best place for bocadillo de calamares, just off Plaza Mayor. Super freshly fried calamari on top of a soft bread roll. We also got the bocadillo de panceta (pork belly), also super yummy. All their sandwiches are 3 euros. Bar La Campana has huge lines for sit down and take out, but the take out line (cash only) moves quickly, so decide quickly, grab your sandwiches, and take a nice stroll around Plaza Mayor with your meal.

Came here during a food tour and had a Madrid specialty... The delicious Bocaillos de Calamares at Madrid's most famous snack shop, La Campana. These fried calamari sandwiches are an absolute steal. For only 3€, you get a huge baguette stuffed with the most amazing fresh hot calamari with just the right amount of chew and seasoned perfectly. Make sure to use those lemons as it really brightens up the flavour of the whole dish! The bun is nothing special but if you choose to eat it, it can really fill you up; and you can then spend those savings on some extravagant tapas later on! Plaza Mayor may be a tourist trap, but this place is definitely not! It's not surprising that there's always a huge line out the door filled both locals and tourists. A must eat when in Madrid.

A local's favorite and also mine. They are famous for their Calamari Sandwich. I came here around 11AM and there are plenty of locals getting their sandwich and beer. Someone mentioned that you can skip the bread and order the Calamari directly, I would suggest against that. The Calamari is a bit salty on their own, it is better with the bread. Get some beer and olive, you will be in heaven!

La Campana was one of those neat little places that everyone should try to get to if you have the chance. For a very cheap price (3 euros or so) you at a large baguette filled with freshly cooked (deep fried) calamari + nothing else but good bread and deep fried fresh calamari with a squeeze of lemon. And it's good, very, very good. You can't ask for anything more simple, but they do it perfectly for hundreds of people a day, which is quite amazing. If you are in the area do yourself a favor and stop in.

Great squid sandwich. Expect a long line, but if you choose to get in the to-go line, it moves fast. We are going again but taking salt and pepper with us.