Taberna La Carmencita

My boyfriend still reminisces about these tomatoes even 7 months later. He describes them as ‘the kind that encapsulate the world within.’ Paired with a glass of vermut, this place offers a nice lunch break. The vibrant, tasteful tiles add an extra layer of charm to the experience. I’m not entirely convinced about the price-performance ratio; it feels a bit overpriced. Additionally, there’s a noticeable language barrier and a hint of an eye-roll attitude toward tourists.

Had dinner with my family in this charming place. One of the oldest restaurants in Madrid which still has some of the 19th century charm. We had several of their traditional dishes including the ensaladilla, meatballs and lentil stew. All were ok but not good enough to justify the prices they charge (portions on the smaller side) despite using locally sourced ingredients. What I felt abusive was the price they charged for the bread. We were four so they charged 2.55 each despite getting one basket of bread. So more than 10 euros for one basket of bread is a robbery (see the picture to see it). The staff were very attentive.

We visited the restaurant as it was recommended from a friend as "the best place to eat paella". The food was mediocre to absolutely horrendous. Pricey and flavourless. The worst paella we've eaten. Runny, mushy, flavourless. A huge tomato for 18 euros. The only flavorful item on the menu was the cheese balls. The veal overly salty. The service at least was good and the decor was very authentic. But overall, food wise it was really bad.

Our favorite restaurant during our Madrid trip! The best dish was the “solomillo tomato” - super simple, just these huge tomatoes with olive oil and salt - but they were the TASTIEST tomatoes I’ve ever eaten! They had warm bread as well to dip in the olive oil, just perfect! Definitely recommend.

This restaurant is amazing! Authentic food with clean ingredients you can taste the freshness. The waitress, Ana, was incredibly kind; she gave us recommendations on what to order and how to order. She was super friendly and truly the best waitress I’ve ever had! If I wasn’t already coming back for the food, I’d be coming back for her!

An absolutely unreal night of casual dining. Unpretentious. Every bite delicious. From the anchovies appetizer, to the pâté, to the cheese selection and then my amazing main of vegetable paella… at an incredibly affordable price. While I came in to eat absurdly early (this American couldn’t wait past 7 for dinner!) the staff was gracious and accommodating— and I had the entire restaurant to myself. My only regret was not having room for dessert. If you’re looking for a low-key spot to enjoy a high-end eating experience, you’ve found it!

Taberna La Carmencita is a lovely spot nestled in the heart of Madrid, offering an authentic taste of traditional Spanish cuisine. The food is good—simple, honest, and distinctly Spanish. From classic dishes to more rustic offerings, everything feels like it’s been crafted with care and respect for tradition. It may not be extraordinary or overly innovative, but that’s what makes it so enjoyable. It feels like you’re being served the same comforting, homemade meals that Spaniards have been enjoying for generations. The wine selection is equally impressive, with a variety of excellent Spanish wines that complement the flavors of the dishes perfectly. What truly makes Taberna La Carmencita stand out, however, is the atmosphere. The restaurant has a warm, cozy feel that immediately puts you at ease. It’s the kind of place where you want to linger, enjoying the friendly, relaxed vibe that fills the room. The decor adds to the traditional experience, with its rustic touches and intimate setting, making it feel like you’ve stepped into a small, timeless corner of Spain. Whether you’re here for a casual meal or a special evening, the ambiance alone makes it worth a visit. Overall, Taberna La Carmencita is the perfect place if you’re looking for a true taste of Spain in a comfortable, unpretentious setting. It’s not about gourmet flair but about enjoying the authenticity of Spanish flavors in an atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. Whether you’re a local or visiting Madrid, I highly recommend it for anyone seeking a relaxing meal filled with traditional Spanish charm.

Excellent. Second oldest tavern in Madrid and still delivering excellence. Excellent in all ways. Excellent food: everything we tasted was first class and perfectly cooked. Excellent service: from the younger to the senior, all staff was amazingly good providing detailed answers and advising wisely. Site is also wonderful as it keeps the essence of the ancient taverns from 19th century. A must go although a must book, especially on weekends. Illustration: Ensaladilla (recipe from 1856) for 17€. Labels: 2eat, 2drink, $$, #spanish, #tapas, #romantic, #mustGo

The best food I've had in Spain! Tomato steak, goat steak, croquettes, and the bread. Anna was a fantastic waitress with amazing energy which made the whole experience better. Music was ethnic and is the second oldest restaurant in Spain.

We always come here for vermut and sit in the corner by the door. Great drinks, tapas, and atmosphere.

My fiancée and I went here about a year and a half ago and found the food delicious and the service incredible. Unfortunately, this restaurant has gone way downhill. When we first entered, we requested the specific table where we sat during our first visit. We were told that we couldn't sit there because it was for three people. Understandable. However later that night they sat a party of two at that table. Not sure how that works. We got to our table. As I'm taking my fiancées coat, the server starts explaining the specials. I have not yet sat down. I'm standing with both of our coats in my arms. The waiter continued to explain the specials and made no effort to help. Throughout the meal, we found the service rude. The prices have also dramatically increased since our first visit in September 2022. The cherry on top of this evening was when the waiter brought us the check without being asked for it. He then said, "You can drink your wine in peace." This is the first time I have ever had a meal in Europe where the check was brought without being asked. My fiancée is Spanish and she confirmed it was her first experience like that in Europe as well. We will not be back.

It's rare that I leave a restaurant angry, but that's what the "couldn't care less" service and mediocre food at Carmencita's did to me. Service: From the moment I arrived it was as if the staff was put off by my presence. My hotel had made a reservation, but the staff seemed confused when I showed up and kept looking at their computer system and back at me like I had made a mistake. I finally gave them the card given to me by the hotel with the reservation information, and they figured out a way to seat me. They put me at a little table that felt like it was in the middle of the room. Hard bench with a thin pad to sit on. The guy that came over to put a place setting down and asked me about something to drink had an expression almost of contempt. I seriously wondered if he thought I said something to him. My waitress was not much better, with sort of a smirk on her face the whole time I was there. I don't know if she was amused at my trying to speak the language (funny, sure, but would it be better if just expected English?). Her saving grace was an offer to do a half order of Iberica jamon, because it would be "too much food". I heard her tell three tables "too much food", and I do give her credit for saving cost and potentially a waste of food. Food: things started off great, as the Iberico jamon was amazing. If the review was based off this alone it would merit five stars. So wonderful. Not sure what the tomato garnish/addition was for. The jamon certainly didn't need it. Too bad it went so downhill with my main course. I had the pimientos de piqullo - peppers stuffed with veal stew, served with fried potatoes. Read French fries on the side. I'm attending a conference in town, and I had better food at the congress cafeteria. This was stuffed pepper slop with fries. I don't know how they get away with this for $20. Maybe the parsley garnish? With the oh so snarky service I did not do dessert. Just wanted out of there. Seemed like they wanted me out as well. Like I said, angry. I'll tell my hotel to stop sending guests over there.

This place was recommended by our Airbnb host, and it was a great meal, indeed. The server was very excited about all of the menu items and was very helpful with our choices. We had a delicious Syrah wine, a salad, stuffed peppers, chicken stew, and apple tart. All of it was delicious. In the bustling Chueca neighborhood.

I had such an enjoyable dinner at this restaurant. The service was fantastic. The owner was personable and generous with his time. The typical larger portions were customized for me to much smaller portions so I could enjoy the wonderful dishes. The food was excellent. The atmosphere was casual and comfortable. A very strong positive recommendation. Details: I was on travel and dinning by myself. The prior night I stopped by before they were fully open for the owner was meeting with staff to discuss ways for continuous improvement. He encouraged me to check out his other restaurant a block away, which I did and the food was incredible. He stopped by and invited me back to Carmencita for the next night. The next night, he greeted me when I arrived, joined me for a glass of wine, selected food off the menu for me, and customized the portion size. For someone who had never been to Madrid before and was on international travel, I felt most welcome, comfortable, and truly enjoyed good wine, food, and conversation. Cheers

we enjoyed a lovely meal last evening. our server, Ann, was a delight. so helpful. It's a small restaurant on a lovely street in Chueca. lots of "comfort food" on the menu.

Although I like this place and been here like 3 times, the servers are kind of intimidating, if you don't try to speak Spanish to them, expect some kind of atitude and rudeness. To get a table here may be an issue so be prepared to wait (although I never see any lines). So basically the food is great BUT they have to improve a lot in service.

Second oldest tavern in Madrid. Do you have a reservation?! On a ghostly like tavern... The one and only waiter that made eye contact took his sweet time to come to the door, once he learned I had no reservation a long sigh and no option other than offer a table in the back of the room where all the "No Reservation" guests were placed, meaning the tourists, small but a very international section, Italians, a Danish couple, and a couple of Americans. A grandmother's kitchen is the concept of the food served here. A beautiful mis match china, and Moorish tile on the walls just like a grandmother's kitchen. Food delivers the concept of comfort home made food, only grand ma can make your tummy happy! The veal pâté was superb. Their specialty is the Cazuelas (casseroles). They have food for every preference from vegan to veal. The tapas are all delicious and portions are generous. You must eat dessert here. Excellent quality of wines by the glass and the wine list has options for every taste, great Spanish wines. Understandable a reservation is needed, perhaps a little kindness treating walk ins will have clients raving about this place.

Atmosphere was awesome. Felt very authentic, and food was on par with that. Service, however, was lacking. We went at an odd time between lunch and dinner, so there were only a couple of other people in the restaurant at the time. That being said, we went long periods of time without seeing our server. Luckily, we weren't in a hurry. The food was great, overall.

Just mediocre food at best and on the pricier side compared to all the wonderful food we ate while in Madrid. Old world charm and atmosphere were the best part. Service non-existent. Can not recommend.

Excellent food, quaint and cozy ambience. Maya our server was amazing she had so many great suggestions and got us to try a few things we would have never considered...will go again

Family gathering, they provided us with a private dining room. We sampled several tapas and each of us had a main course. Everything was done to perfection. We finished at one in the morning and there was still people waiting to be seated so be sure to make reservations ahead of time. I highly recommend this restaurant for a night of fine dining.

Wanna have a Madrid food experience with good food? This is the place. The decor could not be more authentic. The food is all traditional Spanish. Service is good. Also check next door Casa Salvador. Both are the best Madrileño cuisine in the Justicia Chueca area.

By far one of the best restaurants in Madrid! We visited for lunch and although there was a wait time, it was truly worth it! The restaurant is nicely decorated, very cozy and inviting. Read some history on the establishment and it's the second oldest restaurant in the area! The staff is very polite and attentive. For starters: we had the cheese taquitos, cheesy goodness that will make you thank your lucky stars for cheese....the plate is big enough to share , it brings about 6 taquitos (really big) so watch out and leave room for the entree. We ordered an entree to share which was the Chicken a la parilla with eggplant , sweet potatoes and fries. OMG! that chicken was so rich in flavor and the eggplant had a caramelized and sweet taste , best eggplant I've had in a long time!! if I could have eat a bowl just of that eggplant I would have been happy too! Every dish on the menu looked worth trying, will definitely be back!

around the corner from our b&b, reliable food, good service and beautiful interior and yes a bit pricey

The kitchen does not live up to the decor. The restaurant looked really cosy from the outside so we decided to go for dinner. We had the combined plate of apertisers and the veal meat balls and stuffed peppers for mains. The free pate served whilst perusing the menu was the highlight of the meal. The apetisers were deep fried and thus very heavy. The mains were on a level of a good cafe.

Great price, for the set price you get a drink, huge brunch plate, and dessert. So filling and good, and they had soy milk for the lattes which was awesome. Server was really friendly and helpful and brought water without me asking. And there's wifi!

Albondigas were really amazing. however, service is terrible/ not existing and they were out of half their menu - especially disappointing as they were "out of" even basics like brandy

It's a really good place for lunch or dinner. Traditional food with a feeling to be in an classic restaurant in the center of Madrid. The service is friendly and helpful. I must recommend it if you want to leave for a moment all the new age food that we find in most of the new restaurants in the city.