🇮🇹Authentic Italian meals in Madrid🇪🇸

If you’re nostalgic for the traditional Neapolitan trattoria experience or just curious to try it, you can’t miss Fratelli Figurato, a top pizzeria in the heart of Madrid. Recognized among the TOP 5 Spanish Pizzas in 2020, 2021, and 2022, this place offers an authentic taste of Southern Italy. Dietary Considerations Are you celiac or dairy intolerant? Check this out before reading to avoid bad and useless suffering 🤣 • Gluten-free options: NO ❌ • Lactose-free options: NO ❌ Now, let’s breath the authenticity of this delightful spot. Essential Tips 1. Reservation is a MustDue to high demand, we highly recommend booking a table well in advance. The place fills up quickly, and finding an available table without a reservation can be nearly impossible. 2. Menu RecommendationsOnce you’re comfortably seated, use this guide to explore our top menu picks: • For StartersBegin your meal with “L’antipasto della casa,” a selection of seasonal treats from Southern Italy. This surprise assortment includes cheeses, salami, focaccia, and other delightful bites, all based on fresh seasonal vegetables. • For Pasta LoversTwo standout pasta dishes to consider: 1. Spaghetti alla NeranoA specialty from the Amalfi Coast town of Nerano, this dish features a creamy zucchini sauce, Provolone cheese, and a fragrant touch of basil. 2. Lombrichielli Viterbosi all’AmatricianaFor those who enjoy a bit of spice, this Roman classic combines Pecorino Romano cheese, a cherry tomato sauce, and guanciale (a pork jowl, not bacon) for a rich, savory experience. Pizza Recommendations When trying a new pizzeria, start with a Margherita to gauge its quality. It’s a classic, simple, yet uniquely delicious pizza that showcases the true flavors of Napoli and Southern Italy. The Margherita here features cherry tomato sauce, Grana Padano, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil. For a twist beyond the classics, we recommend: 1. Mortadella, Burrata, and LemonThis pizza offers an extraordinary mix of flavors, perfect for adventurous palates. 2. Sole, Mare e…’ndujaAvailable during the summer, this pizza is inspired by the flavors of Calabria, with a spicy kick from ‘nduja sausage. Enjoy! 😋🍕 Whether you’re revisiting old memories or exploring Neapolitan cuisine for the first time, Fratelli Figurato promises a delightful and authentic experience. Buon appetito!

Looking for an Italian street food adventure? Look no further! Mercato Italiano is your go-to spot 🇮🇹 Are you celiac or dairy intolerant? Check this out before reading to avoid bad and useless suffering 🤣 - gluten free recommended: YES ✅ - lactose free recommended: NO ❌ This casual joint, owned and run by Italians, sits in Madrid’s very own "Little Italy" in Nuevos Ministerios. Our first encounter with this gem was totally by chance. We were on the hunt for a place to watch the Italian national football team with fellow fans. While we couldn’t snag a seat for the game, we ended up at Mercato Italiano and kicked things off with a proper Italian aperitivo—Spritz and focaccia that hit all the right notes. We then settled in for a laid-back spring dinner on their terrace... 🌅 Back then, we hadn’t made the leap to vegetarianism (yep, it’s a new thing for us), so we dove into their meatballs😍 with tomato sauce. It’s a classic Italian dish, especially in the south, and it brought back Sunday memories of our grandpas’ cooking. Another must-try is the "Parmigiana di Melanzane." Pair it with a glass of their fine Italian red wine—they’ve got a great selection—and you’re in for a treat!

Craving Pizza but Celiac? Try the Best Gluten-Free Pizza in Madrid at Grosso Napoletano. If you’re a pizza lover who has to avoid gluten, fret not! We’ve found the perfect solution for you: Grosso Napoletano offers some of the best gluten-free pizzas in Madrid. • Gluten-free recommended: YES ✅ • Lactose-free recommended: YES ✅ (Try the Provola, which is naturally lactose-free!) While you won’t get the traditional Neapolitan trattoria experience here, Grosso Napoletano is a more relaxed pizzeria. As with Fratelli Figurato, we highly recommend booking a table a few days in advance to secure your spot. Our Top Pizza Picks We usually dive straight into the pizza menu, and here are our top recommendations: 1. MargheritaA classic that never disappoints. The Margherita here is delicious and a must-try. 2. Provola e Pepe (Provola and Black Pepper)Perfect for those who are lactose intolerant, as Provola cheese is naturally lactose-free. This pizza offers a rich, intense flavor similar to a Margherita but with a unique twist. 3. CalzoneFor those adventurous enough to try something different, or simply nostalgic for a Neapolitan “Ripieno al forno,” the Calzone is a fantastic choice. It’s a crescent-shaped pizza stuffed with fior di latte mozzarella, spicy salami, ricotta cheese, black pepper, tomatoes, and topped with Parmesan and basil. A Tip for Extra Flavor To elevate your pizza experience, we recommend adding one or more of their delicious “Dips.” Choose from Parmigiano, Pesto, or Tomato. Our favorite is the Parmesan dip—it’s a perfect complement to any pizza 😋. Enjoy! 😋🍕 Whether you’re celiac or just looking for a delicious gluten-free option, Grosso Napoletano has you covered. Enjoy your meal!

Looking for an authentic Italian dining experience? Your search ends here! Maruzzella is your ultimate destination 🇮🇹 Do you have dietary restrictions? Check this out before diving in to avoid any discomfort 🤣 - gluten free recommended: YES ✅ - lactose free recommended: YES ✅ This charming spot, brimming with Italian flair, is located in the heart of Madrid. (Chamberí) Our discovery of Maruzzella was serendipitous. We were wandering the streets, craving genuine Italian cuisine, when we stumbled upon this hidden gem. From the moment we walked in, we were captivated by the décor—paintings and details that transported us straight to Italy. The ambiance was elevated by the Italian music playing in the background; we were lucky enough to enjoy the tunes of Cesare Cremonini. For the main course, I, Bruno, savored the Spaghetti con le Vongole (Clams)—each bite was like a taste of the sea. Fede tried the Carbonara, which was creamy and perfectly balanced. We were also treated to impeccable service by Celia, who was attentive and professional, ensuring our dining experience was top-notch. The dishes arrived promptly, allowing us to savor each course without long waits. And for dessert? The pistachio treat was a revelation—a perfect ending to our meal.

Searching for a cozy spot for an authentic Italian date night? Mercato Ballaró is your ultimate destination 🇮🇹 Do you have dietary preferences? Check this out before indulging to ensure a delightful experience 🤣 gluten free recommended: YES ✅ lactose free recommended: YES ✅ Nestled in the Trafalgar neighborhood, Mercato Ballaró offers a taste of Sicily right in the heart of Madrid. Founded by the talented Sicilian chef Angelo Marino, this restaurant features a variety of dishes that pay homage to his homeland. The space is divided into two floors: a casual ground floor ideal for enjoying Italian tapas and a good glass of wine, and a more formal upstairs perfect for an intimate dinner for two. Our evening at Mercato Ballaró was memorable from start to finish. Luca, our waiter, shared a phrase that we'll never forget: "My job is for you to enjoy," and we certainly did. For the main course, our top and only recommendation is the Tagliolini ai Frutti di Mare al Cartoccio. All the ingredients are wrapped in foil and cooked together in the oven, capturing all the rich aromas and juices in one delectable dish. Don't miss out on their Tiramisu—one of the best we've had in Madrid. The staff treats you like family, making the experience all the more special. For a truly authentic and romantic Italian dinner, Mercato Ballaró is the place to be!

Looking for an Italian street food experience? Here you have one: Salutteria Velásquez is what you need to try! 🇮🇹 Quick check before you dive in: • Gluten-free recommended: NO ❌ • Lactose-free recommended: NO ❌ Salutteria Velásquez offers the perfect “Aperi-cena,” a quintessential Italian tradition, especially delightful on summer nights. Start your evening with the iconic duo: a refreshing Spritz paired with delectable focaccia to get your taste buds tingling. 🍹 Next, a fresh “Tagliere” loaded with a selection of Italian cheeses and charcuterie, featuring Gorgonzola and Parmesan cheeses, Prosciutto di Parma, porchetta, Salame, and more! 😋 And of course, complement your feast with a splendid Chianti to fully immerse yourself in the Italian essence of this Aperi-cena, whether you’re a wine lover or not. For a delightful finale, we recommend rounding off your meal with a good dessert. 🍮 Depending on the season, treat yourself to artisanal ice cream during the warmer months or savor a traditional Cannolo Siciliano. So, what are you waiting for? Head over to Salutteria Velásquez and experience the true flavors of Italy! 🏃🏽‍♀️‍➡️