Where to Find the Best Croquetas in Madrid

Madrid’s iconic tapas scene is the stuff of legends. Of the many drool-worthy snacking plates associated with this communal-style dining experience, croquetas, or croquettes, have to be my favorite.

These deep-fried delights are always stand-outs on my Madrid food tours, as their crunchy exterior and creamy filling make for the perfect pairing. What’s more, the flavor combinations are seemingly endless, meaning there are croquetas in Madrid for every palate.

In this article, I’ll run you through my picks for where to secure the Spanish capital’s tastiest croquetas!

The History and Significance of Croquetas in Spain

Croquetas might be a staple in Spanish cuisine, but they’re actually a French creation. Many credit chef Antonin Carême with inventing croquettes à la royale in 18th-century France, who first prepared these snacks using leftover food.

They arrived in Spain in the following century, and the recipes diversified over time. The French tended to stick to potato-based fillings, while béchamel sauce, ham, and cheese became popular among Spaniards.

Different Types of Croquetas in Madrid

 

Something I love about croquetas in Madrid is the sheer volume of fillings and flavor combinations available, making them a great tapas dish regardless of the dietary options you’re looking for.

Traditional Croquetas: Classic ingredients include ham, often the Iberian variety, chicken, and salted cod. These meats were typically teamed with béchamel sauce or various types of cheese.

Modern and Gourmet Croquetas: As the years went by, chefs became increasingly innovative with their choice of fillings. Contemporary eateries offer everything from squid and black truffles to chorizo and oxtail croquetas.

Vegetarian & Vegan Croquetas: Plant-based foodies can find croquettes with vegan béchamel sauce and cheeses mixed with stuffings like mushrooms, leeks, spinach, and pine nuts.

Best Places to Eat Croquetas in Madrid

Casa Labra

Photo credit: Casa Labra

It’s often the traditional, no-frills eateries that serve the finest food, which is undoubtedly true for Casa Labra in the Sol neighborhood. This cozy tavern has been around since the 1860s and is one of the best restaurants in Madrid for croquettes.

Having never visited before, I, of course, had to try their much-loved cod croquetas. Fortunately, they were just as delicious as I hoped they’d be. While the golden breadcrumbs were perfectly crisp, it was the flaky, lightly salted cod that made these croquettes so memorable.

Casa Labra – 28013 Madrid – Open every Monday to Saturday from 1:15 pm to 4:00 pm and from 8:15 pm to 10:00 pm, closed every Sunday.

Pez Tortilla

Photo credit: Pez Tortilla

Pez Tortilla is a bright, homely tapas bar with locations all over the city, and I grew especially fond of the La Latina branch. It was tightly packed inside, but the sensational food made it worth braving the crowded dining area!

I found some of the most delectable croquetas in Madrid here, but the mushroom and truffle cream variety was on another level. Rich, velvety, and earthy, every bite was even better than the last.

Pez Tortilla – 28005 Madrid – Open every Monday to Wednesday from 6:00 pm to 12:00 am, Thursday to Saturday from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm, and every Sunday from 12:00 pm to 12:00 am.

El Minibar

El Minibar near Plaza Mayor came highly recommended as a must-try restaurant for croquettes, and I was quickly charmed by the quirky and colorful decor.

I ordered the croqueta selection, my favorite of which was the ham and cheese. There’s just something about the mix of savory ham, gooey cheese, and crackling breadcrumbs that I’ll never tire of.

El Minibar – 28013 Madrid – Open every Monday to Thursday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 2:00 am and every Friday and Saturday from 10:00 am to 2:30 am.

Velarde 13

Close to Plaza del Dos de Mayo is Velarde 13, a modern tapas joint with high ceilings and exposed brick feature that boasts some of the best croquetas in Madrid.

Ever since I ate here, I’ve been dreaming about their Iberian ham and béchamel sauce croquettes. As filling as they were, I couldn’t help but finish each morsel of juicy ham and silky sauce. The beer selection here was also pretty great, and I teamed my croquettes with a cold glass of malty Turia.

Velarde 13 – 28004 Madrid – Closed every Monday and Tuesday, open Wednesday and Thursday from 8:00 pm to 12:30 am, Friday and Saturday from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, and from 8:00 pm to 2:30 am, and every Sunday from 1:00 pm to 5:30 pm.

B13 Bar

A friend of mine introduced me to B13 Bar, a vegan eatery just a few minutes walk from the famous Gran Via shopping street. Despite its modern, plant-based concept, B13 Bar is as laidback and rustic as any old-school restaurant in the city.

These guys specialize in creating veggie takes on Spanish cuisine and have nailed the characteristics of a good croquette. I took a chance on the pumpkin and leek version. Even though I was a little unsure about what to expect, the sweet flavors and creamy filling were comforting and hearty.

B13 Bar – 28004 Madrid – Closed every Monday, open Tuesday to Thursday and Sunday from 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm and from 8:30 pm to 12:00 am, and every Friday and Saturday from 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm and from 8:30 pm to 1:00 am.

How to Order and Enjoy Croquetas Like a Local

• The best drink pairings for croquettes will depend mainly on the type of fillings you choose. You’ll often find locals enjoying meat-based varieties with red wines like tempranillo, refreshing lagers, or vermouth.
• Croquetas and other tapas dishes are readily available at any time of day, but early afternoon or after 8:00 pm tend to be the most popular times among locals.
• If you’re eager to try authentic croquetas in Madrid, choose tapas bars and restaurants in neighborhoods like La Latina and Barrio de las Letras. Look out for special offers and menus of the day, which may feature various croquette styles.

Sources:

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Madrid food tours & experiences. Eating Europe. Retrieved March 14, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/madrid/

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Best restaurants in Madrid: A local’s guide to dining in the city. Eating Europe. Retrieved March 14, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/blog/best-restaurants-in-madrid/

Casa Labra. (n.d.). Casa Labra Madrid – Official website. Retrieved March 14, 2025, from http://www.casalabra.es/en/

Pez Tortilla. (n.d.). Pez Tortilla official website. Retrieved March 14, 2025, from https://peztortilla.com/

TripAdvisor. (n.d.). El miniBAR – Restaurant reviews. Retrieved March 14, 2025, from https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g187514-d3688138-Reviews-El_miniBAR-Madrid.html

Velarde13. (n.d.). Velarde13 – Official website. Retrieved March 14, 2025, from https://www.velarde13.com/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=gmb&utm_id=web

TripAdvisor. (n.d.). B13 – Restaurant reviews. Retrieved March 14, 2025, from https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g187514-d3836807-Reviews-B13-Madrid.html