My Top Five Cafes in Madrid

By: Gabby Goldstein

As a student with very limited time here in Madrid, I love to take advantage of the various culinary opportunities this city has to offer. Above all, I have come to appreciate cafe culture and the joy in finding a new unique coffee shop, sitting and enjoying un café con leche and a freshly baked pastry. Every Thursday, my friends and I try out a new cafe or brunch place between classes, and over the last several weeks, we have compiled an extensive list of all of our favorite ones; here are five of my top:

1. Faraday   

Faraday is a quaint cafe in the Chueca district, offering an aesthetic space for both working and chatting. Their cakes and pastries are amazing (definitely try the lemon cake), and you can’t go wrong with any of their coffee drinks. The space is filled with vintage decor, giving it a vibrant and retro feel. I love this cafe for a quick sweet bite and good vibes. 

2. Bucólico   

Bucólico is the perfect cozy spot if you need a place to do work, have a quality snack or meal. The inside is warm and rustic, very well-decorated and has a great ambiance. The staff is also incredibly friendly. The food and drinks are some of the best I’ve tried here; I recommend you get the goat cheese scrambled eggs and try out one of their fun lattes.  

3. Norah specialty coffee

One of the most underrated cafes, in my opinion. They serve the most unique brunch food and drinks, and have a variety of pastries as well. My friend and I tried their passion fruit matcha latte (incredible) and we each had an avocado toast on a buttery grilled croissant. It’s definitely a different atmosphere than other places we’ve been to: very bright, colorful, trendy. I highly recommend anything from this menu!

4. Nōburu specialty coffee

Noburu is a small cafe in Malasaña with a solid selection of food and drinks, yet the star of the show has to be their cakes. From lavender lemon to apple cinnamon, you really can’t go wrong. The drinks are also amazing, whether you go for a classic latte or their pink chai. The interior is super unique and funky; there are very few tourists, making it the perfect chill spot.

5. Unfltrd Coffee

If you’re looking for amazing coffee and brunch, Unfltrd is an absolute must. This has some of the best quality coffee and the most unique lattes. Try their honey lavender latte or switch it up with their cereal milk latte. They also have an incredible breakfast selection, with delicious toasts, pastries, and of course croissant sandwiches. 

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