What Makes a Great Madrid Food Tour?
Truly great food tours are rare. There are plenty of meh or o.k. experiences and then a few that are pretty good. Either the food is good but the tour.. not so much, or the tour (and guide) are great but the food is just o.k. or the guide is nice but the tour is not put together professionally……There are a lot of components involved in providing a phenomenal food tour.
I’ve been on a lot of different food tours in Madrid and I want to share two of the absolute best of the best gourmet Madrid tours with you. These are the two tours that knocked my socks off and way over-delivered.
If you come to Madrid and you want to have a truly fantastic foodie experience (with plenty of wine!), while also seeing and experiencing historic places in the city- keep reading!
I base my definition of phenomenal food tours in Madrid on a few different criteria:
- Professionalism- was the communication before the tour good? Was the guide on time and did they greet everyone before launching into their speech? Did they make sure throughout the tour that everyone felt comfortable and adjust the pace as needed? Were all of the stops clearly planned out in advance and did everything work smoothly? Were they able to accommodate allergies or special dietary needs (vegetarian, etc) without making guests feel like an inconvenience?
- Entertainment factor– was the guide charming, like-able, knowledgeable and entertaining?
- Learning/Interest factor– did I learn some valuable or really interesting information or experience something truly unique I couldn’t have done on my own
- The food. The key to making people happy when it comes to food is choosing the places that are the best at what they do, and having a bit of variety. I may not like every food served on a food tour-but as long as they provide a few different options and choose places that offer high quality-I’m going to appreciate what I eat.
- Does it include wine? I really want my food tours to include some local wine.
The following tours qualify as walking tours, history tours, gourmet food tours, AND as food and wine tours, as they include plenty of Spanish wine (you’ll taste wine at almost every stop). The places you’ll visit are either really old with a lot of history or essential parts of Madrid’s food culture and modern culture/history.
Insider Tip: Do NOT eat before you embark on either of these tours. You will regret it.
Madrid Tapas Tour with Devour Food Tours
The Devour Food Tours guides are warm, friendly, engaging, and knowledgeable. The daytime food tour, though long (4 hours) never lags or feels boring. We moved from one intriguing place to another with nine stops in total, eating and drinking at every stop and getting the history behind each place and the people who run it as well as some key information about Madrid and its food history. The amount of food served at each stop was more than just a bite, in most cases, it was at least a few bites and in some cases, it was an appetizer-size portion. Certainly more than you’d normally eat for lunch!
I was impressed with the professionalism and entertainment/education factors almost more than the food. I think this tour is perfect to introduce non-locals to Madrid and some really typical Spanish bites and historic places. I learned a lot and found my new favorite hot chocolate spot….! Plus their gluten-free tweaks were fantastic and they never ever made me feel like I was on the spot-just seamlessly made sure that I had a different version of everything at every stop (5 stars for this! Very, very rare in Spain!).
The cherry on the cake? They send you home with a little gift at the end of the tour. The true hallmark of hospitality professionals that go the extra mile to impress.
Where does this Madrid food tour begin?
It depends on which tour you sign up for, but all tours meet in a centrally located spot that is easy to reach by public transportation or on foot if you’re staying in the center.
How to book food tours in Madrid with Devour Tours
Devour Tours booking page and tour descriptions
Devour offers tours in different cities around Spain so check out their other options-I have heard nothing but excellent reviews on all of them. The tour I took was the Ultimate Spanish Cuisine Tour of Madrid.
Mercado and Brunch Tour with Madrid Tapas Trip
If you want to seriously experience Madrid like a local and eat extremely well while doing so this is the food tour for you!
I don’t think I’ve ever had quite as much fun touring Mercados as with Pedro from Madrid Tapas trip. I’ve certainly never been able to convince the bars inside a Mercado to let me cook some of my meat or seafood or eat a bunch of my recently purchased fresh produce at their establishment. But I’m not Pedro.
As a third generation MadrileƱo and a serious foodie Pedro has worked his magic with the vendors, bars, and cafes inside the Mercado Maravilla so he can offer literally the coolest market-to-table food tour around.
Visit one of the largest (though by no means the most popular or well known-I’ve been here a year and didn’t know about it) and best mercados in Madrid and shop for the season’s freshest produce, meats and seafood with Pedro, stopping along the way to enjoy different ‘courses’ with a refreshing cerveza, sidra or glass of vino.
I don’t think I’ve ever had as much and as large a variety of seafood in Madrid as I did on Pedro’s tour. Crab, oysters & snails from Galicia. Prawns and tiger shrimp from down South in Andalucia. All still wriggling when we bought them but on our table an hour later having been cooked for us (after we selected the finest specimens) and put on ice.
And you won’t just taste seafood on this tour-there are many carnivorous joys to be had as well (including a very choice part of Iberico pig that is tough to find) as cheeses and some sort of fresh (in season) produce.
Experience what it’s like to be a foodie in Madrid and shop at the mercado where some of the best chefs in Madrid come to shop for shellfish or the rare parts of the Iberico pig that aren’t available everywhere.
I guarantee you won’t leave hungry and you won’t feel like a tourist!
Where does this Madrid food tour begin?
It depends on which tour you sign up for, but all tours meet in a centrally located spot that is easy to reach by public transportation or on foot if you’re staying in the center.
Note: The Madrid tapas night walking tours are the tours that Madrid food tour companies have the highest demand for, but this mercado tour is (necessarily) a daytime tour because mercados are only open during the day. I highly suggest considering day tours because you will be able to experience places without such insane crowds and will have a more VIP-feeling experience.
Common Madrid Food Tour Questions
What are the best food tours in Madrid?
I believe that Madrid Tapas Tours and Devour’s Madrid food tours are the best tour providers in Madrid.
Which places provide the best food tours in Madrid for groups?
Both Madrid Tapas Tours and Devour Tours offer the option to book a private tour for a group.
I too looooove food tours – I think local food is a key reason why I travel actually. It’s so variable from place to place and the experience always stimulates all 5 senses. But damn – your first line was right! Luckily I read this as I was eating or else I’d be rummaging through my pantry right now looking for something to snack on.
The first tour you mentioned with Pedro sounds like a perfect way to spend a day, and your reasoning for picking a day over an evening tour was quite right in my opinion. The tour sounds particularly enticing because of all the seafood! Here in Munich, good seafood (outside of the traditional fire-roasted lake trout from the region) is quite the rarity.
Thanks for sharing! I’ve been meaning to get back to Spain for some time, and Madrid was always one of my favorites. I’ll be sure to book a spot on the Madrid Tapas Tour!
Siii, comida in Madrid is goood! I love this mediterranean custom of little bites with a nice drink, it’s such a celebration of life. And I wish I had these sizzling shrimps for lunch – not in this tiny bowl, though š
Yuuuuum! I’m definitely going to book one of these tours sometime! I need some inspiration for new foods in Madrid:) Thanks for the suggestions, the reviews are really helpful!
This food looks so amazing. i think it’s probably because of all of tit is so fresh, after all some of it was still wriggling! looks like a great food tour thanks for sharing.
That seafood spread on your tapas tour looks absolutely divine! I’m currently living in a land-locked location and we don’t have access to great seafood. I’m totally craving some crab now!
ah…. I know that feeling! I love seafood too much to survive without for long. Where are you at?
Madrid is pretty landlocked as well but it’s the biggest hub in Spain for seafood to pass through fresh from the coast so it has a great constant supply of fresh seafood from all over Spain
Helene- glad to help! š the mercado tour is definitely one that those living in Madrid would enjoy equally as those visiting (maybe even more since it’s such a non -touristy experience!). and omg yes you will see a lot of the seafood is still alive at Mercado Maravillas!
Tom- I agree. Food is such a great (and fun and delicious) way to connect with a place and learn something really quickly about that culture and it does vary so much in Europe even from region to region especially in countries like Spain. What is something tradition from your region in Germany I should look out for if I’m there?
My goodness what delicious food you had. I don’t know how I would hold up on a food tour. I feel I would eat way too much to quickly and have to take a nap in the middle of the tour. I think I would also enjoy the day time tour more as I like to snack during the day and would enjoy it more I feel.
That crab is huge, fat, and juicy! That is an amazing food trip. We are health buffs, but we would definitely give ourselves an excuse when we splurge on all that yummy food in Madrid.
I am not so much of a foodie but from the looks of this tour, maybe I should just try out one for the fun of it. This definitely gives you the flavor of the place. Though I am not sure how it would work for a vegetarian. Is there an option for just vegetarian stuff?
You made me feel like going to Madrid immediately. The food is one of the most essential components that makes or breaks our travel experience at a place. And Madrid looks like it has a lot of food options to enjoy. Although I am a vegetarian, I can tell a sea food lover will have a wonderful time here.
I love to travel and I love to eat so this would be a dream come true to me. I remember that shrimp tapas dish all too well from my time in Mallorca back in May. I could’ve eaten it my entire time there. Thanks for sharing. I’m all about food tours so I’m definitely saving this one for later.
I agree! I think it is hard to find a good tour that balances the tour and food. Food is usually waaaay better. With that said though I’ll never pass up an opportunity for sea food – most of my friends & family hate it – so I either cook it myself or end up on a solo tour! That crab in your one picture looks delightfully monstrous!!
Ami-
Spain, in general is not the best food country for vegetarians (comparitively) but on food tours like this-with very knowledgeable and professional guides you will always be able to have the food items adapted for you (just let them know when you make the reservation so they can plan ahead of course!)
well as far as I know seafood is one of the healthiest foods you can eat š
you’re welcome! let me know if you come to Madrid and we can meet for a glass of vino! š
I will never understand how anyone can hate seafood….! š
This looks like such a great tour Brooke! I love that you did a roundup on what a good tour entails. I personally really appreciate a dynamic personality together with a real knowledge on local food when it comes to food tours. One of the best ones I did was in Mexico City which I insist you try should you visit.
ps. I need to visit you in Madrid!
ohhh I would LOVE to do a food tour in Mexico. We will be waiting to do any Mexico travel until we are living in the U.S again though since its so much closer from there (West Coast). By the time I get there I’ll be fluent in Spanish too! š
and yes indeed you must visit soon we might be gone by April! But we’ll still be in Europe so I can always go back and meet you there š
Finding a food tour is the first thing I do when I visit a new city, especially if I’m travelling solo. At least I know I won’t be eating alone that day! I usually try and fit them in at the beginning of my stay so I can go back to my favourite places. I’ve not visited Madrid yet but when I do I’ll be sure to join one, if not both, of these tours.
Kathryn you are a woman after my own heart š It’s true that with solo travel it makes so much sense to take tours! you meet people, get to spend some meals in groups rather than sitting alone every meal at restaurants (I’m ok with this once a day but it gets old 2-3 times a day for weeks!) and gives you a ton of ideas to follow up on during the rest of your trip or to take friends back to. Hope to see you in Madrid (or England) soon!
Great and insightful reviews. I am glad you made it objective and that lets us also decide what factors were considered to pick the really good tours! I haven’t been to Madrid, but will certainly give a try to Devour Spain when I do make a trip there…thank you for the suggestions š
Taking food tours when visiting a city is one of my favourite things, such a great way to get to grips with a new city, culture and cuisine. But you are right that some are completely meh, so it’s nice to see your recos for two great options in Madrid. I agree with your criteria too!
We love a good food tour and have found that a really good guide is as important as the food. We’ve been on a couple of food tours in Spain and have found some of the dishes to be really tasty and fresh and others to be ‘quite challenging’ but the whole experience is always fun.
I love food tours (and wine tours!), and I love Madrid – so these tours seem like a great idea for me! Glad to see that they cater to the gluten free issue and allergies in general – that certainly adds a level of appeal for my family. I like the sound of Pedro the tour guide – gift of the gab is a great quality in a tour guide!
I live in the south of Spain and Madrid is just a short train ride away. I haven’t been there yet but it’s definitely a place I want to visit either this year or definitely then next year. Discovering a country through its food is always the way to go, so joining a food tour like you did where you get guidance and background info is a fantastic way to experience a destination. I will bookmark your page so that when I get to Madrid I have two companies to look into. Thanks!
I never been to Madrid yet, but this food tour is definitely on the card, culinary experience is definitely the best way to experience new place.
The best part about travel is the opportunity to try the local food and experience different tastes and flavors. Looks like you had a great time eating all those yummy seafood. I was surprised to see such a huge crab.
I agree! What better way to see a city than to eat your way through it! š
you’re welcome! yes definitely give Pedro or Devour a call or visit their sites there are a lot of different tour options (depending on your tastes) š
haha absolutely especially when the guide is a long time local and knows SO much of interest to share!
hhaha yes sometimes you end up being give something like cocido (a fatty plate of meat, meat fat, chorizo and steamed cabbage and garbanzo beans) and while the locals certainly love it it’s just not all that delicious to many of us visiting. But with these tours you will LOVE the stuff they give you š
Garlic and wine are a never fail combination that I totally love especially if it’s sizzling! This post instantly made me drool! Food tours are always so awesome, right? But you’re great because you have fine criteria. A guide is one biggest factor as it will also liven up your tour, plus if you get more information about the cuisine. I like to grab that big crab! Madrid has so many mouth-watering foods!
I agree – I’ve been on a couple of ok food tours, and some that were really good, but I don’t know if I’ve been on one yet which have been great. Obviously I haven’t been to Madrid! I love that the guides at Madrid Tapas trip are passionate foodies – and I’m a big fan of seafood so it sounds like my perfect trip. I actually like that their tours are run in the day, I would much rather enjoy the experience without crowd intensity.
Devour Spain sounds like a great company too though – Madrid seems to have it covered when it comes to their food tours!
Spain has some amazing food tours! I went on a really incredible vegan tour in Barcelona and had the most delicious vegan paella, tomato bread and more. The mercado tour you mention seems really cool and authentic — a great way to have traditional food in the freshest way!
Both of these tours sound wonderful. I love that they are so different. Pedro sounds like an amazing guide and 9 stops during the Devour Spain tour is above and beyond
I love food tours and really enjoyed reading about your experiences in Madrid. The mercado tour especially intrigues me. You can tell so much about a culture through how they prepare and cook their food. The seafood and wine just sound amazing. Lastly, I like that the tours are during the day. I don’t want to go to sleep stuffed or navigate the crowds while trying to eat.
Madrid looks like a foodies paradise. I love to take food tours as it represents the essence of the place. The sizzling garlic shrimp looks heavenly. Would love to try the exotic Iberico pig.
Sizzling garlic shrimp with a glass of red wine makes the perfect combination. Madrid has so many choices. Last time when I was there, I had difficulty to choose where to eat. It would be a good idea to join a good tour, indeed.
I was literally drooling reading this post! I love Spanish food, and have been a few times to the capital. The hot chocolate looks amazing, I’ll make a note to try it when I’m back!
I absolutely LOVE food tours! But I agree, they have to be great for me to be hooked! I wish I had gone on a food tour when I was in Spain because wow! Look at all the amazing dishes you tried! Also, Devour Spain sounds like my kind of company! I’ll be sure to check them out when I plan a trip to Madrid!
Oh! I love to taste local food whenever I am in a different country. Infact Food tours are one of the highlights of any city trip. But as you said the trip has to be interesting, entertaining and of course have good food. I usually look for stories and history behind a food item and so the second tour definitely caught my fancy. I would surely take a food tour when I am in Madrid.
exactly! That’s why I don’t love evening tours. I did try out 2 different evening food tours while in Madrid but as you will notice-they did not make my list of ‘best food tours’. The places were so crowded it was awful trying to pass plates above peoples’ heads, etc and you could tell the businesses weren’t as happy to see us-and we didn’t get as much great info. Plus they were more ‘hot spots’ tours than the day tours which really give you the opportunity to do cool stuff like shop at mercados like locals and see a variety of different types of places (the historic chocolate place for instance)
that’s exactly how I would describe Devour Tours -‘above and beyond’. They really go to lengths to provide an extraordinarily good experience that makes you happy with every cent you spent (and much happier than many other tours which cost the same or more)