Top 10 Best Brunch Spots in Madrid (with a Free Brunch Itinerary)

Last updated: October 2026

Madrid has taken to brunch with enthusiasm, and the best places now sit alongside the city’s old taverns and chocolate shops. If you are looking for the best brunch in Madrid, start in Malasaña and Chueca, where Australian-style cafes, all-day brunch rooms and one long-running classic are all within walking distance of each other. Weekends are the busiest, so a little planning goes a long way.

This guide covers ten brunch spots, each with a practical box. Further down you will find how to pick between them, a free printable 3-day Madrid brunch itinerary, where to stay, getting around and budget guidance. For wider trip planning, the city’s official Madrid tourism site is a good place to begin, and if you want something more traditional afterwards, our guide to the best places to eat in Madrid covers the classic restaurants and taverns.

Brunch rules change often: cut-off times, booking policies and menus all move with the seasons. Opening hours differ between sources, so this guide avoids exact times. Where something could not be confirmed, it says so, so check the venue before you go.

Quick answer: Where is the best brunch in Madrid? For the city’s best-known Australian-style brunch, go to Federal Café. For a lively all-day room in Malasaña, try Ojalá, and for a classic eggs Benedict, choose Carmencita Bar. For a relaxed Chueca morning, head to Café de la Luz, and for a Sunday blow-out, book a hotel buffet such as the one at Narciso.

Quick comparison: best brunch spots in Madrid

1. Federal Café

Federal Café is the brunch spot most people in Madrid will point you to first. It was opened by a couple of Australian expats, and the menu follows the Australian cafe style: eggs Benedict, French toast, avocado dishes and good coffee. The Malasaña branch is on Plaza de las Comendadoras, and the cafe now has more than one location, so check which one you are heading to.

The room is bright and casual, with a mix of locals and visitors, and the kitchen is known for generous plates that suit a late start. Guides recommend the eggs Benedict and the French toast, and the juices and coffee are a step up from a standard cafe stop.

The catch is the queue. Sources disagree on whether Federal takes reservations, with several saying it does not, so check before you go and, on weekends, arrive early or accept a wait. Brunch is served until early afternoon on weekdays and later at weekends, according to the guides, but the cut-off times are not fixed, so confirm them before you plan a late visit.

If you want to avoid the crowd, go on a weekday morning, when the room is calmer and you can usually find a seat quickly. It is also a good first stop before a walk through Malasaña, where the cafes, vintage shops and murals are all within a few minutes on foot.

• How to get there: Metro to Tribunal or Noviciado, then a short walk to Plaza de las Comendadoras.
• How long to spend: One to one and a half hours.
• Best time to go: A weekday mid-morning, or early on a weekend.
• Tip: Arrive before the weekend rush and check which branch you are going to.

2. Ojalá

Ojalá is the brunch spot to choose if you want atmosphere as well as eggs. It is one of the best-known rooms in Malasaña, with a basement styled like a beach, complete with a sand floor and palm trees. Upstairs is a more conventional cafe, and the place is popular with a young, international crowd.

The brunch menu is built around set choices, with a drink and a main dish. The avocado toast with poached egg and pulled jamón is the dish people mention most, and the menu also includes other egg dishes, pancakes and sweet options. Prices are reported as reasonable for the area, though the exact figures vary by source.

Sources disagree on opening hours: one says brunch runs all day, another gives a daytime schedule, and others describe the venue as open into the night. That is a good reason to check before you go, especially if you plan a very early or a very late brunch.

Because it is so popular, the beach basement can fill up quickly at weekends. If you want to sit down there, arrive early or go on a weekday. It also works well as a base for a long, slow morning with friends, since the room encourages lingering.

The cocktails and the later hours mean it can turn into a drinks stop in the afternoon, so it suits a flexible plan.

• How to get there: Metro to Tribunal or Noviciado, then a short walk through Malasaña.
• How long to spend: One to two hours.
• Best time to go: A weekday late morning, or early at the weekend.
• Tip: Ask for a table in the basement if you want the beach look, and arrive before the lunch rush.

3. Carmencita Bar

Carmencita Bar is the classic choice for eggs Benedict in Malasaña. Several guides describe it as a staple of the neighbourhood, with a fixed-price brunch that includes eggs Benedict with a choice of salmon, avocado or bacon, served with sides such as hash browns, toast or salad. It is on Calle de San Vicente Ferrer, in the heart of Malasaña.

One older guide mentions cheap mimosas, which has helped make it a popular weekend spot, so this is a brunch for people who want a bit of a party atmosphere.

Reservations are recommended for weekends, according to one source. Older articles give specific brunch days and hours, but these date from several years ago and may have changed, so check the current schedule on the bar’s own channels before you plan around it.

Because it serves a set menu, it is a good choice if you do not want to spend a long time choosing. It works well with a group, and it is easy to combine with a walk through the nearby streets.

If you are visiting on a weekday, check that brunch is served then, since some venues keep it to the weekend only.

• How to get there: Metro to Tribunal or Noviciado, then a short walk to Calle de San Vicente Ferrer.
• How long to spend: One to two hours.
• Best time to go: Weekend late morning, with a booking.
• Tip: Book for weekends and confirm that the brunch menu is running on the day you plan to visit.

4. Toma Café

Toma Café is the best brunch stop for serious coffee drinkers. It is one of the pioneers of specialty coffee in Madrid, in Malasaña, and its brunch menu is short and focused rather than sprawling. Think good eggs, toast and sweet options, built around the coffee.

Guides describe the sets as mid-priced and the room as small, so weekend brunch fills up early. Guides describe it as a walk-in cafe, so do not count on reserving, and a late weekend arrival often means a wait. Sources say the cafe is busy by late morning at weekends, so plan to arrive before it fills.

The coffee list is the main draw, with filter and espresso options and baristas who are happy to explain the beans. If you like your brunch with a proper flat white or a pour-over, this is the place that most guides recommend.

It is small enough that you should not expect a long, spread-out meal. It suits two people or a small group, and it is a good first stop on a Malasaña morning before you move on to a museum or a walk.

Because the menu and the opening days can change, check the cafe’s own channels before you go, particularly if you are visiting early in the week or on a public holiday.

• How to get there: Metro to Tribunal or Noviciado, then a short walk.
• How long to spend: About an hour.
• Best time to go: Early at the weekend, or any weekday morning.
• Tip: Go early, because reservations are not usually mentioned and the room is small.

5. HanSo Café

HanSo Café is the most original brunch on this list, with a Korean and Spanish menu. It is known for matcha drinks and Korean-style egg toast, plus other dishes that mix Korean and Spanish ideas. It is a good choice if you have already tried the standard avocado and eggs and want something different.

One listing puts brunch at a mid-range price and says the cafe is closed on Mondays. It sits in Malasaña, but guides give different street addresses and mention more than one branch, so the exact address depends on which one you pick. Check the cafe’s channels to see which branch is open on the day you visit.

The room is modern and light, and the drinks list is as much of a draw as the food. Matcha lattes and other flavoured drinks are popular, so this is also a good choice for visitors who do not drink coffee.

Because it is in Malasaña, it fits neatly into a day of sightseeing. You can have brunch here and then walk towards the Gran Via, and from there on to the Royal Palace or the Plaza Mayor.

It can be busy at weekends, so allow a little extra time, and ask staff which dishes are Korean-inspired if you want to try something new.

• How to get there: Metro to Noviciado or Tribunal, depending on the branch.
• How long to spend: One to one and a half hours.
• Best time to go: A weekday late morning, or early at the weekend.
• Tip: Check the branch address and closing day before you go, since the cafe is reported closed on Mondays.

6. Café de la Luz

Café de la Luz is the most relaxed local choice in Chueca. It is a neighbourhood cafe with a breakfast service that runs until early afternoon, and a lighter “mini brunch” for those who want something a little more filling than toast. It is popular with locals, which makes it a good way to see Chueca on a normal morning.

The mini brunch is described as a tostada, a juice and a piece of cake, while the breakfast menu offers toasts with coffee, tea or cocoa. It is not a long, large plate, so it suits an easy, affordable start rather than a big weekend feast.

One source suggests reserving a table, since the cafe is well liked and the room is not large. That is worth doing at weekends, especially if you are travelling with a group.

Chueca is one of Madrid’s liveliest neighbourhoods, and this cafe is a short walk from many of its shops and bars. It is a good first stop before a morning wandering the area, or before you head to Gran Via.

The cut-off times and the price of the mini brunch have been reported by some guides, but they change often, so confirm them with the cafe before you plan your day around them.

• How to get there: Metro to Chueca, then a short walk.
• How long to spend: About an hour.
• Best time to go: Mid-morning on a weekday, or a booked weekend slot.
• Tip: Reserve for weekends and check the current brunch cut-off time.

7. Zenith Brunch & Cocktails

Zenith Brunch & Cocktails is the best budget option when you want brunch at any hour. It is on Calle de Valverde, between Malasaña and Chueca, and guides describe it as serving brunch classics such as eggs Benedict and pancakes at a lower price than the better-known spots. It tends to be busy at weekends.

Sources disagree on whether the cafe is in Malasaña or Chueca, which makes sense given its position on the border of the two neighbourhoods. They also disagree on the hours: one says all day, every day, and another gives a daytime schedule. Check the current times before you plan a very early or late visit.

It is a good choice for groups, because the menu is simple, the portions are generous and the price is gentle. The cocktails in the name mean you can turn brunch into a longer, more social meal, which suits a weekend with friends.

Arriving early at weekends is the best way to avoid a wait, according to several guides. If the queue is long, the neighbouring streets have plenty of other cafes, so you do not need to commit to one place.

It is an easy first stop before a walk through the two neighbourhoods, and a good fallback when the more famous cafes are full.

• How to get there: Metro to Tribunal or Chueca, a short walk to Calle de Valverde.
• How long to spend: One to one and a half hours.
• Best time to go: Early at the weekend, or a weekday late morning.
• Tip: Arrive early on weekends, and check the current opening hours before you go.

8. La Habanera

La Habanera is the choice for a weekend brunch with a terrace near Plaza de Colón. It is on Calle Génova, a short walk from the plaza, in a two-floor venue with a Cuban-inspired, colonial style. Listings describe a large terrace with views towards Plaza de Colón, and the place also runs DJ sessions and drinks in the evenings.

The weekend brunch is run as a set experience. A booking listing says it runs on Saturdays and Sundays in the late morning, that tickets are bought for at least two people and that this reserves a table. The menu is described as including items such as smoked salmon, Iberian ham, eggs, pastries and coffee or tea, with a gluten-free option on request.

The sources disagree on the exact street number, so check the address before you go. The price of the brunch is also not confirmed, so check the booking page for the current figure and what it includes.

It is a more polished and grown-up brunch than the Malasaña cafes, so it suits a celebration or a relaxed weekend with a group. The terrace is the main reason to come, so choose a sunny day if you can.

It is in a smart business and shopping area, so it pairs well with a walk through the nearby streets and the Retiro park afterwards.

• How to get there: Metro to Colón, then a short walk to Calle Génova.
• How long to spend: One and a half to two hours.
• Best time to go: A weekend late morning, with a booking.
• Tip: Book in advance and check the address and price on the booking page.

9. Narciso

Narciso is the choice for a Sunday brunch buffet in Almagro. It is a brasserie on Calle de Almagro, listed by the city’s tourism site, and a Time Out guide describes a Sunday buffet with eggs prepared several ways, fruit, cheeses, salads, French pastries and champagne. It is a leisurely, long brunch rather than a quick coffee stop.

Almagro is a smart, quieter district, which gives the meal a calmer feel than the busy Malasaña cafes. The buffet suits groups, families and anyone who likes to try a bit of everything, and it is a good option if you want to linger over the meal.

The sources differ on the hours and the price. The city tourism page gives slightly different Sunday hours from the Time Out guide, and neither confirms the current brunch price, so check directly with the restaurant before you go. Sunday service can also change, so confirm that the buffet is still running, since the sources do not confirm its current form.

Book ahead, because Sunday brunch in this area is popular, and ask what is included, such as drinks. For details of the restaurant, see the esMadrid listing for Narciso Brasserie.

It is also a good fit for a special weekend, since it feels more like an occasion than a casual cafe.

• How to get there: Metro to Alonso Martínez or Iglesia, then a short walk to Calle de Almagro.
• How long to spend: Two hours or more.
• Best time to go: Sunday around midday, with a booking.
• Tip: Confirm the buffet is running and what the price includes before you reserve.

10. InterContinental Madrid Sunday Brunch

The Sunday brunch at the InterContinental Madrid is the big, special-occasion choice. A Time Out Madrid listing describes it as a buffet with more than 200 items, served in the early afternoon on Sundays at the hotel in the Almagro area. It is the sort of brunch you plan in advance and make a day of.

The format is a hotel buffet, so you can expect a wide spread of hot and cold dishes, with sweet and savoury options and a more formal setting than the cafes in Malasaña. It suits family celebrations, birthdays and visitors who want a long, indulgent meal.

The details are the part to check. The price quoted in one article is at the top of the scale for brunch in the city, and the details of what is included, such as drinks, change over time. This guide does not give a figure, so confirm the current price and whether children’s rates apply directly with the hotel.

Because Sunday brunch at a hotel like this is popular, booking is advisable. Check also whether the buffet runs every Sunday or only on certain dates, since hotel programmes can change with the season.

If you want a similar experience at what is likely to be a lower price, the Narciso buffet nearby is an alternative, but compare current prices.

• How to get there: Metro to Gregorio Marañón or Rubén Darío, then a short walk along Paseo de la Castellana.
• How long to spend: Two to three hours.
• Best time to go: Sunday early afternoon, with a booking.
• Tip: Book well ahead, and confirm the buffet dates and what the price includes.

How to pick the right brunch in Madrid

Start with the mood you want. For Australian-style classics, choose Federal Café or Zenith. For a lively room, pick Ojalá, and for specialty coffee, go to Toma Café. If you want something different, HanSo is the most original choice on the list.

Next, think about the day. Weekends are busy at the Malasaña cafes, so go early or choose a weekday. If you are in Madrid on a Sunday, the buffets at Narciso and the InterContinental are the most relaxed way to spend a long afternoon.

Finally, check the booking policy. Federal and Toma are generally described as walk-in, while La Habanera and the Sunday buffets need a booking. When a place says it does not take reservations, plan to arrive before the rush rather than at peak time.

Suggested brunch plans for 1, 2 or 3 days

You can try most of the best brunch spots in three mornings by grouping them by area. The itinerary below is also available as a free printable PDF, which the site adds after the quick answer.

Day 1: Malasaña classics

Start early at Federal Café for eggs Benedict or French toast, and walk it off through Malasaña. If you want a second stop later, try Ojalá for its beach basement, or Toma Café for a proper coffee. All three are within a short walk of each other, near Tribunal and Noviciado.

Day 2: Chueca and Malasaña

Begin with a relaxed morning at Café de la Luz in Chueca, then walk towards Gran Via. For a different taste, go to HanSo Café for Korean-style egg toast and matcha, then walk on to the Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor.

Day 3: Weekend treat

Choose a weekend for La Habanera near Plaza de Colón, then walk through the Retiro park. If it is a Sunday, book the Narciso buffet in Almagro instead, or the InterContinental for a bigger occasion, and keep the rest of the day free.

Where to stay for brunch in Madrid

For the best choice on foot, stay in Malasaña or Chueca, where most of the cafes in this guide are within walking distance. These districts are lively at night, so ask for a quieter room if you are a light sleeper.

For a calmer base, choose Salamanca or Chamberí, from where Narciso, the InterContinental and La Habanera are a short walk or a Metro stop away. If you prefer to be close to the main sights, the area around Sol and Gran Via has easy access to the Metro and to the Malasaña cafes on foot.

If your hotel serves its own brunch, it can be convenient, but the independent cafes in this guide offer more variety.

Getting around Madrid

Madrid’s Metro is the easiest way to link the brunch spots, and most of the places in this guide are within a few minutes of a station. For routes, tickets and opening times, use the Metro de Madrid official site.

Malasaña and Chueca are compact enough to explore on foot, so you can combine two or three stops in a morning. Taxis and ride-hailing are useful for the more spread-out places, such as the Sunday buffets in Almagro and on the Castellana.

Weekend mornings are the busiest, so plan to arrive early, and bring a light layer for the cooler months in case you queue outside.

Budget guidance

For a lower spend, choose Café de la Luz, Zenith or Ojalá, where set menus and simple plates keep the bill gentle. A coffee and a toast at a neighbourhood cafe is the cheapest way to enjoy a Madrid morning.

At the middle level, Federal Café, Carmencita, Toma Café and HanSo are good value for the quality, especially if you share a plate and a drink. A weekend visit to La Habanera is a step up, particularly if the booking includes a set menu.

For a special occasion, the Sunday buffets at Narciso and the InterContinental are the choice, with the hotel brunch at the top of the scale. Always check what is included, such as drinks, before you book.

Discover more of Madrid

Once you have your brunch sorted, round out your trip with our guide to the best bars in Madrid for the evening, and the best day trips from Madrid if you have a spare day to leave the city. Brunch fans heading further across Spain can also read our guide to the best places to eat in Seville.

Featured image: Photo by Luis García (Zaqarbal), CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped, via Wikimedia Commons