The *bocadillo de calamares* is a quintessential Madrid street food, offering crispy squid rings in a crusty baguette. A must-try near Plaza Mayor.
Why is the calamari sandwich so famous?
Guests ask us this every week at reception: why is a seafood sandwich so famous in a landlocked city? It’s a paradox that captures Madrid's spirit. The tradition dates back to when fresh seafood was a luxury, brought in from the coast and celebrated. Today, it’s less about luxury and more about a perfect, unpretentious bite. It’s the crunch of the batter, the soft bread, the salt. That’s it.
Forget the tourist traps. The real Madrid experience is grabbing a hot calamari sandwich and a cold caña right off the Plaza Mayor.
Where to find the best calamari sandwiches near Plaza Mayor?
One of the best things about staying with us is that you're literally a two-minute walk from the city's most legendary calamari spots. We've tried them all. Here's our honest breakdown of where to go:
- La Campana (Calle de Botoneras, 6): Just 200 metres from Plaza Mayor, known for its fresh and crispy calamari sandwiches. Prices are around €4-5.
- Bar La Ideal (Calle de Botoneras, 4): Another classic on the same street, offering crunchy calamari and perfectly baked bread.
- El Brillante (Plaza Emperador Carlos V, 8): A bit further away (about a 20-minute walk), but famous for its generous portions and quality.
What to avoid when looking for a calamari sandwich?
Here's what we know from working here every day: follow the noise and the locals. A good calamari bar will be loud, crowded, and might not have fancy decor. The key is turnover. You want to see them constantly frying fresh batches, not pulling sandwiches from under a heat lamp. That constant sizzle is the sound of quality.
The perfect pairing: What to drink with your calamari sandwich?
The classic move is to pair it with an ice-cold *caña*—a small, draft beer. The crisp bitterness cuts through the richness of the fried calamari perfectly. It's a non-negotiable ritual for many Madrileños. If beer isn't your thing, a Kas Limón provides a sharp, citrusy contrast that works just as well. Look for the 'oferta' signs, which often bundle the sandwich and drink together for a great price.
More at interhostales.es: Inter Plaza Mayor · Inter Puerta del Sol · our rooms
Further reading: Metro de Madrid · esmadrid.com
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