Few cultures in the world boast a culinary tradition as diverse and extensive as the Arabic. The Arabic gastronomy encompasses the finest recipes from a large group of countries, primarily situated in Western Asia and Northern Africa.
Fortunately, there is currently a wide range of Arabic restaurants in Madrid catering to all tastes and budgets. Below, I have listed my favorite places to savor authentic and delicious Arabic cuisine in the capital of Spain.
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10 Popular Arabic Foods
If you are unsure about what to pick at any of the top-rated Arabic restaurants in Madrid, here’s a list of the 10 most popular Arabic dishes to help you out.
- Hummus is a classic Middle Eastern dip made from blended chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, and garlic. It boasts a smooth and creamy texture, often served as a dip with warm pita bread or as a flavorful accompaniment to various dishes.
- Couscous is a North African dish made from crushed and steamed wheat granules. It has a light, fluffy texture and serves as a versatile base for various stews, vegetables, and spices. Whether paired with meats or veggies, couscous is known for its simple yet satisfying taste and is a popular choice in the best Arabic restaurants in Madrid.
- Falafel is a street food made from deep-fried patties of ground chickpeas or fava beans. Often served in pita bread and accompanied by tahini sauce or yogurt, falafel is a go-to choice for those seeking a tasty and satisfying vegan meal.
- The allure of Kibbeh lies in its perfect marriage of lamb or beef, bulgur wheat, and aromatic spices. This mixture is shaped into patties, balls, or loaves, then either baked or fried. With its crispy exterior and tender interior, Kibbeh is a popular dish in Middle Eastern cuisine.
- Baba Ganoush is a delectable dish similar to hummus crafted from roasted eggplant, blended to a velvety consistency, and mixed with tahini, garlic, and lemon juice. The result is a creamy and savory spread, perfect for dipping warm pita bread or accompanying various dishes.
- Shawarma is a street food delight made by thinly slicing marinated meat, often lamb, chicken, or beef. The meat is typically stacked on a vertical rotisserie and served in flatbreads or wraps, accompanied by a medley of sauces and vegetables. Madrid’s Arabic restaurants bring an authentic touch to this beloved Middle Eastern street food.
- Baklava is a delectable pastry that comprises layers of thin filo dough and is filled with chopped nuts, often walnuts or pistachios, and sweetened with honey or syrup. The result is a rich and sweet dessert that boasts a crispy texture and a nutty, sticky sweetness from the filling.
- Maqluba is a flavorful combination of rice, meat, and vegetables cooked together, creating a layered and aromatic masterpiece. The dish is typically assembled with meat at the bottom, followed by layers of vegetables and rice. Once cooked, it is inverted onto a serving platter
- Tabbouleh is a refreshing salad featuring finely chopped parsley, tomatoes, mint, and onion. Tabbouleh is often mixed with soaked bulgur and dressed with a zesty combination of lemon juice and olive oil.
- Msemmen is a traditional Moroccan flatbread that is kneaded and folded to create multiple layers. It is then pan-fried until golden brown, resulting in a deliciously crispy exterior. Often served with honey or jam, Msemmen can also be enjoyed with other fillings like cheese or meat.
5 Best Arabic Restaurants in Madrid
I always find Arabic restaurants really appealing. Whether they are classic or modern, they offer a great experience with unique flavors.
The variety of options lets you explore different tastes in Arabic cuisine, and dining at one of the following Arabic restaurants in Madrid is always a tasty and interesting experience.
1. Beytna
Address: C. Moscatelar 18, 28043, Madrid
Phone: +34 679 223 723
Url: https://www.beytnarestaurante.com/
Beytna is an Arabic restaurant in Madrid specializing in Jordanian cuisine. It is one of my top choices for a relaxed meal due to its quiet and elegant atmosphere, charming terrace, and tasteful decor.
The menu at Beytna features classic Arabic dishes such as Hummus, Tabbouleh, Shawarma, Kubbeh, and Baklava, along with unique offerings like the Raheb Salad. One of their standout features is the wood-fired oven, which imparts a special flavor to all their dishes.
Beytna is a reliable pick if you want to savor the authentic aromas, textures, and flavors of the finest Arabic cuisine.
2. Al-Mounia
Address: C. Recoletos 5, 28001, Madrid
Phone: +34 914 350 828
Url: https://www.restaurantealmounia.es/
Al-Mounia is a high-end restaurant specializing in Moroccan cuisine, in fact it is considered the first Moroccan restaurant in the Spanish capital. Its impressive decor, directly imported from Morocco, makes it an ideal spot for a romantic dinner or a special celebration.
If you decide to visit, make sure to try one of their popular couscous dishes, the roasted lamb, and the fried eggs with truffle on a base of couscous. Their extensive menu also features various types of Hummus, including my personal favorite with black garlic and pine nuts, perfect as an appetizer.
On Fridays and Saturdays, the restaurant offers live Arab dance shows, so don’t forget to make a reservation in advance to catch the entertainment.
3. Solidere
Address: Av. Alfonso XIII 35, 28002, Madrid
Phone: +34 914 152 107
Url: https://restaurantesolidere.com/
When it comes to Arabic restaurants in Madrid, Lebanese cuisine is gaining prominence in the capital. Near the beautiful Berlín Park, one of Madrid’s most beautiful green spaces, Solidere stands out as one of the best places to taste Lebanese gastronomy.
The restaurant boasts a simple, elegant, and inviting decor. It features the most popular dishes of Arabic cuisine, including Tabbouleh, Kibbe, falafel, Hummus, and Muhammara, a red pepper cream with nuts, pomegranate, and tomato juice flavored with essence of olive oil. All of their dishes are 100% Halal.
If you are up for a different and exotic plan to savor the genuine essence of Lebanese cuisine, Solidere is a safe bet.
4. Alcuzcuz de Alhuzema
Address: C. Farmacia 8, 28004, Madrid
Phone: +34 915 319 411
This small and cozy restaurant, nestled in the lively neighborhood of Chueca, offers an incredible gastronomic experience centered around traditional Moroccan cuisine.
Even before stepping through the entrance, you will find yourself transported on a journey to the African continent, as the entire décor of Alcuzcuz pays homage to Berber culture.
On the menu, you will discover the typical Harira, a traditional Moroccan soup made with a base of tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, and aromatic spices. Additionally, they serve Pastilla, a north African meat pie, chicken skewers, and one of the best couscous dishes in Madrid.
It is also worthwhile to explore Moroccan wines, as well as Moroccan teas and traditional sweets from the region.
5. Fairuz
Address: C. Rosa de Silva 19, 28020, Madrid
Phone: +34 914 593 959
Url: https://fairuz.madrid/
With a warm and inviting decor, Fairuz shies away from the extravagance seen in other Arab restaurants in Madrid, opting for a unique and Far Eastern style.
The restaurant offers various tasting menus, and on the à la carte menu, you will find different types of Hummus and other delightful Arabic dishes such as minced meat croquettes with bulgur, soups, and creams. The portions are generous, and in some cases, meant for sharing, so it is a good idea to seek advice from the staff.
Twice a month, on Saturdays, Fairuz hosts a live belly dance and other Arabic dance performances, adding a special and entertaining touch to your dinner. You can stay updated on event dates through their Instagram account or by calling them directly.
Fairuz not only promises a delicious dining experience but also an ambiance that sets it apart, making it a distinctive choice among the best Arabic restaurants in Madrid.
Final Words
Our exploration of Arabic restaurants in Madrid unveils a diverse culinary journey, crossing borders and cultures. From the cozy Fairuz to Alcuzcuz and the upscale Al-Mounia showcasing Moroccan cuisine, each spot brings a unique taste to Madrid’s Arabic dining scene.
Whether you fancy Solidere’s traditional dishes or Beytna’s top-notch Lebanese fare, these places in Madrid go beyond just serving meals. They create experiences that transport you to the Middle East and North Africa, offering not just food but a cultural immersion.