Madrid may evoke images of tapas, large green public parks, and art museums. But among the palaces and plazas, the Spanish capital is also home to a thriving specialty coffee scene that is only getting bigger.

Take a look at these picks of the city’s coffee shops based on atmosphere and the quality of coffee on offer.

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Coffee cups on top of the La Marzocco espresso machine at Hola Coffee. Credit: Hola Coffee

Why These Six?

The best coffee shop is a matter of personal preference and Madrid has many worthy of recognition. But these are my personal selections based on aesthetics, experience, and quality of coffee. As a barista and lover of specialty coffee, these are the coffee shops I think offer something unique.

Customers drinking coffee at Hola Coffee. Credit: Hola Coffee

1. Hola Coffee

Nolo Botana and Pablo Caballero have competed in specialty coffee competitions, worked as roasters and trainers, and written about their coffee knowledge. This is their first retail project and it also happens to be where I work. I may be biased, but I think it’s one of the best coffee shops in Spain.

Situated in the Lavapiés neighbourhood, this is  an old building that has been transformed into a bright and stylish space. Stop by to try the house-roasted beans with a snack.

The bright interior of Hola Coffee. Credit: Hola Coffee

Where	Calle Doctor Fourquet 33, 28012
Atmosphere	Relaxed and welcoming
Espresso Machine	La Marzocco Strada AV
Grinder	Victoria Arduino Mythos I, Mahlkonig EK43
Coffee Offerings	Espresso-based drinks, batch brews, and pour overs. Cold brew in summer.
Must-Try Drink	Batch brew
Retail Offerings	House-roasted beans from various origins.
Food & Other Drinks	A simple but original menu, house-made soft drinks including kombucha.
Nearby Sights	Various galleries and museums, including the Museo Reina Sofía.

2. Misión Café

Hola Coffee’s younger sister, Misión Café has the same coffee-making philosophy as its sibling but in a larger space. It also has a wider range of food including house-made pastries. The white-walled post-industrial space is minimal and contemporary. It claims to be the first coffee shop with a La Marzocco Modbar brewing station in Spain, so all eyes are on the counter.

Behind the Modbar in Misión Café. Credit: Iván Mora

Where	Calle de los Reyes 5, 28015
Atmosphere	Friendly
Espresso Machine	La Marzocco Modbar
Grinder	Victoria Arduino Mythos I, Mahlkonig EK43
Coffee Offerings	Espresso-based drinks, batch brew, and pour overs. Cold brew and nitro in summer.
Must-Try Drink	Espresso
Retail Offerings	Hola Cafe roasted coffee beans
Food & Other Drinks	A full and innovative menu for breakfast and lunch. House-made pastries and soft drinks.
Nearby Sights	Close to large public square Plaza de España, central shopping street Gran Via, and the Palacio Real.

Inside Misión Café. Credit: Misión Café

3. Toma Café

This claims to be Madrid’s first specialty coffee shop. The original space, Toma 1, is in the heart of the Malasaña neighbourhood and the owners have since opened a new place, Toma 2, with a bigger menu in Plaza de Olavide.

Toma 1 is cosy and decorated with wooden benches and bicycles. Stop by for a slice of a house-made cake and a cold brew. Head to Toma 2 for brunch, wine, and live music alongside your specialty coffee.

Toma 1 from the street. Credit: Toma Café

Where	Calle de la Palma, 49, 28004
Atmosphere	Casual and relaxed
Espresso Machine	La Marzocco Linea PB
Grinder	Mahlkonig K30, Mahlkonig EK43
Coffee Offerings	Espresso-based drinks, batch brews, and pour overs. Cold brew in summer.
Must-Try Drink	Cold brew with orange and whipped cream
Food & Other Drinks	Toma 1 has cakes and snacks. Toma 2 has a more extensive menu that includes original items such as black garlic, burnt lemon and butter on toast.
Nearby Sights	The lively Plaza del Dos de Mayo and central shopping street Gran Via are close to Toma 1.

4. HanSo Café

This cool spot in Malasaña offers sweet pies alongside specialty coffee. Choose from a range of different beans and take a break in the relaxed space. They also have innovative drinks including a red velvet latte, lemon cold brew, and matcha latte.

A coffee at HanSo Café. Credit: HanSo Café

Where	Calle Pez, 20, 28004
Atmosphere	Easygoing
Espresso Machine	La Marzocco Strada AV
Grinder	Mahlkonig K30, Mythos I, Mahlkonig EK43
Coffee Offerings	Espresso-based drinks, batch brews, and pour overs. Cold brew in summer.
Must-Try Drink	Flat white
Food & Other Drinks	A casual menu that includes toasts, bagels, salads, and pancakes.
Nearby Sights	Busy shopping street Gran Via, commercial square Plaza de Callao.

5. Santa Kafeina

This small coffee shop offers beans from roasters all over the world. It is also known for the house-made baked goods and doughnuts. Away from the touristy centre of the city, come here to enjoy some quiet time and have a chat with the friendly owners.

Inside Santa Kafeina. Credit: Iván Mora

Where	Calle Viriato 37, Local L30
Atmosphere	Friendly and welcoming
Espresso Machine	La Marzocco Strada EP
Grinder	Mahlkonig K30, Mahlkonig EK43
Coffee Offerings	Espresso-based drinks and pour overs. Cold brew in summer.
Must-Try Drink	V60
Food & Other Drinks	A small but good-quality menu including sandwiches and toasts.
Nearby Sights	Abandoned-metro-station-turned-museum Estación Museo, performing arts theatre Teatros del Canal.

6. The Fix

This is another option off the beaten track. The Fix is a beautiful space filled with plants and light. It opened in 2018 and offers all-day brunch and baked goods alongside specialty coffee.

The owners previously worked in coffee shops in London, and it’s shown in their choice of beans from English roasters Assembly and Colonna.

Coffee options at The Fix. Credit: The Fix

Where	Calle Luisa Fernanda, 15, 28008
Atmosphere	Welcoming
Espresso Machine	Victoria Arduino Black Eagle
Grinder	Victoria Arduino Mythos I, Mahlkonig EK43
Coffee Offerings	Espresso-based drinks and pour overs. Cold brew in summer.
Must-Try Drink	Syphon brew method
Food & Other Drinks	Brunch and all-day menus, including vegan options.
Nearby Sights	Close to the large public park Parque del Oeste and reconstructed ancient Egyptian Templo de Debod.

Brunch dishes at The Fix. Credit: The Fix

Madrid has a growing range of specialty coffee shops. Whether you’re looking for somewhere in the bustle of the Gran Via or a quiet respite away from the crowds, there is an option for you.

Why not plan a trip to Madrid for your next city break? Make sure to include at least a couple of these cafés in your itinerary.

Enjoyed this? Check out A Specialty Coffee Shop Tour of Valencia, Spain

All views within this opinion piece belong to the guest writer, who is a local of Madrid, and do not reflect Perfect Daily Grind’s stance.

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