Where a Two-Michelin-starred Chef Loves to Eat in Madrid

Welcome to The Relisher’s Madrid Edition! This week, I met Chef Domenico Vildacci, Executive Chef of Deessa—the two-Michelin-starred restaurant inside the Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid, which earned its prestigious stars just 18 months after opening.

Below, the Madrid local—widely regarded as one of the city’s top chefs—shares his favorite spots, from restaurants and tapas to wine bars and more. (Note: A Google Map with all locations listed is provided at the end of the interview.)

“Madrid’s restaurant scene is on fire, with six to seven new restaurants opening each week. There has never been a better time to visit Madrid.”

Best Tapas Bars & Must-Visit Restaurants in Madrid

Below are both my favorite tapas spots and the must-visit restaurants I always recommend to chefs and friends visiting Madrid.