Best Coffee Shops in Madrid.
I'm working through every specialty coffee shop in Madrid. This post grows as I visit more ~ honest ratings, no fluff.
Madrid has a specialty coffee scene that most people miss. The default here is a quick espresso at the bar, shouted across a counter, done in two minutes. Which is genuinely great. But there's another layer ~ small roasters, filter bars, owner-operated cafes where someone has obsessed over origin and extraction ~ and that's what I'm documenting here.
Each cafe gets scored on three things ~ the cup itself, the vibe, and how well it works as a place to actually think or film. The rating system is mine. It's not a Michelin guide. It's a running log from someone who lives here.
How I rate
The Cup
Taste, extraction quality, origin transparency, consistency
The Vibe
Aesthetic, natural light, noise level, content potential
For Work
WiFi, outlets, table space, how long you can stay
01Reviewed so far
Toma Café
One of Madrid's originals. The coffee is genuinely great ~ not just specialty coffee for the sake of it. You can feel the intention behind every cup. Small, warm, always busy. It has that lived-in feeling that takes years to build.
Najis Speciality Coffee
This one surprised me. Chamberí is already a strong neighborhood but Najis holds its own ~ unpretentious, genuinely specialty, and with enough space to actually think. The staff knows their coffee and doesn't make you feel like a tourist for ordering it.
02On the radar
These are next. Cards unlock when I've visited.
Federal Café
Australian-owned, long brunch tradition ~ curious about the coffee quality
Hola Coffee
Heard the espresso is exceptional. Also ~ the branding is very filmable
Misión Café
Multiple Madrid friends have mentioned this one
Hanso Café
Always packed. Want to understand why
Mür Café
Specialty roaster with their own beans ~ need to verify
Osom Coffee
Apparently the specialty toasts are unreal ~ Queen V with cashew cheese and avocado, plus the coffee ticks every box
Faraday
Record store + coffee shop. No laptops, no fuss ~ just a clean flat white and a vinyl in the background
Natif Coffee and Kitchen
Beautiful pastries, gorgeous space, right next door to Osom Atelier ~ two birds one visit
ALCHEMY Specialty Coffee
Tiny, owner-run, 5 min from Plaza Mayor ~ pink chai and a flat white with latte art
Plenti
Brunch spot more than coffee but the food quality is serious ~ quiche, Mexican baked eggs, one block from Retiro Park
Pum Pum Cafe
Weekend brunch special for €12 sounds like a must ~ house-baked everything, exposed brick, hipster done right
Coming soon
Video series coming to YouTube & Reels
Each cafe will get its own short-form video ~ the vibe, the coffee, and an honest take from someone who actually works from these places. Follow along.
Still drinking.
This list will keep growing. I'll add cafes as I visit them ~ probably one or two a month. If you're in Madrid and have a recommendation, find me on Instagram or Threads.
And if you visit any of these based on this post ~ tell me what you got.
Love, Abie
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