Last weekend, my friends and I drove to several small towns around Madrid, mainly to eat, eat, and eat. We originally just wanted to find a place to relax, but unexpectedly discovered several excellent restaurants. I’m sharing this while the memories are still fresh.
Surprises in Alcalá de Henares
Our first stop was Alcalá, this university town is only half an hour’s drive from Madrid. We found a restaurant called El Bedel near the main square. The façade is small but it’s quite lively inside. We ordered their signature dish cocido madrileño, the portion was really generous—one serving was enough for three people. The broth was especially rich, and the meat and chickpeas were stewed until tender, absolutely perfect with bread. The price wasn’t expensive either, around 15 euros per person for a very satisfying meal.
Roast Suckling Pig in Chinchón
In the afternoon we drove to Chinchón, a place famous for its roast suckling pig. We went to Mesón de la Virreina, recommended by locals. You need to book in advance on weekends or there won’t be any tables. The suckling pig’s skin was so crispy you could cut it with the edge of a plate, and the meat was tender and juicy. I strongly recommend pairing it with their house red wine. Although it’s not from any famous winery, it goes perfectly with this dish. The only downside is the price is a bit steep—one suckling pig for four people costs 60 euros, though it’s definitely worth it.
| Restaurant Name | Recommended Dish | Average Price | Booking Advice |
|---|
| El Bedel | Madrid Stew | 15 euros | Not needed on weekdays |
| Mesón de la Virreina | Roast Suckling Pig | 25 euros | Must book on weekends |
| Casa Duque | Roast Lamb Chops | 20 euros | Advance booking suggested |
Finishing in Segovia
Our last stop was Segovia, mainly to see the aqueduct, but since we were there we had to try the local food. Walking randomly through the old town, we found Casa Duque, where they make excellent roast lamb chops. The lamb had no gamey flavor, crispy outside and tender inside, perfect with just a sprinkle of sea salt. We originally wanted to try their blood sausage too, but we were too full and had to give up. The restaurant’s terrace overlooks the cathedral, and eating while enjoying the view felt wonderful.
Practical Tips
If you’re also planning to visit these towns around Madrid, I suggest avoiding Sunday afternoons as many restaurants close during that time. For parking, it’s best to find public parking lots—the old town streets are very narrow and difficult to park in. Bring some cash to be safe, as some small restaurants don’t accept credit cards. Overall, this culinary trip exploring Madrid estates and visiting Brihuega was very satisfying. Next time I plan to explore towards Toledo to see what good food is there.
