Award-winning company leads small groups through Madrid's La Latina and Malasaña neighborhoods stopping at traditional tavernas, markets, and churrerías. One of Spain's highest-rated food tours with expert English-speaking guides explaining culinary history.
Devour Tours has operated food tours across Spain and Europe since 2012, earning consistent recognition as one of the top culinary tour operators in Madrid. The Madrid food tour routes through two of the capital's most characterful neighborhoods: La Latina, home to centuries-old tavernas and the iconic El Rastro flea market, and Malasaña, a bohemian quarter with a thriving food scene that blends old-school neighborhood bars with contemporary cafés.
Over three to four hours, small groups of typically six to twelve guests move on foot through these historic streets, pausing at eight to ten carefully chosen stops. The tasting progression covers the full spectrum of Madrid's culinary identity: thin-sliced jamón ibérico sourced from acorn-fed pigs in the southwest of Spain, patatas bravas with both the Madrid-style bravas sauce and the aioli variation, freshly fried croquetas de jamón, house-cured bacalao, and locally made vermouth poured at marble-topped bar counters. The tour typically concludes with a pour of local wine from the Castilian plateau and a traditional sweet.
English-speaking guides, trained in Spanish culinary history and regional gastronomy, explain the provenance of each dish, the social rituals surrounding the tapas tradition, and the historical context of Madrid's drinking and eating culture. Groups are kept deliberately small to allow genuine conversation with bar owners and market vendors.
The price of approximately $80–95 per person covers all tastings and drinks at every stop; gratuity is not included in the base rate. Dietary substitutions are possible for most stops when notified in advance, though the tour is structurally meat-heavy and vegetarian guests should flag requirements at the time of booking.
What is included
- 8-10 tastings including jamón ibérico, patatas bravas, croquetas, vermouth, and local wine
Good to know
- Operator
- Devour Tours
Highlights
- Guided walk through La Latina and Malasaña, two of Madrid's most historically rich food neighborhoods
- 8–10 tastings including jamón ibérico, patatas bravas, croquetas, and traditional vermouth
- Expert English-speaking guides trained in Spanish culinary history and gastronomy
- Small-group format with typically 6–12 participants for an intimate bar-hopping experience
- Concludes with Castilian wine and traditional sweets at a classic Madrid taverna
Tips for visiting
- Arrive on a light stomach — the tour covers eight to ten substantial tastings spread over three to four hours
- Wear comfortable walking shoes; the route covers uneven cobblestone streets in La Latina
- Notify Devour Tours of dietary restrictions at the time of booking, not on the day of the tour
- The tour runs year-round but the neighborhood bar atmosphere is liveliest Thursday through Saturday evenings
- Gratuity for the guide is appreciated but not included in the base tour price
Frequently asked questions
How many people are on a typical Devour Madrid food tour?
Groups are capped at approximately 12 participants to keep the experience personal and ensure access to smaller bars. Private tours for smaller or larger groups can be arranged directly through Devour Tours.
Is the tour suitable for vegetarians?
The tour is structured around Madrid's meat-centric tapas culture, including jamón ibérico and croquetas de jamón. Vegetarian participants can complete most of the tour but will skip some stops; discussing requirements at booking is strongly advised.
What happens if it rains during the tour?
The tour operates in most weather conditions as the majority of stops are inside traditional tavernas and bars. Light rain is common in Madrid in autumn and spring and rarely disrupts the experience.
Where does the tour start and finish?
Devour Madrid tours typically depart from a central meeting point in La Latina, with full details confirmed at booking. The route ends in the same general neighborhood.
Is gratuity included in the tour price?
Gratuity is not included in the listed price. Tipping the guide is customary and appreciated; the amount is at guests' discretion.