Cheap Eats in Malasaña: Everyday Options

Looking for cheap eats in Malasaña without compromising on quality? The neighbourhood offers plenty of options, from set menus to affordable tapas, for every day of the week.

Where to find affordable set menus?

We always point people towards the *menú del día* for a proper, affordable lunch. You'll see them scribbled on chalkboards outside bars all over the neighbourhood, usually costing between €10 and €14 for two courses, bread, and a drink. 'La Mucca de Pez' is just 280 metres from our door and does a consistently good one. Then there's 'Carmencita Bar', which gets all the attention for brunch, but its €12.50 weekday menu is one of the area's most reliable sit-down meals. It's solid.

Another excellent option is 'Ojalá', located on Calle de San Andrés, just a 5-minute walk from Calle del Pez. Known for its cozy beach-themed interior, Ojalá offers a well-priced set menu for around €13. The menu changes daily, featuring dishes like creamy risottos, hearty stews, or fresh fish. The portions are generous, and the quality is consistently high. For those who prefer a more traditional Spanish experience, 'Casa Macareno' on Calle de San Vicente Ferrer serves a €14 menu del día that includes classic dishes like cocido madrileño or grilled meats, paired with a glass of wine or beer.

If you're looking for something a bit more international, 'Superchulo' on Calle de Manuela Malasaña offers a creative twist on the traditional set menu. For €15, you can enjoy dishes like quinoa salads, roasted vegetables, and plant-based desserts. The atmosphere is vibrant and perfect for a relaxed lunch. Another hidden gem is 'La Jauría' on Calle Colón, where their €13 menu includes a mix of Mediterranean and Spanish dishes, with vegetarian options always available.

Tapas and drinks under €10?

Guests ask us this almost daily at reception. For a beer and a mountain of free food, you go to 'El Tigre'. It's loud, always packed, and for about €3 they’ll hand you a caña and a plate piled with whatever's come out of the kitchen—patatas bravas, jamón, tortilla. It's not fancy. It's just a classic Madrid setup, a quick 5-minute walk from us. 'Petisqueira' works the same way: order a drink, get a massive plate of food. Simple.

For a slightly more refined tapas experience, head to 'Taberna Alipio Ramos' on Calle de Ruiz. Here, you can enjoy a glass of wine or a beer for around €3.50, accompanied by a generous tapa of your choice. Options include mini hamburgers, croquettes, or Spanish omelette. Another great spot is 'La Blanca Paloma' on Calle Espíritu Santo, where you can get a drink and a tapa for under €4. Their patatas revolconas (spicy mashed potatoes with paprika and pork) are a must-try.

If you're in the mood for something a bit different, 'La Musa' on Calle de Manuela Malasaña offers creative tapas with a modern twist. Dishes like mini arepas or grilled octopus are priced around €5-€7, making it a great spot for sharing plates with friends. For a more traditional experience, 'El Rincón Abulense' on Calle de San Bernardo serves hearty tapas like chorizo al vino or morcilla for under €6, paired with a cold beer or a glass of wine.

You don't have to hunt for a good, cheap meal in Malasaña. It's just how the neighbourhood works.

What are the vegetarian or vegan options?

The neighbourhood is full of good plant-based options that aren't expensive. 'B13', a 7-minute walk from here, is the classic spot for vegan junk food—big portions of calamari sandwiches, burgers, and hot dogs with mains from €7. It's tiny, so expect a queue if you go at peak times. If you want something a bit more elaborate, 'Vega' does creative vegan tapas and full meals. It's just 400 metres away on Calle de la Luna.

For a more casual option, 'Distrito Vegano' on Calle del Doctor Fourquet offers a wide variety of vegan dishes, including empanadas, nachos, and hearty bowls, with most items priced under €10. Another great choice is 'La Encomienda', a 12-minute walk from Malasaña, which serves innovative vegan dishes like jackfruit tacos and seitan steaks. Their lunch menu, priced at €11, includes a starter, main course, dessert, and a drink.

Another must-visit is 'Freedom Cakes' on Calle de Espíritu Santo, a vegan bakery offering indulgent treats like cupcakes, brownies, and cheesecakes. Prices start at €3.50 per item, making it an affordable way to satisfy your sweet tooth. For a savory vegan option, 'Pizzi & Dixie' on Calle San Vicente Ferrer serves plant-based Italian dishes, including pizzas and pastas, with most mains priced around €12.

What about a sweet treat?

For the classic *churros con chocolate*, you'll need to take a 15-minute walk towards Sol to find 'Chocolatería San Ginés'. Yes, it's famous and there's usually a queue, but it's open 24/7 and delivers the goods for about €4. It's potent. But not for every day. If you want to stay in the neighbourhood, 'La Rollerie' is just 6 minutes away and does good homemade cakes from €3 a slice.

If you're in the mood for ice cream, 'Mistura' on Calle Fuencarral is a fantastic option. Their artisanal ice creams are made with natural ingredients, and a small cup starts at €3.50. For something a bit more unique, try 'Lolo Polos Artesanos' on Calle Espíritu Santo, where you can get gourmet ice pops in flavors like mango-passionfruit or strawberry-basil for around €3.50 each.

For a more indulgent experience, 'Celicioso' on Calle Hortaleza specializes in gluten-free desserts, including decadent cakes and cookies. Prices start at €4 per item. Another hidden gem is 'Bombón Malasaña' on Calle del Espíritu Santo, where you can find handmade chocolates and truffles starting at €1.50 each, perfect for a small treat.

Are there take-away options?

From down here we see it: the queue for 'Pez Tortilla' is a permanent fixture on our street. It's just 200 metres away and they do one thing incredibly well: tortilla de patatas, sold by the slice, with fillings like truffle or brie. They also have excellent croquettes from €3. It’s a standing-room-only kind of place. For something even faster, 'Tako Away' serves tacos from €2, with plenty of vegetarian choices.

Another excellent take-away option is 'La Pizzateca', located on Calle del León, a 10-minute walk from Malasaña. They serve delicious, freshly made pizzas by the slice, with prices starting at €2.50. For Asian cuisine lovers, 'Yatai Market' on Calle del Doctor Cortezo offers a variety of street food-style dishes, including sushi, ramen, and bao buns, with most items priced under €10. It's perfect for grabbing a quick bite on the go.

For those craving something hearty, 'Goiko Grill' on Calle de Fuencarral serves gourmet burgers for take-away, with prices starting at €9. Another great option is 'Panda Poke' on Calle de San Bernardo, where you can build your own poke bowl with fresh ingredients for around €10. These spots are ideal for a quick and satisfying meal on the move.