There are some plans that never fail in Madrid: a good table, a relaxed conversation and several tapas and sharing plates in the middle. Because the essence of an authentic Madrid tasca is not only about what you eat, but also about how you enjoy it: shared, unhurried and in a warm atmosphere that turns any meal into a special moment.
At Tasca La Farmacia, this way of eating is still very much alive. Its menu brings together traditional recipes, familiar dishes and generous portions for those looking for a tapas restaurant in Madrid with the flavour of classic Spanish cuisine. Whether it is for an informal lunch, a dinner with friends or a stop before or after enjoying the city, sharing is always a great idea.
Here are 7 essential tapas and sharing plates to enjoy the true spirit of a Madrid tasca.
1. Homemade croquettes: the irresistible classic
Few tapas represent traditional Spanish cuisine better than good homemade croquettes. Creamy on the inside, golden on the outside and perfect to start the meal, they are one of those sharing plates everyone wants in the middle of the table.
Croquettes work especially well when there are different tastes at the table, because they are easy to share and fit both a quick lunch and a more relaxed dinner. In a Madrid tasca, they are almost a statement of intent: this is a place to enjoy familiar, well-made dishes full of flavour.
Tip: order them as your first sharing plate to start the meal in a simple and delicious way.
2. Russian salad: fresh, creamy and very traditional
Russian salad is another essential dish when we talk about tapas and sharing plates. It is fresh, creamy and perfect for those days when you want something tasty but not too heavy.
In Madrid, Russian salad has become a true tapas classic. It can be enjoyed as an aperitif, as a starter or as part of a fuller meal with several plates to share. Its balance between smoothness and flavour makes it an ideal choice for friends, family or work colleagues.
It is also a very appealing option in spring, when lighter dishes begin to feel right without giving up traditional flavour.
3. Padrón peppers: simple, tasty and perfect for sharing
Padrón peppers have everything a good tapa should have: they are simple, tasty and very easy to share. Their charm lies precisely in that mix of tradition, quality produce and surprise.
They are a perfect option to accompany more filling dishes, such as meat, broken eggs or fish plates. They also bring that informal touch that suits a Madrid tasca so well: plates in the middle, everyone trying a little bit, and conversation flowing naturally.
When you are looking for a tapas restaurant in Madrid, this is exactly the kind of dish you expect to find: straightforward, familiar cooking designed to be enjoyed in good company.
4. La Farmacia’s Gilda: a small bite with big character
The gilda is one of those bites that perfectly sums up the culture of the Spanish aperitif. Small, intense and full of flavour, it pairs beautifully with a beer, a vermouth or a glass of wine.
At Tasca La Farmacia, the gilda works as that first bite before the meal begins: quick, tasty and full of personality. It is ideal for those who enjoy bold flavours and tapas that do not need to be complicated in order to be memorable.
If you are going to share several plates, starting with a gilda is an excellent way to open your appetite and prepare the palate.
5. Cantabrian anchovies with tomato bread: produce and tradition
Cantabrian anchovies with tomato bread are a perfect choice for those who appreciate good produce. It may look like a simple dish, but it is highly gastronomic: quality fish, good bread, tomato and olive oil.
This type of plate fits perfectly with the spirit of a modern Madrid tasca: tradition, quality and a way of eating without unnecessary complications. It is ideal to share at the beginning of the meal or to enjoy with a glass of wine.
It also adds a more special touch to the table, perfect when you want to combine classic tapas with more intense bites.
6. Grilled octopus with revolconas potatoes: a powerful dish to enjoy slowly
If you are looking for a more substantial sharing plate, grilled octopus with revolconas potatoes is a great choice. It has flavour, texture and that traditional touch that turns a dish in the middle of the table into the star of the meal.
It is perfect for sharing between several people and combining with lighter starters. The grill adds intensity, while the revolconas potatoes bring that hearty, Castilian touch that feels so satisfying when you want to eat well.
This kind of dish is ideal for those who want more than a simple snack: a meal with character, flavour and quality produce.
7. Fried baby squid: seafood flavour in tasca style
Fried baby squid is one of those sharing plates that always has a place on the table. Crispy, tasty and easy to share, it works both as an aperitif and as part of a fuller meal.
It is a highly recommended option for those who want to combine different flavours: something fresh, something fried, something based on quality produce and perhaps a more substantial dish as well. In a Madrid tasca, fried baby squid brings that traditional bar feeling and enjoyable, informal way of eating that never goes out of style.
Served with other tapas and a well-chosen drink, it is always a safe bet.
The essence of sharing in a Madrid tasca
Eating tapas and sharing plates is not just a way of ordering food. It is a way of experiencing the table. Instead of choosing just one dish, you try several flavours, talk more, share better and make the meal more dynamic.
That is why tapas and sharing plates remain one of Madrid’s great gastronomic pleasures. The city’s official tourism guide even has a dedicated section for tapas in Madrid, showing just how important this way of eating is in local food culture.
At Tasca La Farmacia, this tradition continues with classic dishes, Spanish cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere. It is a proposal designed for those who want to eat well without complications, with familiar recipes and a table full of options to try.
Tapas near the Bernabéu and in the Salamanca District
Another advantage of Tasca La Farmacia is its location. If you are looking for a restaurant near the Bernabéu, the Poeta Joan Maragall venue is a convenient choice for lunch or dinner close to the stadium. It is a perfect plan before or after a match, a visit to the area or an informal meal with friends.
The Santiago Bernabéu is now much more than football: it also hosts visits, events and experiences throughout the year, as shown on the official Santiago Bernabéu website.
And if you prefer a restaurant in the Salamanca District, Madrid, the Diego de León venue offers the same traditional tasca spirit in one of the city’s most elegant areas. You can learn more about the restaurant on the page dedicated to Tasca La Farmacia as a restaurant in the Salamanca District of Madrid.
Two locations, one same idea: enjoying traditional Spanish cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere.
What should you order to share at Tasca La Farmacia?
If it is your first visit, a good combination could be to start with a gilda, continue with Russian salad and homemade croquettes, add some Padrón peppers and complete the table with anchovies, fried baby squid or grilled octopus with revolconas potatoes.
The key is to balance the table: something fresh, something crispy, something based on quality produce and a more substantial sharing plate. This creates a varied, tasty meal that truly represents the spirit of a Madrid tasca.
To choose more easily, you can check the full menu at Tasca La Farmacia before coming and decide which sharing plates you would like to try.
And, of course, it is always worth leaving room for dessert or extending the after-meal conversation. Because in Madrid, eating well also means staying a little longer.
Book your table and enjoy the best tapas and sharing plates
If you feel like enjoying tapas and sharing plates in Madrid, Tasca La Farmacia is a safe choice to experience the essence of an authentic Madrid tasca.
Whether near the Bernabéu or in the Salamanca District, you will find a menu designed for sharing, traditional dishes and the perfect atmosphere to enjoy a relaxed meal.
Book your table at Tasca La Farmacia and enjoy a traditional, flavourful and truly Madrid-style meal.