What Time Is Dinner in Madrid?

By Alice Nichols

If you’re planning a trip to Madrid, one of the questions that might come up is, “What time is dinner in Madrid” Spanish meal times are famously different from those in many other countries, so it’s worth knowing a little bit about the eating habits of Madrileños before you sit down to eat.

Spanish Meal Times

In Spain, the main meal of the day is lunch, which is typically eaten between 1:30 pm and 3:00 pm. This is when most restaurants offer their “menu del día,” a fixed-price menu that includes several courses and a drink. Many businesses also close for a few hours during this time so that employees can go out for lunch.

Dinner is usually eaten much later than in other countries. In fact, it’s not uncommon to see people sitting down to eat dinner as late as 10:00 pm or even later. This can be quite an adjustment for visitors who are used to eating earlier in the evening.

Dinner Time in Madrid

So, what time is dinner in Madrid As mentioned above, dinner can be eaten quite late in Spain.

In Madrid specifically, it’s common for people to start thinking about dinner around 9:00 pm or later. Many restaurants don’t even open until 8:00 pm or later.

If you’re looking for a more traditional Spanish dining experience, you might want to consider going out for tapas instead of a full dinner. Tapas bars typically open earlier than restaurants and serve small plates of food that can be shared among your group. This can be a fun way to sample different dishes and get a taste of Spanish cuisine without committing to a full meal at an unknown restaurant.

Closing Thoughts

While adjusting to Spanish meal times can take some getting used to, it’s worth embracing the local customs and trying out different types of food. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely lunch or a late-night tapas crawl, the food in Madrid is sure to be a highlight of your trip.

  • Tip: If you’re not used to eating dinner so late, consider having a light snack in the afternoon to tide you over until dinner time.