In Madrid, there has always been a love of terraces, but the pandemic made them more popular than ever... Shall we go to some terraces around Madrid? Let’s go! Here are some of the most beautiful and spacious ones that are close to a park. Here’s our selection:
Ramses, next to El Retiro Park (Plaza de la Independencia, 4)
Boasting a prime location on Puerta de Alcalá, right next to El Retiro Park, this fashionable restaurant is run by Arzak Instructions, a company founded by the renowned Basque chef Juan Mari Arzak, his daughter Elena and their team at El Laboratorio. Next to Ramsés you’ll find another charming café, Patio de Leones, where you can enjoy hot chocolate and churros as well as other traditional Spanish dishes.
Terraza Lago, in Casa de Campo (Glorieta de los Patines, 11)
Situated in the heart of Casa de Campo, Madrid’s largest public park and a wonderful place to relax, this terraza offers fabulous views of the Royal Palace and the Almudena Cathedral. The menu includes share plates like Galician-style octopus and platters of Iberian cold cuts, and dishes such as Rioja-style cod and fabe beans with clams.
Café del Río Terrace (Avenida de Portugal, 1) and Terraza Playa, next to Madrid Río Park (Paseo de Yeserías, 33)
Head to the western part of the city and you’ll discover Madrid Río, a 10km-long park that runs along the Manzaneres River. In it you’ll find the Terraza del Café del Río which affords stunning views of the Royal Palace, the La Almudena Cathedral and the Royal Basilica of San Francisco El Grande. Another popular spot on the river bank is Terraza Playa, which is often frequented by people who have gone to the park to do some sports.
Kiosco La Perla, next to Oeste Park (Paseo del Pintor Rosales, 64)
If you’re enjoying a walk in Oeste Park and suddenly feel a bit peckish, we recommend you make your way to this old classic on Paseo del Pintor Rosales. Renowned for its leche merengada (milkshake with cinnamon), it offers a great selection of snacks. On warm days they turn on the mist sprayers so you won’t want to leave!
Terraza El Ancla, El Retiro Park (Paseo de Venezuela)
Located within El Retiro Park, on the Paseo de Venezuela, this terrace is part of the Remigio Group, in the shade of majestic fir trees amidst all the lush nature of the park. It’s a popular spot with families, couples, and groups of friends, as well as those who practise sports in the park, offering a wide range of food and drink.
Terraza Atenas, next to Atenas Park (Calle Segovia)
Boasting wonderful vistas of Almudena Cathedral and Atenas Park, this outdoor bar located next to the Royal Palace is one of the city’s most coveted outdoor bars. Back in 1590 this spot which used to belong to the Campo del Moro garden was bought by King Philip II as a place for the princes and courtiers to enjoy knighting ceremonies, a popular form of entertainment at that time.
Cerro del Tío Pío Terrace, in Puente de Vallecas (C/ Benjamín Palencia)
On clear days you can see practically the whole of Madrid from this modest-looking outdoor café with enviable vistas. It is located in Puente de Vallecas district, next to the Cerro del Tío Pío which has been nicknamed the Park of the Seven Tits by the locals because of its seven hills.
Terraza El Parque, next to La Vaguada Park
After a long day shopping in La Vaguada shopping centre this terraza is a good place in which to sit back, relax and have a coffee or a drink. They also serve food and their menu is particularly popular with children: hamburgers, sandwiches and salads. It’s also a great spot for a cocktail, or two, on warm summer evenings.
La Terraza de Florida Retiro, in the heart of El Retiro Park
We’re going to round off our tour of Madrid’s terrazas in the same spot as where we started. Let’s go back to El Retiro Park, but this time we’re going to step inside and head to the Florida Retiro, a classy restaurant with a superb outdoor area. Featuring a decor inspired by oases in the Moroccan desert, they offer a varied menu and a great selection of cocktails prepared by Óscar Molina.
Real Jardín Botánico bar-restaurant, in the Royal Botanical Gardens
This terrace is also a restaurant. Located in the main pavilion of the Royal Botanical Gardens, it is surrounded by nature and beautiful gardens. This terrace is open to all visitors to the garden during opening hours but it is necessary to purchase an entrance ticket.
La Manzana in the heart of Casa de Campo (Avenida de Rodajos, s/n)
Located within Casa de Campo, this restaurant specialises in authentic dishes from Asturias and has a large terrace open all year round. In the cooler months, the terrace is covered with a cosy marquee, and when the warm summer weather arrives, it is opened up so you can enjoy the sunshine.
Villa Verbena, next to the lake at Casa de Campo (Paseo de María Teresa, 3)
This restaurant, which occupies one of the kiosks around the lake is located next to the Casa de Campo Lake. It boasts a large terrace and serves a wide variety of dishes, while its main attraction is the grill.
El Ancla - El Mirador de Narcea, in Dehesa de la Villa (Calle de Francos Rodríguez, 81)
Luis Almansa, the entrepreneur behind the success of El Ancla at Casa de Campo Lake in Madrid, has opened another restaurant in Dehesa de la Villa.
La Francachela Casino de la Reina (Paseo de la Chopera, 14)
This refurbished kiosk-terrace is in the park next to Casino de la Reina, and is perfect to enjoy, relax and disconnect whilst savouring Mediterranean dishes. It is possible to have an aperitif, a light lunch or an informal snack in the evening accompanied by a long drink.
Café de la Paloma, in Dehesa de la Villa (Calle de Francos Rodríguez, 79)
Located in the North-West of Madrid, inside Dehesa de la Villa park, this restaurant boasts an area that has been conserved as a wood with green spaces. It serves a wide range of dishes and it is renowned for its combination of traditional and modern flavours.