From the West Coast of the United States to the Amalfi Coast, travelers will find a Black-owned restaurant in most destinations. Madrid, Spain is no exception. Although this might not be the place to grab soul food and savory barbecue, Madrid has a collection of amazing African restaurants. Representing destinations like Senegal and Ethiopia, here are a few Black-owned restaurants to check out in Madrid.
Restaurante Etíope Nuria
Restaurante Etipoe Nuria is one of Madrid’s many Ethiopian eateries. The restaurant staff invites guests to travel back to Ethiopia through food. Spongy injera is eaten as food and used as cutlery. The food is bursting with flavors, uniting Ethiopian cuisine with Spanish flair. The owners import ingredients from Ethiopia to ensure a consistent and authentic flavor. Although there are many Ethiopian restaurants in the city, Nuria is a must-visit in Spain.
- Location: Teatro Maravillas Madrid
- Type of Cuisine: Ethiopian Cuisine
- Menu Spotlight: Samosas Vegetales
- Before You Go: Staying true to traditional Ethiopian cuisine, Restaurante Etíope Nuria doesn’t include any pork in its dishes.
Restaurante Mandela 100
Next time you’re in Madrid, make a reservation to dine at Restaurante Mandela 100. It’s one of Madrid’s most well-known, Black-owned restaurants and a favorite among tourists and locals. The restaurant specializes in African cuisine, and the chefs add their own contemporary spin to traditional dishes. Restaurante Mandela 100 also works hands-on with African migrants, helping them get employment when moving to Madrid. Be sure to add Restaurante Mandela 100 to your dining itinerary when visiting the city.
- Location: Madrid
- Type of Cuisine: African
- Menu Spotlight: Pepper Soup
- Before You Go: Restaurante Mandela 100 also offers breakfast for hungry early mornings.
La Pasa Gin Bar
La Pasa Gin Bar promises a culinary experience unlike any other. The colorful tavern offers a variety of drinks and small bites. The chefs build the menu around seasonal products to deliver fresh, quality dishes to guests. An eclectic mix of Spanish, African, and even American favorites, La Pasa Gin Bar is a creative endeavor. Visitors will surely have a memorable experience at the restaurant and might even return a second time before leaving town.
- Location: Madrid
- Type of Cuisine: Spanish, African, and American Fusion
- Menu Spotlight: Consumé con Carne Picadillo Ibérico
- Before You Go: The owners of La Pasa Gin Bar represent a group of individuals bringing Black-owned eateries to Madrid.
África Fusión
Located in one of Madrid’s oldest neighborhoods, África Fusión is a culinary puzzle waiting for guests to decode. The restaurant merges many cuisines, with Senegalese food as the foundation. Their vision is rooted in teranga, a Senegalese word meaning ‘good hospitality.’ The staff at África Fusión aim to share this vision with every guest who visits. From Fataya and Accaya Pollo to Yassa and Senegalese Mbeggte, África Fusión is ready to whisk guests away to Senegal with every bite.
- Location: Lavapiés
- Type of Cuisine: Senegalese
- Menu Spotlight: Thiebou Djenne
- Before You Go: África Fusión is closed on Sunday for those visiting Madrid on the weekend.
Restaurante Etíope Gonder
Dedicated to authentic Ethiopian cuisine, Restaurante Etíope Gonder is a one-of-a-kind gastronomic experience in Madrid. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Sunday for afternoon lunch and evening dining. Restaurante Etíope Gonder is described as a little piece of home. Its ingredients are fresh and bold, always highlighting traditional Ethiopian recipes. Restaurante Etíope Gonde is tastebud heaven for travelers and locals with various curries, stews, and injera.
- Location: La Latina
- Type of Cuisine: Ethiopian Cuisine
- Menu Spotlight: Ye Beg Tibs
- Before You Go: Restaurante Etíope Gonder also serves vegetarian dishes.
Restaurante Al-Mounia
Designed as a bridge between Madrid and Morocco, Restaurante Al-Mounia has a menu bursting with flavor. The restaurant’s website proclaims it sets the standard for Moroccan cuisine in Madrid. It combines wisdom, tradition, and art to create a gastronomic adventure for guests. The recipes are inspired by seasonings and flavors representing Mediterranean, Berber, and Arabic traditions. The restaurant invites visitors to expand their love for food to include some of Morocco’s beloved dishes.
- Location: Salamanca
- Type of Cuisine: Moroccan Cuisine
- Menu Spotlight: Asado Bereber
- Before You Go: The team at Al-Mounia has over 50 years of experience serving Moroccan food.
Bar Colores Comida Senegal
Bar Colores Comida Senegal encourages travelers to come and explore Senegalese cuisine through their creative menu. Its entrees and appetizers embody homemade Senegalese food. Prepare for a spread of African favorites with a dash of Spanish influence. There’s Theibou Dienne, which includes rice, fish, vegetables, and traditional Yassa. No matter what you order at Bar Colores Comida Senegal, you’re in for a treat full of spice and flavor.
- Location: Madrid
- Type of Cuisine: Senegalese Cuisine
- Menu Spotlight: Soupa Kandja
- Before You Go: Bar Colores Comida Senegal is closed on Mondays.
Restaurante Dakar
West African food is the star of the show at Restaurante Dakar. It specializes in Senegalese cuisine and highlights traditional ingredients and spices within its recipes. Like África Fusión, the restaurant is located in Lavapiés and invites guests to enjoy their version of some of their culture’s classic dishes. Online reviews rave that the restaurant has reasonable prices, a family-friendly atmosphere, and giant portions. They also noted that the dishes at Restaurante Dakar sometimes change, so visit the restaurant for the most updated menu.
- Location: Lavapiés
- Type of Cuisine: Senegalese Cuisine
- Menu Spotlight: Theibu Djeune
- Before You Go: Restaurante Dakar is considered one of Madrid’s most authentic African restaurants.
One Love Reggae Bar
You’d be mistaken if you thought finding good Jamaican food in Madrid was impossible. However, island culture leaves its mark on Spain through the One Love Reggae Bar. Located in Calle Buenavista, One Love Reggae Bar has great cocktails and food influenced by the Caribbean. Expect a menu of traditional Jamaican dishes and unique Caribbean fusion dishes like Rasta Jerk Sticks and Gungo Rice. One Love is a great spot to stop by for lunch or dinner.
- Location: Calle Buenavista
- Type of Cuisine: Jamaican
- Menu Spotlight: Jerk Chicken
- Before You Go: Although the food at One Love is excellent, be sure to try their cocktails before you leave.
The Black-owned restaurant scene in Madrid is continuing to expand. More restaurateurs are opening eateries, delis, and family-owned culinary hubs, adding more color to the city’s food culture. When you’re in Madrid, stop by a Black-owned restaurant to taste food from the African Diaspora.
