Casa Dani

Tucked inside Madrid’s charming Mercado de la Paz in the upscale Salamanca neighborhood, Casa Dani is one of those spots that has earned its legendary status through decades of serving locals exactly what they crave. This bustling market stall is perpetually packed with regulars who know that some of the city’s best traditional Spanish cooking happens right here at this no-frills counter.

The star of the show is undoubtedly the tortilla de patata, a dish so revered that people trek across the city just to get a taste. What sets Casa Dani’s version apart is their technique of frying the potatoes in sunflower oil, which preserves that slightly tangy potato flavor while the caramelized onions add a touch of sweetness. It’s the kind of tortilla that works any time of day—whether you’re grabbing breakfast, a late lunch, or need the ultimate cure after a night out in Madrid.

Beyond the famous tortilla, Casa Dani delivers across the board with generous plates of crispy croquetas, melt-in-your-mouth braised oxtails, and fresh seafood sourced from neighboring market vendors. The salmorejo—a velvety, chilled soup topped with bits of egg and cured ham—is the perfect companion on a warm Madrid afternoon. Budget-conscious diners should look out for their weekday menu del dia, which offers a complete meal with appetizer, main, dessert, and coffee for just fifteen euros.

This is the quintessential Madrid market experience: standing elbow-to-elbow with locals, watching the cooks work their magic behind the counter, and understanding why some dishes become institutions. Casa Dani doesn’t take reservations and you’ll likely wait for a spot, but one bite of that tortilla and you’ll know exactly why nobody minds.