Apr 11, 2025

Formaje Madrid

Madrid’s award-winning cheesery

"During the quarantine, we people in Madrid discovered how to splurge on foodie goodies at home. "Formaje" is my choice regarding cheese..."

When I first spotted  Madrid’s best cheese shop, Formaje, it looked like an Aladdin’s Cave of golden cheesy wonder; but wait for the aroma when you walk in - intoxicating.

The shop assistants are so helpful - every cheese has a story, and they let you try everything. It’s a great policy as I ended up taking four cheeses home with me on my first visit; my favourite was from Bavaria: organic cows’ milk coated with the fragrant dried petals of flowers picked in the fields where the cattle graze. Please try the amazing “queso de Josefa” too - you’ll thank me!

As well as a fabulous selection of European cheeses, they also sell crackers and olives and such. Shout out for the most delicious sourdough baguettes too - warning: they sell out quickly!

Stop by Plaza de Olavide and buy some wine in Vino y Compañía - you’ve got the making of a great lunch! Check out the ghostly Estación de Chamberi too - it’s just over the road! And as this really is one of my most beloved spots, maybe I’ll see you there!

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

About this spot

Plaza de Chamberí, 9

250g cheese:

6

+34

919209073

Find your way with 243 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Madrid guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Madrid

VETA Galería

Fine art in Carabanchel

VETA is the biggest contemporary art gallery in the city, so once you’ve had your fill of the Old Masters at the Prado, why not get off the beaten track?

002-building
Art & culture

by

Andrea

Roberts

Apr 16, 2025

Kintaro

Loosen your belt!

Don’t worry about collecting and counting plates - there’s an “all you can eat” lunchtime menu, you can fill your boots for a very reasonable fixed price.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Andrea

Roberts

Apr 16, 2025

Museo Sorolla

Our national impressionist

His favourite time seemed to be that magic hour when the sun is sinking low in the West and turns everything a golden pinky hue.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Andrea

Roberts

Apr 16, 2025

Mercado de Chamberí

On-trend tradition

Each covered market has its own flavour; Chamberí I would say is high quality and traditional but also one that has adapted successfully to the times.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Andrea

Roberts

Apr 16, 2025

Konnichiwa

Japanese street food

"Konnichiwa" is a Japanese street food restaurant in Madrid. Their specialty is the ramen with the egg, which they cook with a blowtorch at your table!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

María José

Morr

Apr 14, 2025

Casa Dani

A ‘tortilla’ unlike any other

"Casa Dani" in my opinion makes the best Spanish omelette in Madrid, and this is coming from a passionate Spaniard himself!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Cesar

Gonzalez

Apr 14, 2025

Harvey's Cocktail Bar

Welcome to the '50s

"Harvey's Cocktail Bar" in Madrid makes me feel as if I've entered an American vintage speakeasy. Unlike new hip retro chains, this one feels authentic...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Elena

Quintero

Apr 14, 2025

La Hummuseria

For hummus lovers

"La Hummuseria" is a vegetarian restaurant in Madrid made for hummus fans like me! My favourite's the one with mushrooms. Protip: say yes to the egg...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Elena

Quintero

Apr 14, 2025

Quesería Cultivo

You're welcome cheese lovers

"Quesería Cultivo" is a cheese shop in Madrid where you can find a wide artisanal selection. My protip: do get some bread from two numbers down the street.

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Elena

Quintero

Apr 14, 2025

Sala de Despiece

Unique gastronomique experience

"Sala de Despiece" Madrid defines itself as "a bar with a kitchen and a great tasting of raw materials". Once I was there I understood.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Elena

Quintero

Apr 14, 2025

Bodega de la Ardosa

Castizo spirit to the max

"Bodega de la Ardosa" in Madrid is 'castizo' -- pure, genuine. This kind of bar is in danger of extinction, so enjoy it while it's still alive!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Daniel

Ramirez-Escudero

Apr 14, 2025

Bosco de Lobos

The architects' refuge

"Bosco de Lobos" in Madrid is 'a bar that serves Italian food in a garden. It's a brunch and meeting place...' My favorite though, is their 'library'...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Elena

Quintero

Apr 14, 2025

Heading to Madrid?

243 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

243 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Madrid

Our team loves Madrid

Get to know our other Spotters from Madrid

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
26
Filters