FEW of us would travel far beyond our home territory purely to eat out, even if it was at a Michelin-starred restaurant – and even though dining in Spain remains comparatively cheap with little change in prices in many years, someone on an average income would tend to treat these establishments as a once-in-a-lifetime, special-occasion venue, particularly if it has two or three stars.
The good news is that the Michelin guide for 2023 includes a 'budget section', where eateries that made the cut and met the tough, exacting standards required for entry still offer three-course meals for a similar price to your typical local favourites – the 'Bib Gourmand' list.
But even then, you probably wouldn't travel halfway across Spain with the sole intention of trying them out – there needs to be another 'hook'. A destination with something worth seeing, doing or experiencing, where eating out is merely part of your day's sightseeing.
If you've read our previous 'budget Michelin tour' article, you'll know where to find the top visitor attractions and their nearest 'Bib Gourmand' restaurants in the southern region of Andalucía, along the Mediterranean coast, and the Canary and Balearic Islands. We now turn our attention to western and central Spain, including the capital, Madrid.
Be prepared to see a side to Spain you never imagined if you've only ever experienced the Costas and islands – here's our guide to the best bits, and where to eat a Michelin-level meal for under €35 a head. With dessert, too.
Madrid
Even though Spain's capital – the second-largest and second-highest in altitude in Europe – is fairly compact in its centre, allowing for quick walking time between its top attractions, and has a fast, regular, modern and efficient metro system serving practically every street, you're certain to work up an appetite after a hard day's exploring.
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