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Café de Oriente

4.2
·6k reviews·Madrid, Spain

Elegant café opposite Madrid's Royal Palace, offering stunning views, refined tapas, and a sophisticated ambiance.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
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Terraza

Café de Oriente

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Elegant café opposite Madrid's Royal Palace, offering stunning views, refined tapas, and a sophisticated ambiance.

4.2
(6k reviews)

"Aside from its perfect location with the outdoor seating right across the Royal Palace, the food and the service were absolutely fantastic."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Secure a Palace-View Seat

Arrive early, especially on weekends, to snag a table on the terrace with prime Royal Palace views.

🇪🇸 Try the Croquettes!

Don't miss the highly praised Iberian ham croquettes – a true culinary highlight.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.2 · 5,982 reviews

Type

Spanish Restaurant

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Palace Views from the Terrace

Palace Views from the Terrace

Outdoor Seating

Sip coffee or enjoy tapas with breathtaking views of the Royal Palace. A truly iconic Madrid experience.

Iberian Ham Croquettes

Iberian Ham Croquettes

Menu Item

Highly recommended by visitors, these croquettes are a delicious and well-presented treat.

Elegant Interior Ambiance

Elegant Interior Ambiance

Inside the Cafe

Experience the refined decor and ethereal atmosphere, perfect for a quiet moment.

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Planning Your Visit

Prime Location, Prime Views

Café de Oriente boasts an unbeatable location directly opposite the Royal Palace. Enjoy stunning views while savoring coffee or tapas. Arrive early for the best outdoor seating, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Elegant Ambiance & Refined Menu

This classic Madrid spot offers an elegant atmosphere perfect for a relaxing break. While prices reflect the quality and location, the refined menu and excellent service make it a worthwhile experience for many.

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low
When
Early mornings
Why
Secure prime terrace seats
Crowd
Medium
When
Evenings
Why
Romantic palace views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Dicen que es el café más bonito de Madrid… y no me extraña 😍 El Café de Oriente lleva desde 1983 frente al majestuoso Palacio Real 👑✨ Lo que muchos no saben es que bajo sus elegantes salones se esconden siglos de historia: aquí se levantaba un convento de Franciscanos Descalzos del siglo XVI, reformado por Felipe III… hasta que fue derribado para crear la actual Plaza de Oriente. Entrar a tomarte ...
@milplanespormadrid
1.3K likes • 35.8K views

🎯 Secure a Palace-View Seat

Arrive early, especially on weekends, to snag a table on the terrace with prime Royal Palace views. Reddit

🇪🇸 Try the Croquettes!

Don't miss the highly praised Iberian ham croquettes – a true culinary highlight. Reddit

Que hay dentro del Palacio Real de Madrid? 🧐 #madrid #puertorico #pr #spain #boricua #playa #verano #europe #eurotrip #palacio #palacioreal #paratiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii #paratiii #fyp #foryou #foryouu #foryoupagе #viral #tiktokviajes #viajes #viajando #travel #traveltiktok
@genesisalemany
2.1K likes • 48.5K views
Preprando el Palacio Real de Madrid para la cena oficial de la OTAN #royal #letizia #fypシ #parati
@realprotocolo
3K likes • 68.1K views

💳 Amex Accepted

Good news for travelers: they accept American Express, which can be a plus in Madrid. Reddit

☕ Coffee & Tapas Break

Perfect spot for a relaxing coffee or a light tapas meal after exploring the Royal Palace. TikTok

entra gratis 🙈 de Lunes a Jueves de 4pm a 6pm, recomiendo formarte a las 3-3:30pm #palacioreal #madrid #entrargratis #imperdiblesdemadrid #españa
@deniisooo
324 likes • 14.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Secure a Palace-View Seat

Arrive early, especially on weekends, to snag a table on the terrace with prime Royal Palace views. Reddit

🇪🇸 Try the Croquettes!

Don't miss the highly praised Iberian ham croquettes – a true culinary highlight. Reddit

💳 Amex Accepted

Good news for travelers: they accept American Express, which can be a plus in Madrid. Reddit

☕ Coffee & Tapas Break

Perfect spot for a relaxing coffee or a light tapas meal after exploring the Royal Palace. TikTok

💰 Prices Reflect Location

Expect prices to be normal for the area, reflecting the prime location and elegant atmosphere. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.2
(6k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Café de Oriente is celebrated for its exceptional location opposite the Royal Palace, offering stunning views and an elegant atmosphere. Visitors praise the delicious food, particularly the Iberian ham croquettes, and the attentive, professional service. While prices are on the higher side, many find the overall experience, including the refined decor and prime setting, to be well worth it.

"There’s no shortage of good food in Madrid but Cafe de Oriente was a dining highlight of our visit. Aside from its perfect location with the outdoor seating right across the Royal Palace, the food and the service were absolutely fantastic and it was hard to leave. Loved not being rushed even after we finished our meals. Look forward to returning to Madrid just to dine here again."

Y L

"I had breakfast and dinner same place , as my hotel upstairs. Location amazing very nice and right in front of the palace !
Very good people come around , the prices are normal. Very good location !"

Sîmpetru Claudia-Elena

"Beautiful spot right in front of the Royal Palace — perfect for a relaxing break after visiting. We tried the Iberian ham croquettes and coffee, both delicious and well presented. Great service, elegant atmosphere, and amazing views. 💳 They accept American Express, which is a big plus in Madrid!"

Ernesto Camacho

What People Like

Unbeatable palace views
Delicious croquettes
Elegant atmosphere

What People Dislike

Higher price point

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Café de Oriente is located directly opposite the Royal Palace of Madrid, making it incredibly easy to reach. Simply walk out of the palace and you'll see it across the Plaza de la Armería or Plaza de Oriente. TikTok

The nearest Metro stations are Ópera (Lines 2, 5, R) and Sol (Lines 1, 2, 3, R). From either station, it's a short walk to the café. Several bus lines also stop nearby. Reddit

Street parking in this central area can be very difficult. It's recommended to use public transport or a taxi/ride-sharing service. There are several underground parking garages nearby, such as Plaza de Oriente. Reddit

Yes, Café de Oriente is centrally located. It's a pleasant walk from attractions like Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, and the Royal Theatre. Reddit

The café is situated in the beautiful Plaza de Oriente, a grand square with gardens and statues, offering a vibrant yet elegant atmosphere, especially with the backdrop of the Royal Palace. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Café de Oriente is a public café and restaurant. You do not need a ticket to enter and enjoy its offerings. Reddit

Café de Oriente generally follows typical café and restaurant hours, often opening in the morning and serving until late evening. It's best to check their official website or call ahead for the most current hours. Reddit

There is no separate fee for terrace seating. You pay for your food and drinks, with prices reflecting the prime location and views. Reddit

Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner or if you want to guarantee a table with a view, particularly during busy periods. Reddit

It's versatile. You can stop for a quick coffee and pastry, enjoy a light tapas lunch, or have a more formal dinner. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Café de Oriente offers a refined menu featuring traditional Spanish tapas, light meals, desserts, and a variety of coffees and drinks. Reddit

Many visitors rave about the Iberian ham croquettes. Other popular choices include various tapas and well-presented desserts. Reddit

While the menu focuses on Spanish classics, they often have options that can be adapted. It's best to inquire with the staff about vegetarian or vegan choices. Reddit

Prices are considered normal for a prime location in Madrid, reflecting the quality of food, service, and the exquisite atmosphere. Expect mid-range to slightly higher prices. Reddit

Yes, many visitors enjoy having breakfast here, taking advantage of the beautiful views and the elegant start to the day. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The most iconic photo spot is from the terrace, capturing the café with the Royal Palace in the background. The interior also offers elegant shots. TikTok

Yes, generally it's fine to take photos, especially of your food or the ambiance. Be mindful of other patrons and avoid intrusive photography. Reddit

Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) offers beautiful lighting for photos of the palace and the café. Daytime provides clear views, while evenings offer a romantic ambiance. TikTok

There are no specific restrictions mentioned for casual photography, but professional shoots might require permission. Reddit

For daytime shots, a standard aperture (f/8-f/11) will ensure sharpness. For evening shots, a wider aperture and a tripod or image stabilization will be helpful. TikTok

Café de Oriente (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide