The Best Spanish Tapas

the most delicious flavor combos

Discover the best Spanish tapas and Sangria restaurant in Chicago nestled in Andersonville.

Authentic Spanish Food

the most delicious flavor combos

Imported organic Spanish ingredients create the best traditional tapas, croquetas, paella and more!

Most Romantic Restaurant

the most delicious flavor combos

Enjoy authentic Spanish food in a warm, natural elegant setting with a wood burning fireplace.

The Spanish Tapas Haven

welcome to our delicious corner

Experience the true taste of Madrid right here in Chicago. Every bite makes you feel like you’re in Spain

Sangria, Rioja & Specialty Drinks

take a sip of our innovative drinks

Sip the flavors of Madrid with authentic and organic sangrias, riojas and Spanish specialty drinks

Celebrate Your Special Event

the most delicious flavor combos

Whether it’s a romantic night out, or an evening with friends and colleagues, Little Madrid makes it special.

Restaurant

ABOUT US

Experience authentic Spanish cuisine in the heart of Andersonville in Chicago

Little Madrid specializes in traditional Spanish tapas and classic dishes, including paella and tortilla española, complemented by a curated selection of imported Spanish wines and handcrafted sangría. Every detail is designed to create an authentic Spanish dining experience, from European ingredients and products imported directly from Spain to the restaurant’s warm and intimate atmosphere.

The culinary foundation of Little Madrid comes from Chef Francisco F de Bolaños’s grandmother, a full Spanish woman whose family culinary traditions were passed down through generations. Together with her Spanish husband, she preserved family recipes with culinary roots tracing back four centuries.

These cherished recipes were personally passed down to Chef Francisco F de Bolaños in his grandmother’s own handwriting, written on paper and preserved as an original handwritten collection. The recipes were handed to Francisco approximately 30 years ago and remain unpublished, making them a deeply personal and unique part of Little Madrid’s culinary heritage.

Today, Chef Francisco prepares these family recipes using strictly organic, authentically imported European products, honoring the original ingredients, flavors, and techniques while preserving the integrity of this remarkable Spanish family culinary tradition.

Whether you’re looking for Spanish tapas in Chicago, a romantic date-night restaurant, a place for Happy Hour, or an intimate setting for a special occasion, Little Madrid Tapas Café offers a genuine taste of Spain, step inside discover the charm and elegance of a hidden corner of Madrid, right in the heart of Andersonville. On select evenings, guests can also experience live flamenco for an unforgettable Spanish-inspired night out.

Real Stories. Real Impact.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 1112 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Jacoby Daniels 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Cozy spot with great Spanish tapas! Been here twice now and definitely a fan. Lots of great gluten-free options. Wine list is great. Cocktails options are strong as well.

Can get busy on the weekends. Makes a great date spot on weekday night though.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Andrew Rundle 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dood was spectacular, especially the squid ink paella.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kevin Richardson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Little Madrid is a wonderful neighborhood restaurant and a real find in Chicago. The atmosphere is warm, intimate, and welcoming, and the food feels genuinely Spanish rather than overly Americanized.

One of the things we appreciate most about Little Madrid is how consistently good the food is. We’ve been several times, and the quality is always there. Everything is thoughtfully prepared, flavorful, and served with care. It’s the kind of place where you want to order several dishes for the table and take your time enjoying them.

The service is always friendly and attentive without ever feeling rushed. Little Madrid has that increasingly rare combination of consistently excellent food, genuine hospitality, and a cozy neighborhood feel.

It has become one of those restaurants we know we can count on, and we always look forward to going back. Highly recommended.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nery Pelico 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Buena comida, excelente servicio.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Rosanna Solis 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great food! Best Wine and Fernando (owner) absolutely fabulous
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Magali Olson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent service, super friendly and the food top notch!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Mayra Reyes 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We can here for our wedding anniversary and we had a great experience. The food was excellent 👌 our server Jenni provided great service and was very knowledgeable about the menu. We will be back.

Founder and Soul of the House

Francisco F de Bolanos

A lawyer by training, a Madrileño at heart, and a citizen of the world by vocation. Francisco F de Bolanos has lived in over twenty countries, worked between New York, Europe, and Latin America, and cultivated a rare gift: blending diplomacy of the soul with culinary authenticity. Little Madrid was born from a dream. A deep desire to honor his hometown, to share the tapas he grew up with, and to offer Chicago a sensory experience where time slows down and only pleasure remains. Recognized by the City of Madrid and the Spanish Consulate, Francisco has not only won the palates of Chicago, but also its admiration. With a clear vision and natural elegance, he has turned his restaurant into a reference point, an experience, a secret locals whisper about. More Than Just a Restaurant Little Madrid is a place where flamenco pulses once a month, where the wine is chosen with wisdom, and where every detail matters. It’s the reflection of a man who traded courtrooms for kitchens—without ever compromising on excellence.

Gallery

Recommendations

OUR BEST SPECIALTIES

Experience the true taste of Madrid in Chicago. Every dish is crafted with care — from smoky pimentón to a drizzle of olive oil — honoring Spain’s culinary tradition. Savor croquettes, share paella, or enjoy a late-night Rioja; every bite invites you to slow down and celebrate life, Madrid-style.

FROM OUR MENU

Tapas

Albondigas

Spanish meatballs, Castellana sauce, Spanish fries

Calamares Fritos

Crispy potatoes topped with alioli sauce on top.

Queso de Cabra al Horno (GF)

Baked goat cheese with tomato basil sauce

Croquetas de Pollo

Spanish-style creamy croquettes stuffed with chicken

Croquetas de Francisco

Spanish-style creamy croquettes stuffed with jamón ibérico

Patatas Alioli (GF)

Crispy potatoes topped with alioli sauce on top.

Chorizo a la Sidra (GF)

Sidra braised chorizo

Spanish Tortilla* (GF)

Spanish onion and potato omelette. Feeds four people

Morcilla con Pimientos (GF)

Rice blood sausage with shishito peppers

Pulpo a la Gallega (GF)

Boiled potatoes, octupus, pimenton de la vera, EVOO

View All

Our food philosophy

OUR TIPS

Good food is simple, seasonal, and meant to be shared. At Little Madrid, every plate reflects our passion for authentic Spanish flavors — made to be savored slowly, with good wine and great company.