What to Eat in Getafe?
Getafe, located just south of Madrid, shares much of the rich culinary tradition of central Spain while maintaining its own local identity and flavors. The city’s cuisine blends traditional Castilian recipes with modern Spanish influences, offering everything from hearty stews to simple tapas and fine dining experiences. Whether you’re eating in a cozy tavern, a family-owned restaurant, or a modern gastro bar, Getafe’s food scene delivers warmth, authenticity, and strong local character.
1. Cocido Madrileño – The Quintessential Stew
One of the most iconic dishes to try in Getafe is Cocido Madrileño, a traditional chickpea-based stew from the Madrid region. It’s served in several stages — first the soup, then the chickpeas and vegetables, and finally the meats (usually chorizo, morcilla, and beef).
This dish is particularly popular in winter when locals gather in taverns to enjoy it as a comforting meal. Many restaurants in Getafe offer Cocido Madrileño as a special weekday lunch menu (menú del día).
Where to try it:
Traditional restaurants in the city center such as Mesón El Candil or Restaurante La Esquinita de Getafe often serve excellent homemade versions.
2. Callos a la Madrileña – A Hearty Traditional Dish
Callos are beef tripe cooked slowly with chorizo, blood sausage, paprika, and a rich tomato sauce. The result is a deeply flavorful, slightly spicy dish often eaten with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
It’s a perfect example of the rustic, comforting flavors typical of Castilian cuisine and is beloved by locals during colder months.
Tip: Pair this with a local red wine for a truly authentic experience.
3. Tapas and Raciones – The Local Social Tradition
Eating in Getafe often revolves around sharing. Tapas (small portions) and raciones (larger shared plates) are central to the local dining culture.
You’ll find traditional tapas bars throughout the city offering staples such as:
- Tortilla Española (Spanish omelet with potatoes and onions)
- Croquetas de jamón (ham croquettes)
- Patatas bravas (fried potatoes with spicy sauce)
- Boquerones en vinagre (marinated anchovies)
In the evenings, locals often enjoy these dishes with a caña (small beer) or a glass of vino tinto (red wine).
Where to go: The areas around Plaza de la Constitución and Calle Madrid are full of lively tapas bars and terraces.
4. Rabo de Toro – Oxtail Stew
A dish with deep Andalusian roots but very popular throughout Spain, Rabo de Toro (bull’s tail stew) is slow-cooked until the meat becomes tender and rich in flavor. It’s served in a thick sauce made with red wine, vegetables, and herbs.
Many restaurants in Getafe feature it as a weekend specialty or part of their seasonal menu.
5. Paella and Arroz Dishes
While paella originates from Valencia, it’s become a beloved national favorite and is widely served in Getafe, particularly on weekends. You can find different variations: seafood (marisco), mixed (mixta), or arroz negro made with squid ink.
Some restaurants even host “paella Sundays,” where families gather to share a big pan of rice and socialize.
6. Local Cheeses and Iberian Meats
A visit to Getafe wouldn’t be complete without sampling queso manchego (sheep’s milk cheese from nearby La Mancha) and jamón ibérico (cured Iberian ham).
These are often served as appetizers or on tabla de embutidos (charcuterie boards) alongside olives and bread — a perfect accompaniment to Spanish wine or beer.
7. Seafood and Grilled Fish
Despite being inland, Getafe enjoys access to excellent seafood, thanks to daily deliveries from Madrid’s massive central market.
You’ll find dishes such as calamares a la romana (fried squid rings), pulpo a la gallega (Galician-style octopus with paprika and olive oil), and gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp).
They’re usually served as shared plates in traditional taverns or as part of mixed seafood platters.
8. Churros con Chocolate – The Sweet Classic
For dessert or a mid-morning snack, nothing beats churros con chocolate. These fried dough pastries are dipped into a thick cup of hot chocolate — a favorite local treat, especially on weekends.
In Getafe, you’ll find traditional churrerías (churro cafés) filled with families enjoying breakfast or a late-night snack after an evening out.
Where to try it: Churrería La Estrella or Churrería San José are known locally for their perfectly crisp churros and rich chocolate.
9. Tarta de Santiago and Flan Casero
For dessert, traditional options include Tarta de Santiago (almond cake from Galicia) and Flan casero (homemade caramel custard). Many family-run restaurants in Getafe still make these in-house, often served as part of the lunch menu.
10. Local Wines and Drinks
While Getafe doesn’t have its own wine production, it’s surrounded by some of Spain’s most prestigious wine regions, such as La Mancha and Ribera del Duero.
Local bars serve affordable and high-quality wines by the glass, along with Spanish beers like Mahou or Estrella Galicia. During summer, try a refreshing tinto de verano — red wine mixed with soda and ice.
Summary: Must-Try Foods in Getafe
| Category | Dish | Description |
| ------------------- | ------------------------------ | ---------------------------------------------- |
| Traditional Stew | Cocido Madrileño | Hearty chickpea stew with meats and vegetables |
| Offal Dish | Callos a la Madrileña | Rich tripe stew with paprika and chorizo |
| Shared Plates | Tapas & Raciones | Variety of small dishes served with drinks |
| Meat Dish | Rabo de Toro | Slow-cooked oxtail stew |
| Rice Dish | Paella / Arroz | Seafood or meat-based rice dishes |
| Snack / Dessert | Churros con Chocolate | Fried dough with thick chocolate |
| Cheese & Cured Meat | Queso Manchego / Jamón Ibérico | Local cheese and ham |
| Sweet Dessert | Flan Casero | Homemade caramel custard |
| Drink | Tinto de Verano | Light red wine cooler |
Final Tip
For the most authentic food experience in Getafe, eat where the locals do — small family-run restaurants, tapas bars, and weekend markets. Lunch (comida) is typically the main meal of the day, served between 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., while dinner (cena) usually starts around 9:00 p.m.
