El Café de la Ópera
El Café de la Ópera
El Café de la Ópera sits opposite the Teatro Real, a few steps from the Royal Palace, in Madrid's Palacio quarter. It works as a terrace, a gastrobar and a restaurant, with Mediterranean cooking rooted in Spanish classics. Its signature is Una Cena Cantada, a dinner with live opera sung by the café's own cast to piano accompaniment.
Social
From elcafedelaopera on Instagram
Cuando la música en directo se vive a tan solo unos pasos de tu mesa, la cena se convierte en pura magia. 🎭🎶✨ En @elcafedelaopera la alta gastronomía y la lírica más sobrecogedora se fusionan para regalarte una velada inolvidable. Deja que las voces más espectaculares envuelvan tu noche mientras di
Hay momentos que merecen un brindis sin prisa. 🍸✨ Un cóctel de autor en la mano, la brisa de Madrid y la mejor compañía frente al Teatro Real. En nuestra terraza transformamos el tardeo en una experiencia sofisticada, donde cada mezcla está pensada para sorprender a tu paladar. ¿Con quién vas a br
cho notas, infinitas emociones. 🎹✨ Las teclas de nuestro piano marcan la banda sonora de los momentos más especiales de Madrid. Ya sea al caer la tarde o al cobijo de una velada inolvidable, en @elcafedelaopera la música en directo siempre tiene un lugar reservado a tu mesa. Descubre nuestras dos
Hay espacios que no solo se recuerdan por su belleza, sino por lo que te hacen sentir al cruzar la puerta. ✨🍷 En pleno corazón de Madrid y frente al Teatro Real, cuidamos cada rincón para regalarte una pausa inolvidable. Un refugio donde la alta gastronomía, la calidez de nuestra casa y la magia de
Hay notas que transforman una tarde ordinaria en un recuerdo extraordinario. 🎹🎻✨ En @elcafedelaopera el ritmo de Madrid se pausa para dar paso a la calidez del jazz en directo. Una iluminación íntima, una copa perfectamente servida y el acompañamiento musical ideal para desconectar en pleno centro.
El arte de vestir la mesa para recibirte como te mereces. 🌿🍽️✨ Luces de tarde, la brisa de septiembre y un rincón preparado frente al Teatro Real. En nuestra terraza cada detalle cuenta para que solo tengas que preocuparte de disfrutar de la buena compañía y nuestra propuesta gastronómica. ¿Con qu
Background
About El Café de la Ópera
The Story
El Café de la Ópera was born out of a passion for opera, opposite the Teatro Real, and has become a regular meeting point for the theatre's artists and audiences. By its own count it has staged more than 4,000 of its Cena Cantada singing dinners, plus over 600 galas elsewhere, with a resident cast, the Compañía Lírica de El Café de la Ópera.
The Cuisine
The kitchen calls itself Mediterranean, a tribute to Spanish roots, and the carta spreads wide: Iberian ham and a Spanish cheese board, croquetas and grilled octopus, pastas and a seafood rice, meat and fish, plus tacos and a Thai-style curry. Brunch and a bar menu of tapas round it out.
Highlights
What Diners Say
Consensus
El Café de la Ópera Ratings & Reviews
Diner Ratings
4.2
1635
TripAdvisor
3.8
724 reviews
El Café de la Ópera ranks #924 of 1001 rated restaurants in Madrid. Diners rate it 3.8/5 on TripAdvisor (724 reviews).
Reservations
How to Book El Café de la Ópera
Booking
Book online at covermanager.com (covermanager).
Reserve
Experience
El Café de la Ópera Dining Experience
The set-up runs from a street terrace, with awnings and heaters, to a light-filled gastrobar and a sit-down restaurant. It leans into its opera theme: on weekend nights the café's own singers perform beside the tables, with shorter musical sessions midweek.
Navigate
El Café de la Ópera Location & Neighbourhood
Address
Cuesta de Santo Domingo 2, 28013 Madrid, Spain
Get directions→Getting There
Cuesta de Santo Domingo 2, in the Palacio barrio of Madrid's Centro district, directly opposite the Teatro Real and close to the Royal Palace. There's a terrace.
Nearby
Palacio is the grand, historic western edge of the centre, wrapped around Palacio Real de Madrid and Plaza de Oriente. The eating runs from tavern cooking that has not changed in generations to small rooms doing something quieter and more modern. Teatro Real and Jardines de Sabatini set the pace, which is slower here.
Nearby landmarks
Landmarks within walking distance of El Café de la Ópera.
Nearby Restaurants
Where to stay nearby
Hotels we rank within walking distance of El Café de la Ópera.
Details
El Café de la Ópera Reservations, Hours & Contact
Opening Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 08:00–23:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00–23:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00–23:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00–23:00 |
| Friday | 08:00–23:30 |
| Saturday | 08:00–23:30 |
| Sunday | 08:00–23:00 |
El Café de la Ópera hours verified 2026-09-18. Contact the restaurant to confirm.
Contact
Good to Know
Questions
El Café de la Ópera FAQ
What is Una Cena Cantada at El Café de la Ópera?
+
A dinner with live opera: the café's own cast sings opera, zarzuela, boleros and songs to piano a few metres from the tables while you eat a tasting menu. It runs Friday and Saturday at 20:30 (doors 20:15) and costs €65 per person, drinks not included; booking is required.
What kind of food does El Café de la Ópera serve?
+
Where is El Café de la Ópera?
+
Cuesta de Santo Domingo 2, opposite the Teatro Real and near the Royal Palace, in the Palacio quarter of Madrid's Centro district.
How much does it cost to eat at El Café de la Ópera?
+
Around €26 to €50 per person à la carte. Una Cena Cantada, the opera dinner, is €65 per person without drinks.
Is there live music other than the opera dinners?
+
Yes. Piano jazz sessions run Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 19:00 to 21:00, with a menu of snacks.
When is El Café de la Ópera open?
+
Daily from 08:00 to 23:00, and to 23:30 on Friday and Saturday.
Does El Café de la Ópera serve brunch?
+
Yes, brunch is served, with menus from late morning.
Does El Café de la Ópera have a terrace?
+
Yes, it works as a terrace, a gastrobar and a restaurant.