Las Cuevas de Luis Candelas
Las Cuevas de Luis Candelas
Las Cuevas de Luis Candelas is a traditional Castilian and Madrid restaurant next to Plaza Mayor, founded in 1860. Staff dress in period costume reminiscent of the 19th-century bandit Luis Candelas, and the restaurant says everyone who visits is welcomed by Candelas himself. The kitchen roasts suckling pig and suckling lamb in a wood-fired oven, alongside callos a la madrileña.
Social
From cuevasdeluiscandelas on Instagram
Nem todo restaurante turístico é uma armadilha. Às vezes, a tradição faz jus à fama. Ontem conheci o @cuevasdeluiscandelas, em Madrid, e saí realmente impressionado. Instalado em um ambiente histórico, cheio de personalidade, o restaurante oferece uma experiência que vai muito além da localização p
Con casi 40 grados ahí fuera, solo hay un plan que apetece: una sangría bien fría en la barra de Las Cuevas de Luis Candelas. Y si quieres llevar el verano al siguiente nivel… pruébala en versión granizada🍷❄️
Si hoy no sabes qué hacer, nosotros lo tenemos bastante claro #tapeo #arcodecuchilleros
Esta foto tiene muchas décadas. Si vienes hoy a las Cuevas de Luis Candelas, vas a descubrir que muchos rincones siguen prácticamente intactos. #MadridAntiguo #RestauranteCentenario
Del horno de leña centenario a tu mesa. El olor saliendo de cocina y todo el restaurante girando la cabeza en cuanto aparece. Más de 160 años sirviendo el mejor cochinillo asado. #CochinilloAsado #MadridFoodie
Las paredes de las Cuevas están llenas de mensajes, placas y avisos. Hace décadas, las paredes eran una forma habitual de comunicarse. De dejar mensajes, advertencias, recuerdos o simplemente constancia de que algo había pasado allí. #MadridSecreto #HistoriaDeMadrid
Background
About Las Cuevas de Luis Candelas
The Story
The caves under the Arco de Cuchilleros are tied to Luis Candelas, Madrid's best-known 19th-century bandit, who by the house's account hid here with his gang, using the caves' many exits to shake off pursuers, and gave Cuchilleros 1 as his address before he was caught in 1837 and executed outside the Puerta de Toledo. His last words were reportedly 'Sé feliz, patria mía'. In 1860 the Madrid bullfighter Félix Colomo Díaz, from Navalcarnero, fell for the old caves and turned them into a restaurant, so the story of old Madrid would live on. More than 150 years later it keeps its period style, with staff in costume reminiscent of Candelas.
The Cuisine
Traditional Castilian and Madrid cooking, built around a wood-fired oven that roasts suckling pig and suckling lamb, alongside callos a la madrileña and cocido de puchero.
The Cave Museum
The house now runs a small cave-museum under the Arco de Cuchilleros, a five-to-ten-minute immersive experience of light and sound telling Candelas's story and taking visitors into 19th-century Madrid. Entry is free during set hours (12:45 to 15:45 and 19:45 to 22:00). The restaurant has also published a book about Candelas, its founder and the many figures from culture, art, politics and sport who have eaten here.
The Kitchen and the Rooms
Traditional Castilian and Madrid cooking centres on the wood-fired oven, where suckling pig and suckling lamb are roasted, with callos a la madrileña and cocido de puchero. Four dining rooms in the old caves, each with its own atmosphere, and a terrace beside the Arco de Cuchilleros seat about 140. Lunch and dinner every day; book through the website or by email.
Highlights
What Diners Say
Consensus
Las Cuevas de Luis Candelas Ratings & Reviews
Diner Ratings
4.3
1975
TripAdvisor
4.0
869 reviews
TheFork
4.5
190 reviews
Las Cuevas de Luis Candelas ranks #455 of 1001 rated restaurants in Madrid. Diners rate it 4.0/5 on TripAdvisor (869 reviews) and 4.5/5 on TheFork (190 reviews).
Reservations
How to Book Las Cuevas de Luis Candelas
Booking
Book online at covermanager.com (covermanager).
Experience
Las Cuevas de Luis Candelas Dining Experience
Four dining rooms, each with its own atmosphere, plus a terrace overlooking the Arco de Cuchilleros, add up to room for 140 diners. It's lively and rustic, with live music, polished service and notable architecture, though prices run on the expensive side.
Navigate
Las Cuevas de Luis Candelas Location & Neighbourhood
Address
Calle de Cuchilleros, 1, 28005 Madrid (Centro, next to Plaza Mayor), Spain
Get directions→Getting There
Las Cuevas de Luis Candelas has operated on Calle de Cuchilleros, right by Plaza Mayor, since 1860. Staff dress in period costume, and the four dining rooms include a terrace that looks over the Arco de Cuchilleros, seating up to 140.
Nearby
This is Madrid's absolute centre, where Puerta del Sol meets the arcaded Plaza Mayor. The eating is old and touristic in equal measure, with long-standing taverns and cave-like dining rooms sitting among the crowds that pass through the square day and night.
Nearby landmarks
Landmarks within walking distance of Las Cuevas de Luis Candelas.
Nearby Restaurants
Where to stay nearby
Hotels we rank within walking distance of Las Cuevas de Luis Candelas.
Details
Las Cuevas de Luis Candelas Reservations, Hours & Contact
Opening Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 12:45–15:45, 19:45–23:30 |
| Tuesday | 12:45–15:45, 19:45–23:30 |
| Wednesday | 12:45–15:45, 19:45–23:30 |
| Thursday | 12:45–15:45, 19:45–23:30 |
| Friday | 12:45–15:45, 19:45–23:30 |
| Saturday | 12:45–15:45, 19:45–23:30 |
| Sunday | 12:45–15:45, 19:45–23:30 |
Las Cuevas de Luis Candelas hours verified 2026-08-10. Contact the restaurant to confirm.
Contact
Good to Know
Questions
Las Cuevas de Luis Candelas FAQ
How old is Las Cuevas de Luis Candelas?
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It was founded in 1860 and has operated for more than 160 years, with staff still dressed in period costume as the 19th-century bandit Luis Candelas.
Who founded Las Cuevas de Luis Candelas?
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Félix Colomo Díaz, a Madrid bullfighter from Navalcarnero, who turned the caves under the Arco de Cuchilleros into a restaurant in 1860.
What is Las Cuevas de Luis Candelas known for?
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Roast suckling pig and suckling lamb cooked in a wood-fired oven, plus callos a la madrileña and cocido de puchero, and staff dressed in period costume.
Where is it, and how many can it seat?
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On Calle de Cuchilleros, next to Plaza Mayor. It has four dining rooms and a terrace overlooking the Arco de Cuchilleros, with capacity for 140 diners.
How much does it cost to eat at Las Cuevas de Luis Candelas?
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Around €51 to €100 per person, on the pricier side for a traditional Castilian restaurant this central.
When is it open, and how do you book?
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Daily, 12:45 to 15:45 and 19:45 to 23:30. Reservations online through its CoverManager booking page, linked from its own website.
Is there a museum at Las Cuevas de Luis Candelas?
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Yes, a short, free cave-museum experience of light and sound about Luis Candelas, open 12:45 to 15:45 and 19:45 to 22:00.