Taberna J. Blanco
Taberna J. Blanco
Taberna J. Blanco is a traditional taberna on Calle de las Tabernillas in La Latina, opened in 1988 by Joaquín Blanco in premises that were a butcher's shop in the early 20th century. The tiled entrance and marble counter survive from those days, and the kitchen keeps to Madrid classics. It was a finalist for Best Tapas Bar at the 2025 Premios Metrópoli.
Background
About Taberna J. Blanco
The Story
Number 23 on Calle de las Tabernillas was a butcher's shop at the beginning of the 20th century. In 1988 Joaquín Blanco took over the premises and turned them into the taberna that carries his initial, keeping the decorative tiles at the entrance and the marble counter from the butcher's days.
The Cuisine
Traditional Madrid taberna cooking: tapas with a caña or a glass of wine at the bar, and house dishes such as cocido, rabo de toro, snails, callos and pochas with clams in the dining room.
The Room and the Dishes
The front is all bar: azulejos around the door and the original marble counter, where most people stand with a drink and a tapa. Through the back there's a small dining room with checked tablecloths and walls lined with tiles and framed cuttings. House specialities have included cocido madrileño, oxtail stew, snails, callos and pochas with clams, the kind of slow, spoon-and-bread cooking that suits the old-Madrid streets around La Latina; the dining room is small, so booking ahead is wise.
Highlights
What Diners Say
Consensus
Taberna J. Blanco Ratings & Reviews
Diner Ratings
TripAdvisor
3.8
66 reviews
3.8
332
Taberna J. Blanco ranks #385 of 1001 rated restaurants in Madrid. Diners rate it 3.8/5 on TripAdvisor (66 reviews).
Reservations
How to Book Taberna J. Blanco
Experience
Taberna J. Blanco Dining Experience
A castizo, no-frills taberna: a tiled front bar with an old marble counter, and a small back room with red-and-white checked tablecloths and walls covered in tiles and old press cuttings. It runs through the day, with evenings stretching later Wednesday to Saturday.
Navigate
Taberna J. Blanco Location & Neighbourhood
Address
Calle de las Tabernillas, 23, 28005, Madrid, Spain
Get directions→Getting There
It's on Calle de las Tabernillas, in the La Latina area of central Madrid, in the Palacio barrio of the Centro district.
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 Taberna J. Blanco.
Nearby Restaurants
Where to stay nearby
Hotels we rank within walking distance of Taberna J. Blanco.
Details
Taberna J. Blanco Reservations, Hours & Contact
Opening Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 12:00–17:00 |
| Tuesday | 12:00–17:00 |
| Wednesday | 12:00–23:30 |
| Thursday | 12:00–23:30 |
| Friday | 12:30–00:00 |
| Saturday | 12:30–00:00 |
| Sunday | 12:00–17:00 |
Taberna J. Blanco hours verified 2026-08-09. Contact the restaurant to confirm.
Contact
Good to Know
Questions
Taberna J. Blanco FAQ
What kind of food does Taberna J. Blanco serve?
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Traditional Spanish tapas. It's an old-school Madrid tapas bar for a drink and a plate.
Where is Taberna J. Blanco, and when is it open?
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On Calle de las Tabernillas, in the La Latina area of central Madrid (Palacio, Centro). Every day: Monday, Tuesday and Sunday midday only, and into the evening Wednesday to Saturday.
Is Taberna J. Blanco expensive?
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It's mid-range, around €26 to €50 per person.
Has Taberna J. Blanco won any awards?
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It was a finalist for Best Tapas Bar (Mejor Bar de Tapas) in the 2025 Premios Metrópoli.
Does Taberna J. Blanco take cards?
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Yes, cards and contactless are accepted.
How old is Taberna J. Blanco?
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Joaquín Blanco opened it in 1988 in a former butcher's shop dating from the early 20th century, keeping its tiles and marble counter.
What should I order at Taberna J. Blanco?
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The house classics: cocido, rabo de toro, snails, callos or pochas with clams, or just a tapa with a caña at the marble bar.