Viva Madrid
Viva Madrid
Viva Madrid is a taberna and cocktail bar in the Barrio de las Letras that dates to 1856, per its own branding, Viva Madrid 1856. Bartender Diego Cabrera led a 2018 reopening that revived its aperitivo traditions. The space is known for its glazed ceramic tiles, magnificent bars and counters, and a coffered ceiling original to the building.
Social
From vivamadridtaberna on Instagram
🤌🏻 Media combinación italiana Vinos fino y oloroso de Jerez • Vermú dulce • Aceto balsámico • Refresco de hoja de higo • Bocado de @parmigianoreggiano_es y una gildita para más sabor
¡Viva!
Una exquisitez bien nuestra. Favorito de muchos y muchas. OURGRONI Tequila @patron | Pimiento chipotle | Martini bitter | Vermú rosé | Macerado con melocotón y grosellas
La mesa ya está puesta. Os esperamos.
Nuestros amigos Pao y Jean de @alquimicocartagena, nos mostraron en sus tierras, una causa que se nos quedó grabada: la Fundación Colectivo Canta @colectivocanta , que trabaja con jóvenes de barrios humildes en Colombia y usa la música para abrirles otro camino. Nos apuntamos enseguida y, por ello,
Ven a gozar sin prisa este verano con nosotros 🌞
Background
About Viva Madrid
The Story
Viva Madrid has been trading at Calle de Manuel Fernández y González 7 since 1856, making it one of the longest-running bars in the city. It reopened in September 2018 as the second project of Argentine bartender Diego Cabrera, the man behind Salmon Guru, with the aim of reviving the old traditions of the aperitivo in a format it calls an 'unusual taberna' and cocktail bar.
The Cuisine
Beyond the traditional tapas, the drinks list runs to signature pours like La Gilda del Viva, an Espresso Martini, a Bloody Mary and La Pareja Perfecta, alongside small plates that blend in international technique.
Tiles, Harpies and the Dark Side
The building is protected and keeps its original layout. The ceramic and tiled facade and interior are the work of Mensaque, one of the leading tile houses of their day, and date from 1920, like the bar counter; older still is the ceiling, crowned with hand-crafted harpies. Downstairs is the taberna, where classic-looking but daring cocktails meet what the house calls new Madrid cooking. A staircase lined with old books, shakers and bar tools leads up to the 'Dark Side', the house's take on a Madrid bar of the 1920s and 30s, with its own cocktails and off-menu plates that change often. There's also a small terrace.
Castizo Plates with a Twist
The June 2026 food carta reworks Madrid classics: a house gilda, a saam-style croqueta of roast suckling-pig trotter cooked in a Manhattan, cocido croquetas served with León cecina, a smoked ensaladilla with salmon, bravas with roasted-chipotle sauce and dill alioli, a mini tortilla made to order, Soria torreznos with ají amarillo, and vitel toné of picaña. Small plates include a brava pig's-ear bocata, an oxtail bao, Galician-beef mini burgers and a little cazuela of callos. The bar runs guest shifts from international bartenders, and groups of eight or more book through the events address.
The Chef
Diego Cabrera
Highlights
What Diners Say
Consensus
Viva Madrid Ratings & Reviews
Professional Ratings
Diner Ratings
4.5
2471
TripAdvisor
4.4
174 reviews
Viva Madrid ranks #393 of 1001 rated restaurants in Madrid. Diners rate it 4.4/5 on TripAdvisor (174 reviews).
Reservations
How to Book Viva Madrid
Booking
Walk-in only for regular service; groups of 8 or more can request a booking via eventos@vivamadrid1856.com.
Reserve
Experience
Viva Madrid Dining Experience
'El Viva es el Viva,' the Viva is the Viva, is how regulars and staff sum up the bar's personality. It's a classic, lively room where tourists and locals mix at the bar, plus a terrace.
Navigate
Viva Madrid Location & Neighbourhood
Address
Calle de Manuel Fernández y González 7, 28014 Madrid (Barrio de las Letras / Cortes, Centro), Spain
Get directions→Getting There
Viva Madrid has stood on Calle de Manuel Fernández y González, in Barrio de las Letras, since 1856. Glazed ceramic tiles, a coffered ceiling and the original bars and counters are all still in place.
Nearby
Barrio de las Letras is the old literary quarter, narrow and atmospheric, with quotations set into the paving. The eating is unusually varied for so small an area, from taverns and cocktail bars to kitchens working at a serious level. Museo del Prado and Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza are on the doorstep.
Nearby landmarks
Landmarks within walking distance of Viva Madrid.
Nearby Restaurants
Where to stay nearby
Hotels we rank within walking distance of Viva Madrid.
Details
Viva Madrid Reservations, Hours & Contact
Opening Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 12:00–02:00 |
| Tuesday | 12:00–02:00 |
| Wednesday | 12:00–02:00 |
| Thursday | 12:00–02:00 |
| Friday | 12:00–02:30 |
| Saturday | 12:00–02:30 |
| Sunday | 12:00–02:00 |
Viva Madrid hours verified 2026-08-11. Contact the restaurant to confirm.
Contact
Walk-ins only
Good to Know
Questions
Viva Madrid FAQ
Who leads Viva Madrid today?
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Argentine bartender Diego Cabrera, the founder of Salmon Guru, who reopened Viva Madrid in September 2018 as his second project, reviving the bar's aperitivo traditions.
How old is Viva Madrid?
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It dates to 1856, per the venue's own branding, Viva Madrid 1856.
Where is Viva Madrid, and does it take reservations?
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On Calle de Manuel Fernández y González, in Barrio de las Letras, inside a building known for its glazed ceramic tiles and coffered ceiling. It's open daily and doesn't require reservations.
What are Viva Madrid's opening hours?
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Sunday to Thursday noon to 2am, Friday and Saturday noon to 2:30am, with the kitchen daily noon to 1am. Closed December 24, 25, 31 and January 1.
How much do drinks cost at Viva Madrid?
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Most cocktails run €13 to €14, from a Piña Colada to the Porn Star Martini, with a few premium pours like the Sip By Sip at €16. Under €25 per person overall.
Is Viva Madrid dog-friendly, and does it have a terrace?
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Yes to both.
What's special about the Viva Madrid building?
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It's a protected 1856 taberna whose tiled facade, interior and bar counter, by the Mensaque tile house, date from 1920, under an older ceiling crowned with hand-crafted harpies.