Meson del Champiñon Madrid Review 2026: Live Music & Mushrooms

A Must-Visit Madrid Restaurant

MESÓN DEL CHAMPIÑON

HOLA! Melissa here, your go-to Spain travel blogger!

Today, I'm diving into my experience at

Meson del Champiñon, a spot that's easily one of Madrid's most well-known restaurants among visitors.

Honestly, I'd always dismissed it as 'just another tourist trap,' even after multiple trips to Madrid. But this time around, something sparked my curiosity, and I decided to give it a try.

And wow, am I glad I did! It's definitely a place I'd recommend, so let's get into all the details! :)

1. Meson del Champiñon: Madrid's Mushroom Hotspot

mesón del champiñon

Meson del Champiñon gained significant fame after being featured on a popular travel show, though it was already a beloved spot with plenty of buzz even before that.

It's conveniently located just a stone's throw from Plaza Mayor, a must-see for any tourist, making it an easy stop to add to your itinerary. I'd recommend Meson del Champiñon more for a delightful snack or appetizer break rather than a full, sit-down meal.

2. A Charming Tavern Vibe

The name 'Meson' refers to a small inn or tavern, while 'Champiñon' means mushroom. So, essentially, you're stepping into 'The Mushroom Tavern'! (Pretty cute, right?)

The entrance might look small, but the interior is surprisingly spacious. Behind the gentleman in the photo, you can spot stairs leading down to a basement dining area, adding to its capacity. It's clearly a popular spot for international visitors, with signs at the entrance even in English and Japanese.

I was seated in the back of the main floor, and I was immediately struck by the diverse crowd. There were so many international guests, and while I expected to see a lot of Korean visitors, I was surprised by the number of Japanese and Chinese guests!

It wasn't just Asian diners, though; there were plenty of Spanish locals and other Western tourists, making it a truly bustling and popular spot.

The interior decor is quite unique, almost like a cozy cave. I noticed these round, bulbous shapes on the ceiling and realized they were designed to resemble mushrooms, tying perfectly into the restaurant's theme.

The menu is conveniently displayed on a tablet, and the best part? It's available in multiple languages, including English!

We planned to have a bigger meal elsewhere later, so we opted for a lighter order. We started with a Tinto de Verano, a plate of delicious olives, and, of course, their signature mushroom dish. The olives were fantastic!

However, I found their Tinto de Verano a bit underwhelming, so if you come here, I'd recommend sticking to a refreshing beer instead.

Given the name, it's a no-brainer – you absolutely have to try the mushrooms! They're constantly being prepared, so your order arrives fresh and fast.

To be honest, I often make a similar mushroom dish at home, so it's not usually my go-to order when I'm in Spain. But each restaurant adds its own unique twist, which makes trying them out quite enjoyable.

This mushroom dish was incredibly flavorful – a bit on the salty side for some palates, but universally delicious and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

✨ If you're inspired to try making it at home, here's a tip:

I use a fair amount of salt, but you can adjust it to your taste, especially if you prefer less sodium. (Without enough salt, it can be quite bland). The green sprinkle you see in the photo is usually parsley, but it tastes great even without it. And for an extra kick, try mixing a little white wine vinegar into the oil!

But beyond the delicious food, this place is famous for its live piano music!

When we visited, a talented elderly pianist was playing beautifully. Then, four Spanish gentlemen, who were also dining, joined in and started singing along! What a lucky surprise!

They sang so wonderfully, almost like professional vocalists, and soon all the other customers were clapping, recording, and sharing in the joyous atmosphere.

After such a fantastic time, we decided to order another drink. I saw 'Sidra' on the menu and ordered it, but it turned out to be quite awful. Seriously, don't order it!

The real charm of Meson del Champiñon in Madrid isn't just its tasty mushrooms, but the incredible live music experience. That's truly the heart of the place.

If you're traveling through Madrid, I highly recommend stopping by to savor their mushrooms and soak in the lively atmosphere!