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Easter is just around the corner and that only means one thing: torrijas everywhere. The time has come for one of the most beloved and oldest sweets in our gastronomy. A very simple dessert (slices of bread from several days ago, soaked in milk, syrup or wine, coated in egg and fried in oil). Although they are quick and easy to make, not everyone has the know-how to prepare delicious torrijas. To save time, we have compiled some of the places where you can try the best torrijas in Madrid. There are recipes for all tastes. Are you up for a torrija route?
El Riojano
It is the brand new winner -in the traditional category- of the sixth edition of the Best Torrijas of Madrid 2023 contest, organised by the Association of Artisan Entrepreneurs of the Pastry Sector of Madrid (ASEMPAS). So this year it is taking most of the spotlight and will be one of the most consumed torrijas in the capital. They have been making the same recipe for decades. With a loaf of bread soaked in milk and battered in fried egg, flavoured with cinnamon and natural lemon peel. They also have a version with wine. Available both in shop and on delivery. Price: €4,20.
Calle Mayor 10, Madrid.
Villaroy’s
In the other torrijas competition held in Madrid, organised by the Association of Chefs and Pastry Chefs of Madrid (Acyre), the winner for the best traditional torrija was Villaroy’s, which makes it with fresh milk, 38% cream and a buttery bun that infuses overnight and, once cold, is fried and wrapped in sugar and cinnamon. Price: €4.
Calle de Maudes 11, Madrid.
Arzábal Retiro
At Arzábal Retiro you will live a classic tavern dining experience but with a modernised concept. That’s why the menu includes a dessert as traditional as torrija (French toast). On this occasion, it is a brioche bread infused with punch and then caramelised and served with vanilla ice cream and mint leaves. Not to be missed! Price: €9.
Calle Menéndez Pelayo, 13. Madrid
Pan.Delirio
Pan.Delirio’s torrija was the winner of the best traditional torrija in the Acyre competition in 2022, so it couldn’t be missing from this delicious route either. Its main peculiarity is that it is a baked torrija made with its roscón de Reyes. They are made by resting for 24 hours in an infusion of whole milk, fresh cream, organic lemon peel, raw organic orange blossom honey, cinnamon sticks and vanilla pods. Price: €7.
Calle de Juan Bravo, 21, 28006 Madrid.
BiBo Madrid
Dani García’s gastronomic proposal could not miss this dessert that is so typical of Mediterranean gastronomy. They offer a more ‘classic’ proposal, such as the torrija with white chocolate, red fruits, coconut and molasses. But they also give it a personal touch with a limited edition also made with white chocolate but accompanied by the Bramble Cobbler cocktail with Bombay Bramble. White chocolate torrija price: €12. Limited Edition torrija price: €21.
Paseo de la Castellana, 52. Madrid
Viena Capellanes
This year, coinciding with the celebration of its 150th anniversary, its master pastry chef, Francisco Somoza, has surprised with a limited edition torrija with chocolate brioche bread, which won the Award for the Best Innovative Torrija 2023 of the Community of Madrid. It is made with gold chocolate, raspberry crunch and brioche bread with a high percentage of gold chocolate. It is on sale in all our establishments. Price: €5 (chocolate) and €3.70 (classic).
They have many establishments all over Madrid.
Café Comercial
Café Comercial is one of the meeting points of culture, gastronomy and life in Madrid, and its typical torrijas could not be missing. On the dessert menu, its chef Pepe Roch has included a delicious version of the traditional recipe. This is a caramelised torrija on rice pudding. Ideal as a sweet ending after tasting some classics such as deviled eggs or Russian salad. Price: €8.
Glorieta de Bilbao, 7. Madrid
Casa Felisa
Casa Felisa offers a fine neo-castizo concept that elevates the traditional recipe book to give an elegant and cool touch to classic dishes such as torrija. On this occasion, the restaurant headed by Antonio del Álamo, proposes a contemporary twist with a warm torrija, an updated version of the most iconic Easter dessert accompanied by vanilla ice cream. Price: €8.
Calle de la Beneficencia, 15. Madrid
La Oriental
On this occasion, the bakery La Oriental once again won the prize for best gluten-free torrija in the competition organised by ASEMPAS. Of course, all of them are made with high quality ingredients and with all the traditional flavour required for such a typical and traditional dessert. Their main characteristic is their creamy interior and a sugar and cinnamon coating. The price of the gluten-free torrija is €3.50.
Calle Ferraz 47, Madrid.
El Horno de Babette
It is one of the leading bakeries in Madrid and, when it comes to torrijas, they also hit the nail on the head. Their proposal is a bit different from the classic recipe. They are made with sourdough bread and the result is a crunchy layer on the outside, while the inside is very juicy. They are also infused with milk and cinnamon. And the most striking thing is that instead of being fried, they are baked in the oven. Price: €7,50.
C. de Orellana, 16, 28004 Madrid
Estimar
It is one of the trendiest restaurants in the capital – Rafa Zafra’s projects are always a safe bet. As well as offering quality fresh fish and seafood cuisine, they also offer irresistible sweet dishes such as torrija (French toast). Here it is made with shortbread soaked in milk, vanilla and honey. A simple delicacy that will not go unnoticed to put the cherry on top of your gastronomic experience at Estimar. Price: €12.
Calle Marqués de Cubas, 18. Madrid.
Lhardy
It is a classic among classics in Madrid’s hotel and catering industry. It has been serving Spanish and international haute cuisine since 1839. Lhardy’s menu combines classic dishes that have become part of the restaurant’s history with new creations made with the best quality ingredients. Among the most typical desserts, such as its popular soufflé, you can’t miss the torrija à la minute with a succulent scoop of vanilla ice cream. Price: €9.
Carrera de S. Jerónimo, 8. Madrid
Pez Fuego
This season, the Pez Fuego restaurant has also included an irresistible brioche bread torrija, soaked in flavoured milk cream, griddled in butter and caramelised with sugar. But before you opt for this exquisite dessert, you will have had a gastronomic experience based on embers and sea cuisine. Price: €7,5.
Calle de Orense, 68. Madrid
Umikobake
From the creators of the Umiko restaurant comes this new project that seeks to revolutionise the sector with an innovative and unique proposal of Japanese fusion pastries. Their best seller is umisan, their particular version of the croissant. Although they also specialise in a wide variety of mochis and cakes. And this season they have also created a version of torrija with panettone dough soaked in yuzu, cinnamon and coconut crème anglaise and baked with a layer of crunchy caramel. Looks great! Price: €3,50.
Calle Los Madrazo, 18. Madrid
Are you capable of trying all these torrijas? If you miss any suggestions that we have missed, let us know on social networks and we will expand this sweet Easter route.
