Right on the Plaza de Isabel II, home of Metro Ópera, the Café del Real attracts a steady stream of customers. One of the cute, unpretentious little bistros in Madrid, it also has a pizzeria downstairs, but don’t bother eating here because, to be honest, you’ll find better pizzas elsewhere.

Instead, stay upstairs in the cosy little café/bar area of Café del Real, or nab a table on the tiny terrace outside (you’ll have to go downstairs to get to it), and enjoy a tasty breakfast, lunch or snack. The Teatro Real is right across the square, so if you’re going to watch a performance pop in here afterwards for a coffee or something stronger.