A politically-charged taberna in the heart of Lavapiés, opened in 2024 by former politician Pablo Iglesias and funded by over 3,000 donors. The menu leans into classic Spanish comfort food — migas, carrilleras, tostas — with cocktails named after revolutionary figures. Reviews are wildly polarized: some love the unique decor and neighborhood vibe, others find the food uninspired and the service brusque. Go for the cultural programming and the conversation, not for a culinary revelation.
A crowdfunded taberna from ex-politician Pablo Iglesias where revolutionary cocktails and unique decor meet honest Spanish comfort food in the heart of Lavapiés.
Check their social media for cultural events and programming before going — the taberna often hosts talks and gatherings that make the visit more interesting than just a meal.
A Political Taberna With More Soul Than Polish
Taberna Garibaldi is one of those places that's impossible to separate from its backstory. Opened in March 2024 by Pablo Iglesias — yes, the former leader of Podemos — and crowdfunded with 140,000€ from over 3,000 supporters, it moved in August 2025 to a bigger spot near Glorieta de Embajadores. The whole project feels more like a social experiment than a restaurant, and that's both its charm and its problem.
The menu is straightforward Spanish taberna fare: migas, ensalada Garibaldi, carrilleras with potato purée, and a decent tosta topped with dried tomatoes, parmesan, and basil. The cocktails have political names — the Fidel Mojito, the Durruti Dry Martini — which is fun the first time. Some reviewers rave about the food and the attention from staff like Luis; others call it "cuartelera" (barracks-like) and complain about brusque service and a noisy room. The truth is somewhere in between: it's perfectly fine, not memorable.
What makes it worth knowing is the atmosphere and the cultural programming. The decor is genuinely unique — you won't confuse it with any other taberna in Madrid — and the crowd is a mix of neighborhood regulars, political pilgrims, and curious locals. If you go expecting a culinary destination, you'll be disappointed. If you go for a drink, a tosta, and a bit of Lavapiés energy, you'll have a decent time.