Casa Amadeo (Los Caracoles)

A single-dish specialist on Plaza de Cascorro since 1943 — snails (caracoles) simmered in a spiced broth, eaten with toothpicks at a tiled bar that overlooks the top of El Rastro market on Sunday mornings.

It's busiest on Sunday mornings when El Rastro market crowds spill directly past the door — a natural stop mid-market rather than a separate trip. Caracoles is the reason to come, but the bar also does a solid range of classic tapas if snails aren't for you. Small and standing-room-heavy; don't expect a long, seated meal here.