Traditional Spanish
home cooking
Fresh produce, recipes passed down through generations, and two distinctive spaces in the heart of La Latina. Come for tapas, a long family lunch, or whatever there is to celebrate.
The same Cava,
two ways to experience it
Same kitchen, same family, same way of welcoming you.
Choose the space that matches what you feel like today.
Cava Baja, 16
La Latina · La Latina Metro (L5) · 2 min walk
- The original address: over three decades in La Latina
- Table linens, a carefully kept wine cellar, refined atmosphere
- Company dinners, celebrations and special occasions
- The oxtail stew, the beef chuletón and the paellas that are already legendary
Plaza de la Paja, 3
La Latina · 4–5 min walk from Cava Baja
- The new chapter: same essence, a more open and light-filled space
- Terrace on Plaza de la Paja — one of the prettiest squares in Madrid
- 50 seats indoors + 35 on the terrace: the space we needed for large groups
- Relaxed atmosphere, perfect for long lunches and informal get-togethers
House favourites
Dishes that have been on our menu for decades because, quite simply, we can't take them off.
Madrid-style Oxtail Stew
A house recipe, slow-cooked until the meat falls off the bone by itself. With the touch only someone who's been doing it their whole life can give it.
€22
The Cava's Paellas
Mixed, seafood or vegetable. Made with the patience and quality they deserve. What's ordered most — and repeated most. Minimum for two.
From €18 / person
Galician-style Octopus
With La Vera paprika and virgin olive oil. Also chargrilled, for those who like a toasted edge and more character. From Las Rías to your table.
€24 · €26 (chargrilled)
Garlic Prawns
With good produce, this dish needs nothing else. Just enough garlic for the prawn's own flavour to lead.
€16
Iberian Ham Croquettes
Homemade. Creamy béchamel, real Iberian ham and a crisp coating. The ones you order again before finishing the first batch.
€16
Spanish Beef Chuletón
We've upgraded our meat selection. Spanish beef chuletón: more flavour, more ageing, more character. A cut that speaks for itself.
€49
A journey through Spanish cuisine
Starters
From the Garden
Desserts
Meats
Rice Dishes
Minimum two people · price per person
Fish
Already know where you want to sit?
Choose your space and book now. For groups of more than 8, please call us directly.
Choose your space
and secure your table
Demand is high at both locations, especially on weekends. Book ahead to make sure you get a table.
Madrid can't be understood
without Cava Baja
A street that wasn't built for strolling, but to protect the King. Ancient "cavas" — tunnels connecting to the Royal Palace — once ran here, built as escape routes. That's why Cava Alta and Cava Baja run one after the other.
In the heart of La Latina, La Cava de Illán has been cooking the flavours of all of Spain since 1988, using fresh produce and recipes passed down from generation to generation.
We're one of those Madrid restaurants where traditional cooking isn't a passing trend — it's what we've been doing for almost four decades.
Two locations in La Latina
Both in the heart of La Latina, a 4–5 minute walk from each other.
Cava Baja, 16
C. de la Cava Baja, 16 · 28005 Madrid
La Latina Metro (L5) · 2 min walk
Wed: 13:00–23:00
Thu: 13:00–23:30
Fri: 13:00–23:30
Sat: 13:00–00:00
Sun: 13:00–23:00
Mon: Closed
Plaza de la Paja, 3
Pl. de la Paja, 3, Bajo Izq. · 28005 Madrid
4–5 min walk from Cava Baja
Wed–Thu: 13:00–16:30 and 19:00–23:00
Fri–Sat: 13:00–00:00
Sun: 13:00–23:30
Mon: Closed
Everything you need to know
A journey through the
flavours of Spain
Come for tapas, a long family lunch, or whatever there is to celebrate.
Two locations in La Latina, ready to welcome you.