About Us

Restaurant

ABOUT US

A Corner of Madrid in the Heart of Chicago

Amid the aroma of smoked paprika and the whisper of Rioja being poured, Little Madrid Tapas Café was born: an intimate homage to tradition, elegance, and Spanish passion. Founded in 2020—just weeks before the world paused—this restaurant not only survived, it blossomed.
 
“Francisco’s family recipes have been safeguarded for over 500 years, now reimagined to deliver an exclusive, authentic, and sophisticated culinary experience. Each dish is a journey into tradition, crafted with 100% organic ingredients imported directly from Spain.
 
Here, every dish is a story. Every croquette, a memory. Every evening, a celebration.
 
“Tapas are the expression of a lifestyle, in which everything is tested, there is a lot of talking, drinking in an intelligent way, and you come to the conclusion in small doses the world is wonderful.”
 
Founder and Soul of the House

Franciso F de Bolanos

A lawyer by training, a Madrileño at heart, and a citizen of the world by vocation. Franciso F de Bolanos has lived in over twenty countries, worked between New York, Europe, and Latin America, and cultivated a rare gift: blending diplomacy of the soul with culinary authenticity. Little Madrid was born from a dream. A deep desire to honor his hometown, to share the tapas he grew up with, and to offer Chicago a sensory experience where time slows down and only pleasure remains. Recognized by the City of Madrid and the Spanish Consulate, Francisco has not only won the palates of Chicago, but also its admiration. With a clear vision and natural elegance, he has turned his restaurant into a reference point, an experience, a secret locals whisper about. More Than Just a Restaurant Little Madrid is a place where flamenco pulses once a month, where the wine is chosen with wisdom, and where every detail matters. It’s the reflection of a man who traded courtrooms for kitchens—without ever compromising on excellence.

Real Stories. Real Impact.