There is a cafe/bakery at 5 Principe, just north of Plaza Santa Ana, and a few blocks east of Puerto del Sol. I am not a pastry fan, but the other 2 people in the group were enthusiastic, especially about the chocolate treats--chocolate croissant, chocolate palmas, and something else. The bread was also excellent.

I bought various pastries at this place on several days. Then, on Sunday, they were not open as early. So I bought stuff from a place--unknown name--on the SW corner of Puerto del Sol (north side of Calle Mayor). Very elegant and busy place, and slightly higher prices. Presented my catch to the other two . . . who said it may have been elegant but the Principe place had better chocolate and better overall flavor. They said the Principe place was really good, and clearly just baked.

Hi AnnK! The "Pastelería"/Bakery you mention on the southwest corner of the Puerta del Sol is "La Mallorquina", a landmark in Madrid. And yes, they are super popular. Sometimes with higher popularity, eventually, comes lower quality. But I think they're still quite good. The one you mention near Plaza Santa Ana sounds delicious too. But Madrid is FULL of bakeries & sweet shops... there must be hundreds. Every little neighborhood typically has their own.

Yum... Saludos, MadridMan

I love La Mallorquina! Their Palmeritas, that look like our Elephant Ears are delicious. I particularly enjoyed the meticulous care the attendants took in packing my pastries. I would leave with little works of art. I almost hated to open the packages, but I was too greedy!