Top 10 Restaurants in Madrid

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Sobrino de Botin (Calle Cuchilleros 17). Established in 1725, this famous restaurant is listed as the world’s oldest eatery by the Guinness Book of Records. Mentioned in Ernest Hemingway’s novel “The Sun Also Rises”, Botin is said to be a favorite haunt by writers, politicians and even international celebrities who go to Madrid. The house specialties include roast suckling pig (cochinillo asado), eggs scrambled with morcilla and potatoes, and the garlic soup (sopa de ajo).

La Terraza del Casino (Alcala 15). Expect an amazing gastronomic adventure in this one-star Michelin rated restaurant situated in a palatial building. The menu was created by no less than Master Chef Ferran Adria and overseen by head chef Paco Roncero. Feast on house specialties like Salmon Marinado en Miso con Ensalada de Pina (Marinated Salmon in Miso with Pineapple Salad), and make room for decadent desserts such as the Crema Catalana.

Casa Lucio (Cava Baja, 35). Where in Madrid can you get a sumptuous and authentic Castilian meal and rub elbows with royalty and international celebrities?  Head to Casa Lucio nearby Plaza Mayor where even if you don’t get to dine with Queen Sofia, you will feel like nobility the moment you enter. Excellent Spanish wines are paired with house specialties like Huevos Estrellados (broken eggs with potatoes), Jamon Serrano and Salmorejo (gazpacho with grated ham).

Restaurante Jockey (Calle Amador de los Rios, 6). For over 40 years, it has been one of Madrid’s premier gastronomic institutions combining exquisite cuisine with an elegant environment and a luxurious ambience. The menu is traditional Spanish with some French influences and with over 700 wines available for selection, Jockey has been the go-to place for many celebrities, diplomats and even heads of state. Specialties include Lobsters with Caviar in Crème Fraiche and Foie Gras and Salsa in Champagne.

Zalacain (Salamanca, Alvarez de Baena, 4). This Michelin-rated restaurant named after the novel of Pio Baroja has consistently gotten rave reviews from food critics and with good reason. Zalacain offers excellent Basque cuisine, nouvelle-style. But more than its innovative touches to the food, it comes right down to serving the best and freshest seasonal products and giving the best service in town. With 15 chefs and 20 waitstaff, an in-house sommelier overseeing the selection of over 1200 wines in the cellar, you will certainly get your money’s worth here.

El Chaflan (Avenida Pio XII, 34). Located in the northern area of the city is this Michelin-rated restaurant whose chef, Juan Pablo Felipe, is one of the most regarded modern culinary minds in Madrid. You come to El Chaflan for the food – highly creative dishes using prime quality ingredients – and as you watch the chefs cook your meal through a double-glazed window you end up with a satisfied palate and a whole new dining adventure.

Café de Oriente (Plaza de Oriente, 2). Dine in style with the best views in the city – Palacio Real and Teatro Real are just two of the historical buildings and monuments that you can see from the terrace. The restaurant itself is a sight to behold – set in the cellars of a 17th century convent and regally decorated. Theater-goers can enjoy sophisticated dishes such as Rockfish Confit in Almond Oil and Glazed Veal Sweetbreads with Veal Cheeks.

Santceloni (Paseo de la Castellana, 57). If you have three hours to spend for a leisurely meal then this is worth a try. Exquisite Mediterranean cuisine is offered in this two-Michelin star rated restaurant located inside Hotel Hesperia. Don’t skip on the cheese sampler before dessert, the selection is an experience in itself.

La Broche (Miguel Angel, 29). Situated inside Hotel Miguel Angel is this culinary gem that takes traditional Catalan dishes to imaginative heights. Michelin-rated chef and disciple of Ferran Adria, Chef Sergi Arola serves up innovative tasting menus with dishes like Sardines with fried egg and crumpets of death, Basmati rice and pigeon stew flavored with hot coals.

Goizeko Wellington (Villanueva, 34). A collaboration by the owners of another highly-acclaimed restaurant Goizeko Kabi and Hotel Wellington, this fine dining restaurant offers supreme Basque cuisine in a warm and cozy atmosphere. House specialties include kokotxas de merluza (hake jowls) and chipirones en su tinta (calamari stewed in its own ink).