Madrid is a city steeped in history, culture, and culinary delights. With so many incredible restaurants to choose from, it can be tough to know where to start. However, if you’re looking for a dining experience that combines tradition and longevity, then look no further than the oldest restaurant in Madrid.
Located in the heart of the city’s historic center, Sobrino de Botín has been serving up delicious dishes since 1725. That’s right – this iconic eatery has been around for almost three centuries! In fact, it’s even listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the world.
So what makes Sobrino de Botín so special? For starters, its location is hard to beat. Situated just steps away from Plaza Mayor, one of Madrid’s most famous landmarks, the restaurant occupies a historic building that dates back to the early 1600s.
Inside, you’ll find a warm and welcoming atmosphere that hearkens back to another era. The walls are adorned with old photos and vintage paintings, giving the space an air of timeless elegance. And of course, there’s the food – classic Spanish dishes made with care and attention to detail.
One of Sobrino de Botín’s signature dishes is cochinillo asado – roasted suckling pig that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. It’s cooked in traditional wood-fired ovens that have been used for centuries, giving it a distinctive flavor that can’t be replicated anywhere else.
Another must-try dish is their roast lamb – slow-cooked until it practically falls off the bone. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not sample some of their specialties like callos a la madrileña (tripe stew) or huevos estrellados con jamón (fried eggs with ham)?
Of course, no meal at Sobrino de Botín would be complete without a glass of wine or two. They have an extensive list of Spanish wines to choose from, so whether you prefer a full-bodied red or a crisp white, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a dining experience that’s steeped in history and tradition, then Sobrino de Botín is the place for you. This iconic restaurant has been serving up delicious dishes for almost three centuries, and it shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
So why not step back in time and enjoy an unforgettable meal at Madrid’s oldest restaurant? You won’t regret it.
- Location: Calle de Cuchilleros, 17, 28005 Madrid
- Hours: Monday-Sunday 1 pm-4 pm and 8 pm-12 am
- Price Range: $$$
The History Behind Sobrino de Botín
Sobrino de Botín has a long and storied history that dates back to the early 18th century. The restaurant was founded in 1725 by Frenchman Jean Botin and his Spanish wife. Originally called Casa Botín, it quickly became known as one of the best places to eat in Madrid.
Over the years, Casa Botín changed hands several times but always remained true to its roots. In the early 19th century, it was taken over by Candido Remis, who renamed it Sobrino de Botín (Botin’s Nephew) in honor of its founder.
The restaurant continued to thrive under Remis’s leadership, attracting famous patrons such as Ernest Hemingway and Francisco Goya. Hemingway was particularly fond of Sobrino de Botín – he even mentioned it in his novel “The Sun Also Rises.”
Today, Sobrino de Botín is still family-owned and operated. It’s run by the Gonzalez family, who have been at the helm since 1930. Despite its age, the restaurant shows no signs of slowing down – it’s as popular as ever with both locals and tourists alike.
The Menu at Sobrino de Botín
Sobrino de Botín specializes in traditional Spanish cuisine, with an emphasis on roast meats cooked in wood-fired ovens. Some of their most popular dishes include:
- Cochinillo asado (roasted suckling pig)
- Lechazo asado (roast lamb)
- Sopa castellana (Castilian garlic soup)
- Callos a la madrileña (tripe stew)
- Huevos estrellados con jamón (fried eggs with ham)
In addition to these classic dishes, Sobrino de Botín also offers a selection of salads, soups, and seafood dishes. And of course, no meal would be complete without a glass of wine – they have an extensive list of Spanish wines to choose from.
Reservations and Dress Code
Given its popularity, it’s highly recommended that you make a reservation if you want to dine at Sobrino de Botín. You can do so online or by phone.
As for dress code, while there’s no strict dress code per se, it’s always a good idea to dress up a bit when dining at such an iconic establishment. So leave your flip-flops and shorts at home and opt for something a little more sophisticated instead.
Final Thoughts
Sobrino de Botín is more than just a restaurant – it’s a living piece of history. With its warm and welcoming atmosphere, delicious food, and rich tradition, it’s no wonder that it’s been around for almost three centuries. So if you’re looking for a dining experience that’s truly special, be sure to add Sobrino de Botín to your list of must-visit restaurants in Madrid.