Madrid's Culinary Time Capsules
A journey through 15 centuries-old Madrid establishments, witnessing the city's cultural and culinary evolution
Posada de la Villa (2022)Academia Iberoamericana de Gastronomía
Madrid's century-old sanctuaries
For over a century, 15 Madrid establishments have been the backdrop to pivotal moments, from literary gatherings to the birth of political movements. Traditional gastronomy remains a constant through it all.
2. Botín Restaurant
Founded in 1725, the oldest restaurant in the world is renowned for its traditional Madrid cuisine. Castilian-style suckling pig and lamb are cooked in its wood-fired oven. The restaurant was once a popular haunt for artists and writers, including Valle-Inclán and Julio Romero de Torres.
5. Casa Ciriaco
Located on Calle Mayor, Casa Ciriaco is renowned for its history and traditional cuisine. Founded in 1929, the restaurant was a favourite haunt of the cartoonists Julio Camba and Antonio Mingote. The restaurant offers iconic dishes such as Madrid stew and chicken in pepitoria, both of which are based on century-old recipes.
6. Casa Labra
Founded in 1860 and located on Calle Tetuán, this tavern is famous in Madrid for its fried cod and croquettes. Acquired by the Molina family in 1947, it remains a bustling tavern and an integral part of the city's history. It was here that the PSOE (Spanish Socialist Workers' Party) was secretly founded.
8. Casa Pedro
Pedro Guiñales founded 'Casa de la Pascuala' as an inn and restaurant in 1702. Following several name changes, the restaurant became renowned for its wines, roasts and game. Notable clients such as Kings Alfonso XIII and Juan Carlos I enjoyed its cuisine and even left dedications on its walls.
9. La Casa del Abuelo
This iconic Madrid tavern was founded in 1906 and has been run by four generations of the same family, who have maintained the traditions of its products and decor. Renowned for its 'El Abuelo' wine and shrimp dishes, it's an essential destination for anyone looking to experience tapas culture.
10. La Mallorquina
Founded in 1894, it successfully combines tradition and modernity while retaining its unique identity. Now in its third generation of family ownership, it remains a benchmark of the city's pastry culture and is the only active 19th-century establishment left in Madrid's Puerta del Sol area.
11. Las Cuevas de Luis Candela
Las Cuevas de Luis Candelas (The Caves of Luis Candelas) pays homage to traditional Madrid cuisine, serving it in 19th-century-themed rooms and on a terrace next to the Cuchilleros Arch. The restaurant is renowned for its roasts, tripe, stews and traditional desserts, and also has an extensive wine list.
13. Malacatín
This tavern is located near the popular Plaza de Cascorro and is run by the fourth generation of the same family. It is famous for its centuries-old Madrid stew. Other notable traditional dishes on offer include tripe, cod in tomato sauce and tuna loins with a ratatouille made with Manchego cheese.
This content has been created in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Sport of the Community of Madrid.
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