Sobrino de Botín
Calle de Cuchilleros 17, Madrid, Spain, 28005
In many cities, there's an establishment so widely loved that it becomes intertwined with urban culture. Madrid's Sobrino de Botín is one such place. This restaurant's name is synonymous with Spanish cuisine, which isn't surprising, since the kitchen has been serving culinary gems since 1725. The traditional dishes here are spectacular.
The basics
As the oldest in-operation restaurant in Spain, Botín (as it's known to locals) presents gastronomic gems that are not frilly creations, but simply standout Spanish dishes. The food here is the epitome of tradition. Many dishes are prepared in an original wood-fired oven, and the suckling pig is the stuff of dreams.
Located near bustling Plaza Mayor, it's easy to enjoy dinner at this multi-generational restaurant after visiting the Madrid Royal Palace, strolling through the Barrio de las Letras, or walking here—in about 20 minutes—from the revered Prado Museum. Several food tours, tapas tours, and VIP excursions also include a stop here, with some offering a multi-course lunch with wine.
Things to know before you go
- Painter Francisco de Goya worked here washing dishes, and writer Ernest Hemingway mentions Botín in his novel, The Sun Also Rises.
- The restaurant is popular, so call in advance or book online to secure reservations.
- Botín offers seating in an upstairs dining room and a subterranean wine cave.
How to get there
The restaurant is located a short walk from Plaza Mayor. Though numerous sightseeing tours pass this storied instution, you can easily arrive by metro. Take Line 5 to La Latina, and walk to the restaurant via Toledo Street.
When to get there
Reservations are strongly recommended for both dinner and lunch, as is a timely arrival lest you lose your table. With luck, visitors without reservations can sometimes find an open table by arriving exactly at opening time, usually 1pm for lunch and 8pm for dinner.
The San Miguel Market
If you can't get a table at Sobrino de Botín, there's another standout culinary gem only a block away. The San Miguel Market is a foodie hub that showcases the best of Spanish gastronomy. From conservas and tapas to paper-thin cuts of Jamón ibérico, it's hard not to find something to get excited about here. It often gets busy, and you may need to eat standing, but that's part of the fun.
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