Madrid’s Century-Old Culinary Treasures: A Journey Through Time

We want to take you on a special journey through Madrid’s most historic restaurants:

Madrid’s Asociación de Restaurantes y Tabernas Centenarios brings together 15 incredible places, each over 100 years old.

These aren’t just places to eat – they’re the heart and soul of our city’s food culture. If these walls could talk, they’d tell amazing stories about artists, writers, and everyday people who’ve shared meals here over the centuries.

Let’s start with our crown jewel, Sobrino de Botín (1725) on Calle de Cuchilleros. We love bringing visitors here because it’s literally the oldest restaurant in the world! The wood-fired oven has been running non-stop since 1725, and trust us – you haven’t really tried cochinillo (suckling pig) and cordero (lamb) until you’ve had it here. When we sit in those vaulted cellars, we often think about Hemingway writing at these same tables.

In his novel “The Sun Also Rises”, Hemingway makes a special mention of Botín, setting the novel’s final scene in this iconic establishment. He writes:

“We lunched up-stairs at Botin’s. It is one of the best restaurants in the world. We had roast young suckling pig and drank rioja alta. Brett did not eat much. She never ate much. I ate a very big meal and drank three bottles of rioja alta.”

For many years, it has been fascinating to witness the steady stream of tourists arriving at Botín, seeking the dining room where Hemingway placed this memorable episode.

Address: Calle de Cuchilleros, 17

Right around the corner, there’s Posada de la Villa (1642). It used to be where travelers would stop to rest, and now it’s where we go for one of the best cocido madrileño (chickpea stew)  in town. This chickpea stew might sound simple, but when it’s cooked in traditional clay pots under those old wooden beams, it’s pure magic. The gallina en pepitoria (chicken in almond sauce), a comforting dish that reminds us of home cooking is also outstanding.

Address: Cava Baja, 9

Casa Pedro (1702) is another favorite of ours. Whenever we want to escape the city buzz, we head here for their amazing perdices escabechadas (pickled partridge) and manitas de cerdo (pig’s trotters).

It’s a little further from the city center, but the place still feels like the countryside inn it once was, and that’s exactly what we love about it.

Address: Calle de Nuestra Señora de Valverde, 119.

You know what’s really special about Casa Alberto (1827)? It’s built in the same building where Miguel de Cervantes used to live while writing parts of Journey to Parnassus.

We always tell our guests to try the house-made vermouth on tap – it’s an old Madrid tradition that’s getting harder to find these days.

Address: Calle de las Huertas, 18. 

Speaking of traditions, Taberna Antonio Sánchez (1787) looks exactly like it did in the 18th century. It was started by a bullfighter named Colita, and honestly, he would still recognize the decor today.

The menu offers simple but traditional dishes,and the atmosphere is as authentic as it gets.

Address:Calle de Mesón de Paredes, 13

Lhardy is elegance at its best. Its refined dining rooms have hosted Madrid’s elite since the 19th century. From the cocido madrileño to the consomé served in samovars, everything here feels special. The attention to detail in the food and decor makes it a classic.

Address: Carrera de San Jerónimo, 8

Here’s a fun fact about Casa Labra (1860): while everyone comes for the amazing bacalao rebozado (battered cod) which is absolutely worth it, this is also where Spain’s socialist party was born. History happened right here!

Address:Calle de Tetuán, 12

Café Gijón (1888) holds a special spot in our hearts. When we walk in, we’re always amazed how these marble tables have hosted some of Spain’s greatest writers and thinkers. Even today, you’ll find artists and writers deep in conversation here. The coffee is excellent, but honestly, it’s the atmosphere that keeps drawing us back.

Address: Paseo de Recoletos, 21

Bodega La Ardosa (1892) is one of those places we love showing to friends visiting Madrid. You have to duck under the bar to reach the back room – it’s quite an entrance! Their tortilla is legendary, and their craft beers too. The wood panels and vintage posters make us feel like we’re sharing drinks with locals from a century ago.

Address: Calle de Colón, 13

Now, let’s talk about Malacatín (1895). There’s a funny story about its name – the name “Malacatín” comes from a cheerful beggar who frequented the tavern, singing “Tin, tin, tin, Malacatín tin, tin, tin” with his guitar. The song became so associated with the place that it eventually adopted the name.

But what really matters is their cocido madrileño. The restaurant’s bullfighting posters and tiled walls add to its authentic charm

Address:Calle de la Ruda, 5

Casa Ciriaco (1887) is where history literally happened. Can you believe they once tried to assassinate King Alfonso XIII right outside? But that’s not why we keep coming back – it’s their gallina en pepitoria (we already told you about that) and callos (tripe), made with recipes that have been passed down for generations that wins our hearts every time.

Address: Calle Mayor, 84

Here’s one of our favorites: Casa del Abuelo (1906). The moment you walk in, you’ll smell the garlic shrimp sizzling in clay pots. We love watching people’s faces when they first taste it with the house sweet wine. It’s always packed with tourists but also locals, which tells you everything you need to know!

Address: Calle de la Victoria, 12

Las Cuevas de Luis Candelas (1827) is something special. We’re talking about actual caves that a famous bandit used to hide in! These days, the only thing being stolen is your heart – especially when you try their cochinillo asado (roast suckling pig) and callos a la madrileña

The waiters dressin 19th-century costumes, which might sound touristy, but trust us, it works perfectly with the candlelit caves.

Address: Calle de Cuchilleros, 1

For something sweet, head to La Mallorquina (1894). Standing at Puerta del Sol, it’s been tempting Madrid locals with pastries for over a century. Their napolitanas de crema (custard pastries) are worth every calorie. Pro tip: head upstairs to the tea room for a great view of Madrid’s most famous square.

Address: Puerta del Sol, 8

Last but definitely not least, there’s Cervecería Alemana (1904). Hemingway loved this place, and we totally get why. The beer is cold, the tapas are perfect, and the buzz of conversation feels exactly the same as it did 100 years ago. We often sit at the window seats, watching life go by in Plaza Santa Ana while enjoying a caña and some patatas bravas.

Address: Plaza de Santa Ana, 6

We, and our families have been visiting these places our whole lives, and they never lose their charm. Each one tells a different story about our city. Some are fancy, others are simple taverns, but they all share one thing: they’re where real Madrid food comes to life.

Here’s a tip from us: take your time when you visit. These aren’t places to rush through. Sit down, order slowly, and soak in the atmosphere. That’s how you’ll get the true Madrid experience.

If you’re planning to visit any of these spots, remember that you’re not just going for a meal – you’re becoming part of a story that’s been going on for centuries. And we think that’s pretty special.

¡Buen provecho!