Botin Restaurant aka: Sobrino de Botin

Founded in 1725, it’s the oldest restaurant in the world. They say it has all the original decor, and it does look that way. A 75 year old local told me she’s been dining here since she was 4 and that it’s looked the same as far back as she can remember. Before I went, I heard all about how expensive it is, so I didn’t insist on going, but my boyfriend really wanted to go. I’m glad we did because the food was great, and it really wasn’t overly expensive. It was pretty much the same price as eating at a decent restaurant in New York City. The only really expensive dish is the baby eels which will run you 132 Euro. Everything else is reasonable. If you like artichokes, order the Artichokes with Iberian ham. I think they were the best artichokes I’ve ever had, or at least the best I’ve had in a long time.

i was only 17 when i went, but my teacher who had lived in Madrid insisted that we go, and i’m so glad she did!

“The Guinness Book of Records calls this the world’s oldest restaurant (1725), and Hemingway called it the best.” – The New York Times.

It’s charming, and of course full of history. Try to sit upstairs if possible. You’ll get to see more of the resturant that way.