Sobrino de Botín
Write A Review
"Overhyped and Overpriced Despite the History"
We were excited to visit this historic restaurant and were lucky to get an outdoor table the same evening. Unfortunately, it didn’t live up to the hype—or the price. The sangria was flat, the chicken was disappointingly basic, and the seafood casserole was mostly sauce with very little actual seafood. To top it off, we were charged for dry bread we never asked for. The only saving grace was our waiter, who was genuinely kind and attentive. Yes, it may be the oldest restaurant in the world, but that alone doesn’t justify the experience or the cost.
"Historic Charm and Warm Service at Botín, But the Food Falls a Bit Short"
We arrived at Botín without a reservation and were warmly greeted by the host, who kindly asked us to return in 30 minutes and kept his promise by seating us in the cozy, atmospheric cellar downstairs. The setting was definitely a highlight—charming, intimate, and full of character. Since we’d been eating all day, we hoped to share the famous roast suckling pig, but were informed that each guest must order their own main. This was a bit disappointing, especially as we weren’t that hungry. We ended up taking one dish to go. The service remained friendly throughout, and while the food was decent, it wasn’t the standout we expected—the pork was slightly dry. Overall, it’s a unique and memorable experience, and worth a visit for the history and ambiance, even if the food doesn't quite match the legend.
"A Magical and Memorable Evening at Sobrino de Botín"
Dining at Sobrino de Botín was an unforgettable experience from start to finish. We were fortunate to be seated in the atmospheric cellar, which gave the evening a warm, vintage charm that made the whole visit feel extra special. The traditional lamb and suckling pig were cooked to perfection, bursting with flavor, and the sangria and desserts complemented the meal beautifully. What truly made the night stand out was the personal touch—staff surprised me with a small birthday cake, and a band played live music for a few minutes, creating a joyful and celebratory mood. The blend of historic ambiance, delicious Spanish cuisine, and thoughtful gestures made it a night I’ll cherish forever. A must-visit spot in Madrid!
"A Historic Culinary Gem Worth Visiting"
Restaurant Botín, the oldest restaurant in the world since 1725, continues to live up to its legendary reputation. Famous for its iconic roasted suckling pig, the experience here is not just about the food, but also about stepping into a living piece of history. The service was warm and attentive, adding to the overall charm of the meal. The suckling pig was perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy inside—just as expected. However, the surprise standout for me was the roast lamb, which was incredibly flavorful and, in some ways, even more enjoyable. If you're in Madrid, I highly recommend dining at this historic establishment. It’s a delightful blend of tradition, excellent service, and rich flavors.
"A Culinary Dream Come True in Madrid"
The main reason for my trip to Madrid was to dine at this restaurant, and I’m so glad I made it happen—it was an unforgettable experience. The food was absolutely phenomenal. We ordered the pork and beef tenderloin steaks, both of which were exceptional, but the pork especially stood out—so juicy and flavorful, truly chef’s kiss. The cheesecake for dessert was, hands down, the best I’ve ever had. The service was just as impressive; our server kindly gave us a full tour of the restaurant and let us keep souvenir menus. A heartfelt thank you to the team—I can’t wait to return.
"Memorable Setting, Disappointing Flavors"
We didn’t have a reservation but arrived just before opening and were lucky to get seated in the front section of the restaurant. Dining at the world’s oldest restaurant is undeniably a special experience, and the atmosphere is charming with a deep sense of history. Service was truly excellent—attentive, efficient, and well-paced. Unfortunately, the food didn’t live up to the setting. My husband’s roasted suckling pig lacked flavor and was overall forgettable. I ordered the mixed fish casserole, and despite my best efforts, I just couldn’t enjoy it—it was genuinely unappetizing. The bread was also rock-hard. On a positive note, the soups were good and the cheesecake was delicious. But when the main dishes fall short, especially given the price point, it puts a damper on the whole experience. While I’m glad we went for the historical significance, it’s not a place I’d return to for the food. Go for the story, not the flavors.
"Great Food Undermined by Poor Service and Rushed Atmosphere"
Good evening to the Hakkasan team, I’d like to share my honest experience at your restaurant. Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted by a friendly Spanish-speaking hostess, which was a positive start. However, her companion was quite rude and seemed impatient when I asked twice about where to pick up my coat. The tone felt dismissive and unpleasant, which was disappointing. We then had some drinks at the bar while waiting for our reservation—two whiskeys and a shared cocktail. The bartenders were professional but lacked warmth or passion, which made the experience feel a bit mechanical. Once seated, we ordered a bottle of sake and received friendly help from the sommelier. Unfortunately, the overall service was the worst I have experienced. The staff was dry, listless, rushed, and seemed eager to close early. Our waiter never served water or wine, and none of the dishes were explained—not even the basic three key ingredients. It felt as if the staff just wanted to get us out as quickly as possible, with multiple people crowding our table to push payment and dessert orders, creating a very uncomfortable vibe. It’s a real shame because the food was excellent. The duck with truffle sauce was incredible, and the dim sum was of good quality, though I was a bit let down by the char siu. The kitchen clearly did an outstanding job, managing a nearly full restaurant without errors, and they deserve full marks for that. My main feedback is that the front-of-house staff and management need better training and attentiveness. As someone who works in the industry, I felt the managers should have been more present and proactive during the service. If you’d like more details, feel free to contact me. Overall, I was very disappointed by the experience. The only thing that made it memorable was the wonderful company I shared it with.
Sobrino de Botín
Recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's oldest restaurant, established in 1725, it specializes in traditional Castilian dishes like roast suckling pig and lamb
Address
C. de Cuchilleros, 17, Centro, 28005 Madrid, Spain
Website
https://botin.es/
Email
https://botin.es/
Telephone
+34913664217