El Botín

Have you ever wondered what the oldest restaurant in the world is? And how it is to eat in it? Well, then, let me invite you to ride with me in a trip to Madrid, where we find El Botín (also known as “Sobriño del Botín”). Right in the center of Madrid, this restaurant was founded in 1725 – making it older than the US or the French Revolution. It is said that Goya worked here as a dishwasher, between these old brick walls and Hemingway boasted it as being the best restaurant in the world – a over-hyped statement, let me tell you.

El Botin is a beautiful restaurant. It is rather cosy – which is natural if you think it sits in a 400-year old building right in the middle on Madrid’s old town. It still is a big building – 3 storeys high, many rooms, a basement. But you always have the feeling that people are around you - you can never pretend you are alone with your girlfriend. Maybe the old décor, white, red and timber also help it. But, altogether, it fuels the feeling that you are in something old.

Ask for some starters from Castilla – like a good plate of “jamon ibérico”, “manchego cheese”, the spicy “pimentos pardon”… But they are just appetizers – because you need to prepare yourself for the entrée. El Botin specialty is the suckling pig – the “cochonillo”. Very tender, very soft, very delicious, very good. It is a castillan traditional dish, and you will love it – I do! An alternative might be the roasted lamb, another specialty from the house – but one that I can’t tell you about, as I never tried it myself. Any of those entrees is better enjoyed with a good Spanish red wine – like a Marques de Cáceres, a reserve with a great taste, perfect for these meats.

If you are in Madrid, you should go Botin. It is the world’s oldest restaurant, according to the Guiness Book. And it is a great experience – both from the place and the food that comes straight out of the 18^th century. Just don’t forget to ask the concierge to take you a picture with your traditional entrée, next to the big ovens where it is cooked – believe me, it is a souvenir almost as good as the roast meat taste in your mouth!

Where: Madrid - Spain

Address: Calle de los cuchilleros, 17 - Madrid

Phone: +34 91366 4217

Website: http://www.botin.es

Expensive: Around €50

Last visit: December 2011