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| Most restaurants would seek to claim an individuality of character and many also a special relationship with local culture, history and cuisine. There are none that can claim such riches in all these areas as Botin, Madrid. Recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest restaurant in the world, Botin dates from 1725 and is a tourist attraction in its own right within a city steeped in history. All the aged traditional charm is evident throughout and in addition to celebrating a cultural icon of the city, diners can also enjoy traditional Mediterranean cuisine of the very highest standard. |
| Founded by Frenchman Jean Botin and his Austrian wife in a 16th Century Street of artisans, the restaurant had inauspicious beginnings as an inn formed from the first floor of the building. The entrance has remained unchanged to this day and many other original features remain too, such as the firewood furnace of the restaurant. Inns of the day were not permitted to sell food and it is not until the latter half of the 18th century that Botin, now Sobrino de Botin, in honour of its new owner the nephew of Jean's wife, started to make and sell bread and pastries. At this time a youth named Goya used to wash dishes, before going on to become one of Spain's most famous artists. |
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Restaurante Botin
Calle Cuchilleros, 17
Madrid
Spain
Tel : 91 366 4217
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| The restaurant began to take on its current appeal as a full restaurant in the 20th century, in the hands of the Gonzales family, who in their third generation still run the restaurant today. All efforts have been made to retain all the character of the building through what is now four floors of dining environments. Tiled floors, wooden beams and caste iron stoves still tell of their centuries past and the simple pleasures of fine food in convivial surrounds enhance the appeal of contemporary dining. |
| Diners can choose between the Cellars, the Castilla Rooms or the Felipe IV rooms and each has their own special and unique appeal. The original caste iron ovens create fine roasts in the manner of traditional Castillian cuisine and this is at the heart of the restaurant's culinary Castillian appeal. Roast lamb and baby pig (cochinello) are particular specialities, slowly cooked on the heat of the old oak- firewood furnace. |
| Fresh seafood and fish dishes also prove popular options for expectant diners. Fish casserole certainly evokes all the traditions of the famous roasts lamb and baby pig for which the restaurant is renowned and there is also clams Botin and baby squids in their own ink for those with a taste of the traditional with a more contemporary accent. |
| While Botin is a favourite with visitors to Spain, the authenticity and quality of the cuisine is not compromised as a result and the restaurant remains a local favourite too. While many may like to dine in Botin simply to have attended the world's oldest restaurant, all will leave in the knowledge they have had an excellent and authentic Castillian gastronomic experience. |
| Impromptu entertainment accompanies the dining experience in Botin, where singing groups attend guests, adorned in classical knickerbocker attire. This certainly enhances the traditional inn appeal of the restaurant and adds to the lively atmosphere. An ample wine list will allow diners to complement their meal appropriately. |
| Restaurante Botin has been immortalised many times in art, music and literature and has become an integral part of the culture and history of old Madrid. It is an area of the city which certainly draws the tourists and there can be no greater living embodiment of Madrid life and culture than a visit to Botin. |
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