Prior to arrival in Madrid, close friends booked reservations for 5 at the "oldest continuously open restaurant". Celebrating its 300 year anniversary, this iconic spot is evidently hard to get into without advance booking. Our 5th was unable to make the trip and there would be a small charge if we showed up with 4. As fate would have it, we met an AP Photographer covering the NFL Miami Dolphins VS Washington Commanders game (the reason for our stop in Madrid) and he randomly mentioned he tried getting in to Botin, but could not. Our 4 became 5 and the adventure continued.
We arrived a few minutes early, the line was about 30 people long. We learned that even with a reservation, you still had to wait in line. It was odd, we got over it quickly. While waiting in line there are some historical items to look at and a model of the entire restaurant floor by floor. As a note, we wanted to dine in the cave like basement, it was not available. We were led to our corner table in a bustling, loud, dining room. It was at this moment, I began to understand the draw to the place. The walk there, atmosphere inside, service, and food, all replicated what it may have been like 300 years ago.
Out waiter was brief and to the point during every interaction. He basically walked up after we viewed the menu and chatted fir 10 minutes, and said "what do you want?". Not in a rude way, only matter of fact. He wanted the drink order and all food at once (something I learned is very common in Madrid). No nonsense, tell me everything you want and we'll get started.
A couple of us went with a pitcher/vase of red Sangria. It arrived, the server showed us how to pour without getting too much fruit or ice in the glass, which was a good tip. My first sip had me hold back from chugging the entire glass. It was the best amd most refreshing Sangria I've ever had. Living in south Florida, I've had my share. For starters, I ordered the black sausage (blood sausage). I'm familiar with its Spanish roots and wanted to compare it to the typical Peruvian style I eat in south Florida. It was much more dry and did not include a sauce or "salsa". However, it was the most flavorful I've ever tasted. The herbs, spices, and rice mixture, complimented the dish in a way that removed the minerally flavor notes I am used to. I recommend it for anyone who enjoys this type of sausage. My main was a roasted baby lamb on the bone, perfectly roasted, with a couple roasted potatoes. Like our waiter, it was no nonsense, no frills, straight up bone on lamb, prepared the way it was done 300 years ago. The lamb is the only star, no garnish, no effort put into the plating or presentation. I did not opt for desert, the portion was huge and I had my fill between the starter and main. Most of our table had the famous toast suckling pig. I tasted it and it was every bit as good as a Cuban pig roasted in the ground for Nochebuena (Christmas Eve). The skin was perfect, meat tender and juicy. Same as the lamb though, no wasted steps. Roast the meat, place on white plate, serve.
To wrap this up, I recommend making a reservation and partaking in the experience of dining in a 300 year old Spanish restaurant, soaking in how things were done centuries ago. If you are limited on your restaurant choices and spend, I would not recommend it if you are looking for 5 star service and Michelin Star food/presentation. Set your expectations right, and you'll likely leave appreciating the experience and opportunity to sit in a room where others dined before 90% of the luxuries you enjoy today. read more