You'd think that a well known restaurant like Botin, which is considered one of the oldest in all of Spain would be touristy, you'd be right it is. However, it's also got a mix of locals, and don't let the tourists deter you. This place is fantastic. Rustic is not enough to describe the rickety but charming space Botin resides in. Angular, steep staircases, tight quarters, and a hop skip from Plaza Mayor brings all types here. First off, the owner is phenomenal. At 11 pm there was a wait. He looks at me and says Ill see you in 45 min. Doesn't write anything down, doesn't say anything else. We go out and hit up some Jamon as a pre meal and come back 40 min later. Owner sees me, has someone bring us beverages and snacks and then a few min later, we're seated. Can you tell he's been doing this all his life? We are led to a back room that is actually behind the kitchen, which we have to walk through, greeting all the cooks on the way. We're seated with all Spaniards. Was this luck, or did we exude something that told him we were here for serious eating? I know there were a ton of tourists here but not in this room. Score We're greeted by our server and as it's nearing midnight, and we've already devoured a great deal of various Spanish cured meats beforehand, we had one objective: the roasted suckling pig aka Cochinillo Asado,, which is probably the most famous of their many specialties. Simply roasted in the finest olive oil, herbs, and salt with potatoes, it is unbelievable how tasty this is. I thought, well maybe Ill take some of it back with me as a snack but it was so good that we both finished our portions, and I think we could have eaten more. Now l've had roast pig from many different cultures and this was still revelatory. It is amazing something so simple, done with so much care over hundreds of years, can produce such an amazing culinary experience. If you make your way to the area and are willing to wait through the tourists to get this slice of heaven, it is totally worth it. read more

A Historic Gem for Culinary Enthusiasts: Sobrino de Botín Sobrino de Botín is a must-visit for any history-loving traveler who appreciates exceptional dining experiences. As recognized by the Guinness World Records, it holds the title of the world's oldest continuously operating restaurant. Located just steps away from Plaza Mayor, this establishment exudes an elegant and deeply traditional Madrilenian atmosphere. Upon arriving, my wife and I had made a reservation in advance, knowing that this popular spot tends to be quite busy. The house specialty is their succulent roasted suckling pig, a dish they have been preparing in the same oven for almost 300 years. Served with boiled potatoes, the cochinillo was a delight to the senses. The meat was incredibly tender, with a perfect crispness on the outside, and it practically fell off the bones. It truly lived up to its reputation. To accompany our meal, we decided to try their sangria, and to our pleasant surprise, it exceeded our expectations. The flavors were rich and refreshing, making for a delightful beverage choice. I must admit, I hadn't anticipated it to be so exceptional. While the menu may seem basic, the flavors are anything but. Combined with the historical significance that this place carries, Sobrino de Botín is a restaurant that, as mentioned earlier, should be on your list if you are traveling to Spain and have never experienced it before. Overall, I would rate my experience with 5 stars. The cochinillo was undeniably delicious, and the sangria did not disappoint. However, in my opinion, this is not the type of restaurant I would frequent regularly. Nonetheless, the remarkable culinary journey and historical ambiance make it an unforgettable destination. Don't miss the opportunity to indulge in its legacy. read more

Securing a reservation for ten at Botin, famed as the world's oldest restaurant, felt like a triumph in itself. The anticipation was high, and I'm pleased to report that our experience largely lived up to the considerable hype, offering a blend of historic charm and solid traditional cuisine. Our meal began strongly with the croquettes and the Botin salad, both of which were excellent. For our main courses, we sampled the iconic roasted pig (cochinillo asado) and the roasted lamb. The meats were well-prepared and flavorful, served with a few potatoes that aptly complemented each dish (note that additional vegetables are à la carte). While the food was very good and authentic, the true standout of the evening was the immersive experience beyond the plate. The staff were exceptionally gracious and attentive throughout the night. As a special highlight, they kindly offered me a personal tour of the restaurant's historic spaces, including the bustling kitchen, the iconic roasting area with its ancient oven, and the remarkable, centuries-old wine cellar. This access transformed a simple dinner into a memorable journey through culinary history. The addition of live entertainment further enriched the warm, vibrant atmosphere. Tips are optional. Botin delivers on its promise. It is a unique institution where you come not just for a meal, but for a piece of living history. The food is satisfying, the service is welcoming, and the opportunity to explore its hallowed halls makes for an unforgettable evening. It is an absolute must-visit for anyone in Madrid seeking a truly historic dining experience. read more

Sobrino de Botín, known as the world's oldest continuously operating restaurant, has a rich history and is famed for its traditional Castilian dishes, particularly the roast suckling pig (cochinillo asado). Unfortunately, my recent visit didn't quite live up to the legendary reputation. The suckling pig, the star of the menu, was disappointing - the skin lacked the crispy perfection one expects, and the meat was a bit too chewy rather than tender and succulent. The flavors were there, but the texture left much to be desired. The dining space, while charmingly historic, felt uncomfortably warm, detracting from the overall experience. This added a layer of discomfort that could have been avoided with better ventilation or temperature control. Service was another low point. The staff seemed indifferent and displayed an apathetic demeanor, which made the experience feel less welcoming. For a place that prides itself on tradition and hospitality, the lack of attentiveness was surprising and off-putting. While the history and ambiance of Botín are undeniable, the execution of the meal and service fell short. There's potential for a memorable experience, but improvements are needed to live up to its storied past. read more

I recently dined at Botin and unfortunately, it was far from an enjoyable experience. We were seated in the basement near a large group of rowdy, inebriated men who were overly loud and disruptive. Their antics led to multiple instances of them knocking into us during our meal, which made for an uncomfortable setting. The service did not help the situation. Our server seemed dismissive and mostly catered to the larger group, barely acknowledging our table. For my main course, I ordered the suckling pig special but only received part of what it was supposed to come with. When our server eventually recognized our dissatisfaction, he attempted to make amends by offering a complimentary slice of cheesecake, but by then, it felt like too little, too late. To top it off, as we were trying to leave, a Mariachi band blocked access to the steps, adding to the chaos of the evening. To my surprise, the waiter even had the audacity to ask for a tip despite the poor service. Overall, my experience at Botin was disappointing, and I would not recommend it based on the service and atmosphere. There are certainly better dining options available where patrons are prioritized and noise levels are kept in check. read more

Tucked away in the heart of Madrid, Botín is not just a restaurant; it's a piece of history. Celebrated as the world's oldest restaurant, having opened its doors 299 years ago, this establishment offers a dining experience that beautifully marries tradition with culinary excellence. Upon entering Botín, you're greeted by a classy and welcoming ambiance that immediately puts you at ease. The rustic charm of the wooden beams and warm lighting creates an inviting atmosphere, making it the perfect spot for both intimate dinners and lively gatherings. The staff at Botín are genuinely friendly and attentive, ensuring that your experience is as enjoyable as the food itself. Now, let's talk about the cuisine. Botín specializes in traditional Spanish fare, and their signature dish, the cochinillo asado (roast suckling pig), is nothing short of spectacular. The price range is quite reasonable considering the quality of the food and the historical significance of the venue. Dining at Botín isn't just about the meal; it's about being part of a 299-year-old legacy. With good service and great food, it's no wonder that locals and tourists alike flock to this iconic restaurant. read more

Visited Botín while recently traveling in Spain, and it was such a cool experience! I was especially excited since it's known as the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the world. The history and charm of the place definitely live up to the hype. Unfortunately, I wasn't feeling well that day, so I kept it light with the chicken consomé and the Botín salad. Both were simple, fresh, and really comforting. Despite being under the weather, I could still appreciate the quality of the food. The restaurant itself is small and cozy, with a traditional feel, but it was very busy, as it's a popular destination, so reservations are a must. Others in my group ordered the famous roast suckling pig and Grandma's cheesecake, and they couldn't stop raving about how delicious everything was. If you're in Madrid and love history, good food, and a unique dining experience, Botín is worth the visit! read more

En una fiesta me gané una comida en Botín y allá fuimos con mi chico. Lo primero que me gustó fue el trato de los mozos. En todo momento nos sirvieron con una sonrisa y nos trataron como clientes de toda la vida. Luego vino el entrante, pedimos ensaladas y cada una era tan abundante que bien podría haber sido para 2 personas. Todos los ingredientes fresquísimos y de calidad. El plato principal, cochinillo para mí, estaba estupendo. El cordero que pidió mi chico también, pero no tanto como el cochinillo. Pero después de todo, es en lo que se especializan. Con el postre salió ganando mi chico con la tarta templada de manzana. ¡Una delicia! Yo pedí una tarta Botín, de bizcocho y merengue y también estaba muy bien, pero mejor la de manzana. Ha sido una experiencia muy agradable y nos encantaría volver cuando tengamos que festejar alguna ocasión especial. Nos sentimos como en casa. read more

Casa Botín, the world's oldest restaurant founded in 1725, is a must-visit for lovers of traditional cuisine in Madrid. I tried the filet mignon with potatoes, and it was a delectable experience. The steak was tender and cooked to perfection, while the potatoes were a delightful complement. The only thing that could have made it better was an additional side to complete the meal. The restaurant's historic ambiance and attentive service create a charming dining atmosphere. Casa Botín is a fantastic place to savor Madrid's culinary heritage, with just a small room for improvement in their dishes. Highly recommended, and the service was excellent! read more

I was in Madrid last week, so I had to revisit this restaurant with a group of friends who have never been here. I really like the atmosphere of the restaurant. The food is ok - nothing really special, including the suckling pig (the house special). I have had better in Miami. The service was terrible. Some of my friends did not speak Spanish, and our waiter spoke very little English. He did not have a lot of patience. Other than this, a really unique place with ok food. read more

Wow, just dined at Sobrino de Botín, the world's oldest restaurant (since 1725!), and I'm blown away! The roast suckling pig was crispy, tender perfection, and the garlic soup warmed my soul. Eating in their historic wine cellar felt like stepping into a Hemingway novel. Amazing food, incredible vibes, and stories in every corner. A Madrid must! read more

Anoche estuve cenando en Casa Botin. Es un restaurante para guiris, el peor asado que me he comido en mi vida.El cordero no era lechal,sino que parecía de 'berraco'.Ni una simple ensalada fue servida en condiciones.Encima nos metieron de clavo una fanta en la factura.El servicio pésimo. La puntuación por nuestra parte es 0. read more

Está muy, muy bien. Se nota la tradición hostelera de los propietarios. Yo comí lo clásico, ensalada de lechuga y tomate y cochinillo. Rico, rico. Solo dos peros: 1)la mesa pequeñita y en una esquina 2)a tope, vete un día de semana y si es posible fuera de temporada turística en la ciudad. read more

Restaurante emblemático en Madrid, con fama, no sé si justificada o no de ser el más antiguo del mundo, ya que conozco otros dos o tres que dicen lo mismo. El sitio en sí está bien, todo muy apretado como es costumbre en Madrid, y el mejor sitio para comer, la espectacular bodega. read more

Went I knew that I was near the oldest restaurant in the world according to Guinness world records, I told myself that I need to give it a shot. You find yourself into a nice and cozy restaurant, with have a good server that gives good recommendations. read more

I dine at Botin every time I visit Madrid and it has yet to disappoint me. The suckling pig is wonderful. I like everything here - the food, the atmosphere, the service. I think Botin is an absolute must for the first time visitor in Madrid. read more

Mucho vino, lo pasamos genial y era barato. Los vinos espectaculares y de muchos tipos. Si quieres echar unas risas con los amigos y pasar un rato agradable este es el lugar! read more

El sitio es gigante! Pero eso sí, hay que reservar. El servicio es muy correcto y la comida es un mítico madrileño. Visita obligada

The place is better than the food. If you are looking for classic Spanish food, head to Casa Lucio, food is much better there