A play on the meaning of the word "rare", Raro Rare is a unique restaurant concept by the owners of two other culinary successes in Madrid, Bar Galleta and El Perro y La Galleta. Raro Rare features a menu of rare and semi-rare foods in a unique environment decorated with rare artifacts from the family collection.
I loved that I could enjoy a lunch with an old friend at Raro Rare, since the idea of minimally processed dishes was enticing. The restaurant design offers tons of interesting visuals, with an intimate look at the collection of unique objects. The server explained that they were personal pieces from the owner's uncle. The atmosphere was warm, cozy, and inviting, and the service was just as great. We were greeted and shown to a round wooden table that was perfect for the two of us.
I ordered the Tunakuri starter, which features Balfego tuna Usuzukuri carpaccio, served with tomato tartare and crispy rice chips. The tuna was sliced paper-thin, and I loved the varying textures between the meat, tartare and chips. My friend also raved about his seabass Usuzukuri carpaccio, which came with ricotta and caviar. This is a restaurant that truly understands how to do carpaccio.
For my main, I chose Bacotaco - codfish tacos with avocado and crispy chicken skin. The creamy avocado mixed with the fresh fish and the crunch of the salty chicken skin are perfect comfort food. He went a similar route, with Tatadori, sea bream tataki with apple chutney on crunchy corn tortillas. Beautifully plated and appetizing. We shared the frog legs, which came with coriander mayo and red mojo sauce, and are truly something different in the world of rare foods.
Finishing with a magnificent cheesecake with peach, we both agreed that Raro Rare doesn't have to be a rare treat. The restaurant is wonderful and we can't wait to return. read more