Make a reservation! This was exactly what we needed after hours at the Prado - cozy yet upscale, authentic but not pretentious. Servers spoke perfect English and helped guide us with food and wine. The bread was seriously incredible - this is the stuff you'll pay $12/loaf for in LA. Yummy roasted potatoes are brought to the table as soon as you're seated. Loved the leeks and the veal pasta. The fish of the day was a tad too fishy but that's more of my personal taste. read more

This was the BEST meal I've ever had! We stopped by on a Friday evening for dinner in which they told us they were full so we made a reservation for the next weekend. (Reservations can be made in person or over the phone only - while we were eating, I saw the phone ringing off the hook and their reservation book being added to.) When it was time for our reservation we were greeted and seated by a nice man who turned out to be the chef/owner himself, Marcos Gil. He went through each item on the menu with us and suggested wine pairings for our selections. We ordered the leeks, salmon, veal cheek, and venison, a daily special. They were all incredible! Each dish was not overly sophisticated and let the main component truly speak for itself. We could genuinely taste the craft and care that went into each dish. The dessert was no exception. Despite being a modest, unassuming restaurant, the space was intimate and inviting and the service was excellent along with the food. Worth more than any three-star Michelin meal any day. read more

I booked a table for my mom's birthday. We all traveled from France and the US and met there to celebrate her. The owner was so nice, starting in his emails, and then the day of in person. The experience was amazing. It's a small place, cozy, classy, people dressed up and it feels like a very fancy dinner, the plates are gorgeous, and the prices are super fair. It's a smaller menu, which is how you know it will be delicious. Again, the owner helped us pick, the wine was amazing, food was all excellent, and we had a great family time. I would definitely recommend going for a date night, it's darker in there and feels like the perfect atmosphere for a successful days. Thank you for having us and helping me book online months before! I will happily be back on our next Madrid trip!! Pro-tip: get the fish!!! read more

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Not only the food was unique variation but it was an outstanding experience in execution. Great care and thoughtfulness in preparation and selection. Marcos, the owner helped us made selections from the menu explaining the preparation and origin of the ingredients. A limited space requires previous reservations. Well worth it. Kudos. read more

Excellent food, wonderful staff, the chef-owner greeted us & explained the menu & the wonderful family connections to the recipes. Beautiful interior (love the wine & books on the shelves). In fact, it was a better experience than a 2-star Michelin we ate at a few nights before. Book early, only seats about 28 people. One of our top meals in Madrid. read more

We had a great lunch here during our trip to Madrid. We had tried to walk in the night before, but they were completely booked, so they squeezed us in for a late lunch the following afternoon. We got complimentary potatoes with paprika to start, an artichoke special, the leeks, the octopus with potatoes, the marinated salmon, and the steak tartare. The salmon was probably our favorite, and we loved the artichokes and complimentary potatoes as well. Overall, a really good lunch at this solid spot. read more

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We were greeted by a nice man who politely corrected me that reservations are indeed taken (I didn't have one) via phone, which I missed. He still squeezed us in. The restaurant is very small and intimate and we were guided through every item on the menu. He described each one with pride. Don't be turned off by the shorter menu because EVERYTHING is good. The food options, preparation and ultimately the tastes were awesome. I say this as a resident of the CA wine country and its plethora of great restaurants. Oh by the way, the very knowledgeable gentleman is the Executive Chef! He was working the dining room which made it unique and informative. The sous chef was in the kitchen. Finally, the bill was roughly 30-40% of the prices back home in CA. It's star worthy folks! read more

We absolutely LOVED this place, where we dined on our first night of a weeklong trip to Madrid and Valencia. It was steps from our apartment (SmartRentals Atocha - also recommended), opened at the relatively early hour of 7:30 (a big plus for North Americans not used to waiting to 8:30, which is the earliest time at most other places). What made this place so perfect was not just the food, which was great and made of the freshest ingredients, but also the guidance from our server, who helped us get not only perfect portion sizes to satisfy the group, in a great variety of half-portions, but also excellent wine selections to go with them at very decent prices. We started off with some complementary seasoned potatoes, then moved into some excellent veggies: leeks and baby artichokes. The leeks seem to be a standard menu item (mentioned in all reviews, so I guess they are available year-round). The artichokes seem to be more of a spring seasonal offering, and you could cut them with a fork - just amazing with a glass of blanco (white wine). We also had the house cured salmon (which also seems to be a permanent menu item), and it was some of the best salmon ever. Lots of "best evers" here, you'll notice. On to the heartier dishes: the pulpo (octopus) was revelatory - best I've ever had. The beef tartare was very good, but a more chewier cut than normal (the hand-cut one I had in Paris still sets the standard in this department). The canelloni was earthy and fantastic with a tinto (red) wine. Feeling SO good at this point, we still had room for a couple of desserts to share: an apple "tart tatin" and a "coulant de chocolat", both under 7euros, both a great way to finish the meal. As popular as this restaurant is (make reservations!), we left before most locals even began to arrive (twice as many people without reservations were turned away as there were people actually dining in - they keep the table for guests all night, I guess). If you are staying anywhere nearby, or even if you aren't, make a reservation a week or 2 in advance, and absolutely go. read more

Vinoteca Moratín - Great meal for 4 with wine just over 120 euros - Spanish Near Me - Madrid, M

YES we were looking for a spot for a late dinner and ended up getting a last minute reservation at 11pm (at the window, which I love for people watching) and were so lucky. We asked them to make recommendations on what to order, and also asked them to do a wine pairing for each of our courses (a white to start and then 3 glasses of red, all Spanish wines). I'm SO glad this was the way we went because we had such an incredible meal and made all the right choices (those leeks, though). Course 1: Cups of cold tomato soup and the leeks - I would never have ordered these on my own but they were absolutely incredible to start. We'll forever remember these leeks because the way they're prepared is insane. Course 2: Fish of the day which was a horse mackerel Course 3: Steak Tartare Course 4: We did a combo of the two desserts available and did the chocolate cake paired with the violet ice cream. The staff was wonderful and I'll recommend this place to any of my friends visiting Madrid. Best place to kick off our trip to Spain. read more

Vinoteca Moratín - Chocolate cake with violet ice cream - Spanish Near Me - Madrid, M

A Favorite This was one of our favorite evenings during our ten-day visit. The ambiance is romantic. The service is personal, gracious, and knowledgeable. We asked for suggestions of both food and wine and ended up pairing courses and wine. It was delicious, fun, and we learned a lot about Spanish wines. The mussels, leeks, and cheesecake were the standouts. The price was extremely reasonable, especially for such a unique evening. read more

If you are in Madrid and searching for where to eat, stop. Do yourself and favor and make a reservation at Vinoteca Moratin. You will enjoy a small intimate place, great service, and of course remarkable food. Starter cold tomato soup -- fantastic Leeks -- great Salmon -- you will want it again Canelones -- great Cheesecake -- great Be sure to enjoy with a Spanish vino tinto. They will help you choose. This place will stick with you and make you want to return. read more

New bistro in Huertas. Mix of traditional Spanish ingredients with nouvelle cuisine. Fantastic food and good wines, very reasonably priced (main dishes between €10 and €13). Good service and cosy ambiance. Perfect for a lunch or dinner after the museums! read more

Vinoteca Moratín - Spanish Near Me - Madrid, M

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Food, service, value, ambience: 4.5/5 Repeat: Yes There is a reason why this was favourably reviewed by the Guardian. Marcos, the proprietor, is friendly and helpful, and so are his staff. The wine list is also great, and so are the house wines. Marcos selects the produce from Mercado Anton Martin, next door, everyday. Would definitely repeat. This seems to attract a number of the Madrid society types, but there is no pretence or air about it. Almost everyone was local, and those without reservation were turned away even for lunch on a week day. So highly recommend a reservations ell in advance. read more

I have been to many well regarded restaurants, Per Se in Manhattan for example, but the thing that makes a restaurant stand out is the overall experience. Marcos, owner of Moratin Vinoteca, provides just that... Not only is the food delicious, but Marcos cares about every bit of the dining experience. He explains each dish clearly (in both Spanish and English) and helps to choose the wines that will best suit your selected dishes as well as your palate. His genuine interest and kindness well surpasses that of the average restaurateur and made our dining experience one that we will never forget. I will encourage all of my friends to visit his restaurant and look forward to our next experience. Thank you for making our evening in Madrid so personal and so special! read more

Vinoteca Moratín - Spanish Near Me - Madrid, M

I have just finished one of the best meals I've ever had. Steak tartare: beautifully prepared and very delicious. The tomato soup I had for starters was even better, an extraordinary experience. The wine was also superb--the waiter's recommendation was spot on. Add to this prompt services, a lovely, cozy decor, and cordial, expert staff who are professional without being at all stuffy, and you have a dining experience you will not soon forget. Reservations are essential--we just got lucky by arriving just as they opened in the afternoon. Do not hesitate! read more

Vinoteca Moratin was a place that I had wanted to try for a long time. And finally I called them to make a reservation for the weekend. They said the earliest available date was towards the end of the following month and I accepted it. Finally we got to the restaurant. It's a very small restaurant with just a few tables. The place is dimly lit and the walls are covered with images of animals that are consumed as food. The bar is located somewhere in the middle and is connected to the kitchen. We choose the table next to the bar. As soon as we were seated a waiter came to ask what we wanted to drink. My friend asked for a beer, and I decided to wait and order some wine with my dinner. To begin, they offered us some light appetizers and then the chef came along with the menu. He patiently explained all the items in full detail and finally we decided on artichokes and leek for starter. The chef recommended a half-portion dish because the complete dish would be too big. He was right. And we both loved our starters, especially the sauce that accompanied the leek. I also asked for his recommendation on the wine. Since the place is a vinoteca (wine collection), they had 25 different kinds of wine that they offered by glass. Interestingly, the chef - who's also a wine expert - offered me different wines to try and when I said "this one's OK, I can go with it", he'd say: "No, that's not enough. I want you to find the wine that you love." This was another pleasant surprise. Finally I ended up drinking four glasses of wine instead of one, which was my original intention. But I did enjoy them all. For the main dish, as he had suggested I ordered the salmon dish which I should say probably was the best salmon I've ever tried. And my friend went with the mackerel that he loved. And finally it was time for dessert. I usually do not eat dessert, but that night decided to try their apple pie with Greek yogurt, and I wasn't disappointed. Everything that we ate here was absolutely delicious. But the best thing about Moratin isn't their food, but the service. All the waiters are super attentive and friendly, and the chef is the star of the show. We can't wait to go back. read more

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Fantastic food and very friendly, knowledgeable and passionate staff. Best experience we had in Madrid Reservation is a must read more

A MUST when in Madrid. Charming restaurant, comfortable service, fantastic food! And as other reviews have stated, the leeks are next level!

Great food, lovely atmosphere! We felt we received a culinary tour of Spain. Each dish was so special and lovingly explained to us by Marcos. Highly recommended. read more

"Culinary" more than "Gustatory." I was lucky to go the Vinoteca Moratin the day that I arrived because there would be a table for one available the next day for lunch. As the other reviews indicate, one must make reservations, the sooner the better. Fortunately for me, my hostal was also on Moratin Street. I was able to secure a lunch reservation for the earliest seating: 2:30 p.m. To dine at Vinoteca is a culinary experience. I used "culinary" rather than "gustatory" because the meal is as much an exploration of the process as of the enjoyment. The owner/chef is Marcos. He wore Nikes and a beard and mustache peppered with gray. Marco is proud of his restaurant and eager to share with his customers each intimate detail of preparation and presentation. A diner should be ready to accept his enthusiasm and join in the culinary discussion. Otherwise, one should seek a restaurant where the chef is mostly behind the scenes. Marcos explained each dish starting with a complimentary amuse-guele of potatoes and paprika, quite simple quite tasty, along with a flute of Cygnus champagne. Then an artichoke dish cooked long and lowly, served with sea salt and olive oil. Excellent. Next came a soft octopus entrée with a glass of La Fou tinto (I did not note the year.) Very good combination. There was another course which I failed to note, but I recall enjoying everything immensely, including the fragrance of the main course, hot fresh mushrooms over pureed potatoes. I wafted the fragrance into my nose. The mushroom dish tasted great. Unfortunately, half way through this mushroom dish I began to feel a little queasy. I doubt that the dish was anything but perfect because it tasted delicious. I probably was still experiencing jet lag. With dessert and a glass (perhaps two, I don't recall) of the tinto, my bill was only 34 euro including tip. Thirty-four euro for a meal in one of the top ten (TripAdvisor) restaurants in Madrid. What a bargain ! (Of course, I had to leave something extra, hoping that this offer would not offend the waiter who did his job extremely well.) The outside and inside of the Vinoteca Moratin are unprepossessing. There is no napery, except napkins. The tables and seats are bare wood, minimalist. The emphasis here is on the food and service. Make your reservations soon. read more

This place was excellent. The owner was very friendly and presented the menu to each table. We had an artichoke starter as well as a leek based starter, both were excellent. I had the hake entree and my wife had their cannelloni. They have a great wine list and both the wine and food pricing was completely reasonable. read more

Our best meal in Madrid. Fabulous, creative food in an intimate but hipster setting. The chef was warm and welcoming and the prices were reasonable. Each dish was better than the last! read more

What a gem! The food was wonderful and the service was even better. We've eaten well during our two weeks traveling to many cities in Spain, but this experience was easily the most rewarding. read more

This was my absolute favorite meal in all of Madrid!! In my top 10 of best meals ever!! Every course was better than the next and exquisitely done. The chef talks you through the entire menu and helps you make the right selections for you. The server helped pick out an incredible wine. We had the gazpacho soup, the leeks, the salmon, the cannelloni, and the cheesecake. All were wonderful! I ate here 3 days ago and still can't stop thinking about it...if I'm ever in Madrid again, it's the first place I'm going to. But you must make a reservation. It's a very small restaurant with limited seating. Reasonably priced and worth every penny! A must try.... read more

Best meal in 10 days in Spain. This is not your mother's tapas bar. You need reservations otherwise no sense opening the door. Excellent wine list but go with their recommendations. My wife and I had their soup of the day,split a few vegetable dishes (1/2 servings) and each ordered an entrée - cod for me, veal for her and finished with their creme brûlée. Including bottle of wine meal was less than $80 euros. Don't miss this one! read more

Great food, wonderful and friendly staff. Have us a choice of two wines by tasting each one. Relaxed atmosphere. Chicken salad was a delight and far from what you get in North America. read more

What a wonderful find and we were fortunate to get reservation on Saturday due to previous cancelation. The place is small and charming. The sole of this place is service with owner and chef taking charge and fresh ingredients prepared to perfection. Every dish was delicious. It is a gem read more