Eating At The Oldest Restaurant In The World

Sobrino de botin 

I just got home from Madrid and I went to the oldest restaurant in the world according to the Guinness book of world records. It was founded in 1725 (Almost 300 years old!) and has remained with the same name and even has preserved the original wooden oven. It's a four story building and is reminiscent of an old inn with the narrow staircases and cozy interior. It has even been mentioned in one of Hemingway's novels. The building itself is older than the restaurant as there are record of its existence in 1590, but it didn't become a restaurant until 1725. During the turn of the 20th century the restaurant ended up in the hands of the Gonzalez family who still owns and runs the restaurant today. At the time only the first floor was used as a restaurant, the cellar was for storage and the second and third floors were the family dwellings.  When the family took over they only had 7 employees including the couple and their three children. During the Spanish war the restaurant served many members of the military in their dining room. After the war and the terrible times that followed, the the control of the restaurant was passed on to the two sons, who turned it into what it is today. They have done their best to preserve the atmosphere and traditional tavern style. It is in an incredible location near the plaza mayor. 

It was one of the best meals I've had! I ordered the pollo campero en pepitoria and it was DELICIOUS.  It was chicken with an egg and nuts sauce served with rice. It was slightly chilly outside the day I went and it really warmed me up form the inside out. The building itself is stunning and you can really see the tradition and history behind the restaurant. It was also an experience to be able to go to the oldest restaurant in the world and I highly recommend you to go if you are ever in Madrid. 

If you want to learn more, see the menu and look at the virtual tour of the building here is a link to their website

If you want to see more of my madrid trip check out the video below