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May 06 2025
Botín, the Oldest Restaurant in the World, Celebrates 300 Years with Its Timeless Signature Dishes
In the heart of Madrid’s historic Austrias district, just steps from the Plaza Mayor, stands the oldest restaurant in the world: Sobrino de Botín (or merely Botín). Founded in 1725 by French cook Jean Botín, this legendary establishment has preserved the essence of traditional Spanish cuisine for exactly three centuries now. It holds the Guinness World Record as the world’s oldest continuously operating restaurant.
A Legacy That Endures
Botín originally began as an inn where travelers could cook their own meats purchased at nearby markets. Over time, it evolved into a full-fledged restaurant—but its spirit has remained intact. Since 1930, the González family has owned and maintained the authenticity of the venue, including the original wood-fired oven that has been in continuous use since the restaurant’s founding. This oven, considered the soul of the establishment, has witnessed countless stories and cooked thousands of meals over the centuries.
Iconic Dishes
Botín’s cuisine stays true to classic Castilian recipes. Its signature dish is the roast cochinillo asado (suckling pig), a hallmark of Spanish gastronomy. The piglets, sourced from the Segovia region, are slow-roasted in the wood-fired oven until their skin turns crispy while the meat inside remains tender and juicy. This delicacy was famously praised by author Ernest Hemingway, who mentioned it in his novel The Sun Also Rises.
Another celebrated dish is the lechazo (roast baby lamb), also prepared in the same centuries-old oven. The result is a rich, flavorful dish that practically melts in your mouth. Other menu highlights include garlic soup with egg, baby squid in its ink, and Botín-style clams, cooked in a special sauce made from onions, garlic, white wine, and pimentón.
More dishes not to miss are the scrambled eggs with morcilla (Spanish blood sausage), served over fried potatoes and the callos a la madrileña, a spicy tripe stew typical of Madrid's traditional fare. To end the meal, many guests opt for the house specialty: Tarta Botín. This decadent dessert layers airy meringue, soft bizcocho (sponge cake), and silky custard, creating a sweet finish that’s both nostalgic and satisfying. It’s a recipe passed down through generations and remains one of the most beloved items on the menu.
A Historic Setting
The restaurant is spread over four floors, each with its own unique charm and ambiance. The cellar, located in the basement, retains its original brick walls and offers a cozy, intimate atmosphere. Other rooms, such as the Castilla and Felipe IV dining rooms, are adorned with traditional tiles and period furniture, transporting diners back in time.
Visiting Botín is more than just a meal—it’s a journey through time, a living testament to the flavors and history of a city that has never lost its soul