If you ever find yourself in Madrid and feeling peckish, you might want to stop by Casa Botín.
It’s not just any restaurant, it’s officially the oldest one in the world. The Guinness Book of World Records confirmed it in 1987. This place has been serving food since 1725, when Cándido Remis, the nephew of a French chef named Jean Botín, opened it up.
Casa Botín is now run by the González family
Since then, it’s never closed its doors. It has changed hands over the years, now run by the González family, but they’ve done their best to preserve the original charm and quality.
The food, the atmosphere, and the history make it a popular spot not only for tourists and locals but also for the occasional literary icon. Ernest Hemingway was a fan, as were other famous writers like María Dueñas.
Where is the restaurant located?
If you fancy a visit, it’s best to book ahead. You can do that through their website botin.es, choosing your day and time. If something goes wrong with the booking or you need to tweak it, give them a call on (+34) 91 366 42 17.
You’ll find Casa Botín just a stone’s throw from Plaza Mayor, at Calle Cuchilleros, 17. It is smack in the centre of Madrid, so getting there is a doddle.
If you are driving, there are car parks nearby. If not, the metro is your friend. Lines 1, 2, and 3 stop at Sol, or you can use Tirso de Molina (line 1) or La Latina (line 5). There are also plenty of buses and even local trains, Cercanías lines C3 and C4 both stop at Sol.
Casa Botín is open every day, with lunchtime hours from 13:00 to 16:00, and dinner from 20:00 till 23:30. So, whether you’re in the mood for a midday feast or a late-night plate of history, this is the place to be.
