Botin is without doubt the most internationally and historically famous restaurant in Madrid and well it should be since having been founded and still cooking its famous sucking pig in the same wood fired oven since 1725. Yes, it does hold the record for being the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the world. I was last here in 1971 and surprised to see that now in 2013 things, that is with exception of the prices, are pretty much the same. I might add that they Botin did try to open a satellite restaurant in Miami a few years back which I went to on several occasions and though I found the food to be exactly the same as in Madrid, the place turned out to be a financial flop, lasting less than year. To be around as long as it has been, it certainly must have something going for it but though the food was good, I really can't say superlative though it was a pleasure to dine within such a historical atmosphere. Naturally I went for their standout classical sucking pig which, unlike my 1971 experience of having a whole suckling pig, was served cut in slices. The skin was exceedingly crispy, the meat most but not greasy, and the flavor good. The service, as one might expect, was also exceptional. However, as far as restaurants go, I really do think that Botin is somewhat, as a culinary gem, over hyped but on the other hand I would also say that it is a must go to on any tourists list of restaurants not to be missed. read more

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So of course its the oldest restaurant in the world according to the Guiness Book of World Records. This alone is enough to draw in the crowds of tourists including myself to try out and say 'been there done that!' Make reservations if you plan to visit since the place is always pretty busy! Food is nothing to brag about in my opinion and the restaurant is a little pricey since they're playing up on their ancient status. Service is speedier than usual for spain yet quite friendly. They run this restaurant pretty efficient considering the amount of tourists...they pump you in and out. Restaurant itself is...well; old. It has its story, its history...and that in itself is what they glorify and you have to appreciate. Other than knowing its 1700 status I'd have to say I wouldn't be all that impressed. We sat on the second floor where they've managed to cram in as many tables as possible and it's a little warm. We were in a little corner practically the buttcrack of the restaurant...above me on the wall was a letter typed and personally signed by Nancy Reagan who ate here in the 80's on a visit to Spain. I thought that was pretty cool and would've liked to see more identifyable momentos like that on the walls. Overall it was a non regrettable experience but that's really all it is. I'll forget the food and the restaurant by the end of this week and will only remember I ate at the oldest restaurant in the world....boom! read more

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According to Guinness, Botin is the oldest restaurant in the world started in 1725 (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/m-suxON2HwsWYImvTNX1Jw?select=df4NYKeqJPOuB7ilE1KUrQ). We didn't have reservations so didn't think we were going to eat here, but wanted to take a look. Wandering around Plaza Mayor we saw a crowd milling about (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/m-suxON2HwsWYImvTNX1Jw?select=fdtZxfyzxyCKLZmGDly42Q) as they had not yet opened for the evening so we decided to wait and see if they had any spots for walk-ins. The restaurant has multiple levels including a basement dining area (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/m-suxON2HwsWYImvTNX1Jw?select=T3im2kpCy2fiqiErQOSi5g), but the front room has about 6 tables which are for walk-in parties and we lucked out and got the 5th one! Score! Of course, I had to get the Roast Suckling Pig (22.90 Euros http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/m-suxON2HwsWYImvTNX1Jw?select=e2ZEsBoeqOvEPUKqccSIrA) and the g/f went with the baked Hake (25 Euros http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/m-suxON2HwsWYImvTNX1Jw?select=_G_vakJkGhu6K5JqRLaUwA). Things seemed reasonably priced except for the Baby Eels at 97 Euros (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/m-suxON2HwsWYImvTNX1Jw?select=qHuix5D_wSYLduCJfE0whQ). Both dishes were simple and straightforward with the protein plus potatoes. The roast pig was so juicy with nice crispy skin. It's such a simple preparation with excellent execution. Likewise, the hake was lightly breaded and also cooked to a perfect doneness with moist and flakey flesh. The wood fired oven (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/m-suxON2HwsWYImvTNX1Jw?select=WxOhjOYr986sa022UNnqFg) is original to the building and obviously they know how to use it. read more

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It's an experience... it's tasty! However, the service is rapid and they clear your table even if you are not finished-

We did the 7 course menu and it was a lovely dining experience. Good service and cozy place with a very diverse tasting in the seven courses. I must admit that the pigeon wasn't my thing (I'm a classless American) but I don't think I would have ever thought about trying it so it was an interesting experience. read more

Botín - Spanish Near Me - Madrid, M

Since this place is so famous and once certified as oldest restaurant in the world, we had to try it. Luckily enough we were seated right way at about 8 o'clock at evening without reservation-two door guards were checking customers with reservations:) We ordered some typical Spanish dishes: Segovia cochinillo, Jamon, and Sangria. According to Wikipedia: "Jamón ibérico, "Iberian ham", is a type of cured ham produced in Spain and Portugal". Later on, we know the Jamon in this place was not the best, it's okay. Also the cochinillo was not the best after we tried cochinillo at best Segovia restaurant:), but it's also okay. The environment is excellent, one can look around and find some ancient moorish porcelain decorations around the wall, which marks restaurant history. Waiter was very courteous, food was served quickly. The old Guinness record certificate is placed at stairs on the way out. We will be back. read more

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My son and I landed in Madrid in the evening, called and made an 11:15 pm reservation. We got the prime rib and it was absolutely delicious! We were thrilled to be there. I am a huge Hemingway fan and was dleighted that we had the opportunity to go. The food was outstanding, the ambiance was amazing, the service was incredible and the history just added to it all. read more

My husband found this restaurant and decided to come for dinner during our 1 night in Madrid. We didn't have reservations, but actually did a "walk-in" at exactly 8pm (when the restaurant opened for business on Sunday evening). Luckily, they seated us within 10-15 minutes of waiting in the lobby area. WOW, lucky for us! We were escorted into a side room connected to the kitchen (there were at least 4-5 tables in there), and got seated. We were in awe that we got to eat at the OLDEST RESTAURANT ever (opened in 1725!), per Guinness Book of World Records. We ordered the following items: 1) 2 pan (bread) 1.60€ 2) Setas salteadas con Jamon 11.70€ - mushrooms with iberico ham; this was a great veggie dish; loved it! :) would order again in a heart beat. 4 stars 3) Gazpacho 9.00€ - cold soup; my husband enjoyed this but I am not a fan. It's just pureed bean soup! 4) Chipirones en su tinta 19.95€ - squid with rice (cooked in its own black ink); surprisingly flavorful and delicious! would order again! 4 stars 5) Cochinillo asado 24.60€ -- this is their famous suckling pig. Very good. However, I have to say that it tastes similar to the roast pig we can by at Chinese BBQ joints back in California. :) haha 4 stars; portion size big enough for 2 people to share 6) Agua mineral 3.00€ 7) Half pitcher of sangria 7.60€; tastes great and refreshing! We heard this restaurant is so popular that you need to book reservations days/weeks in advance. Now we know why and we're so grateful we were able to get in on a Sunday evening to experience food and the atmosphere. Friendly service too. Cozy! Check out the HORNO room, where they store and cook all the suckling pigs. :) read more

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Absolutely a must do when visiting Madrid. Friendly, fun and delicious!!! A learning experience along with a relaxed atmosphere

Cliffs Notes _____________________________________ - Should you go? Yes - How was the food? Authentic - Tips? Google "Botin Experience" and do it. Ask to be sat at Ernest Hemingway's favorite table. I waited for a while to throw up this review of Botin because I wanted to make sure my opinion was unadulterated. What I've come to realize is that I have to review this place in 2 parts. 1 on the tour and 2 on the restaurant itself. Ill start with the Botin Experience (tour) and say that you absolutely must do this. The tour last an hour and the depth of knowledge from our tour guide Chris was phenomenal. There was a bit of confusion about the starting point and since the restaurant itself operates the tour I deducted a star. It was unclear whom would be doing the tour and the instructions just said to arrive at the restaurant. Problem is the tour is done before the restaurant is open. Our tour guide was not outside and even if he was we wouldn't have known him from a can of paint as there are hordes of people outside taking pics. Also, the restaurant refused to let us in even though we told them we'd booked a tour. After a few calls and emails we were let in. To make up for this issue we were set at Ernest Hemingway's favorite table which was a wonderful surprise. I cant begin to tell you all that you will discover on the tour but if you're a history buff you'll be blown away. Also as I said before, the tour starts an hour before the restaurant opens and on the day we went no one else was on the tour. That means we had private access to the restaurant and discovered every crack and crevices that diners don't get to see. Also the includes a 6 course (I believe) dinner and wine. Flat out its a must. When it came to the food I was not moved. I should preface that by saying I have a typical american palate. I don't do unfamiliar foods. On top of that I'm a Texan so I like everything deep fried and slathered and/or stuffed with highly processed cheese lol. Of all the courses we played over everything except the shrimp (it was the only thing I recognized) . Our server was very nice but seemed to begin to get annoyed as dinner went on because the courses were going untouched. Now that I look back we did waste a lot of food but we also paid for it so...(Kanye Shrug). I was also thrown off by the fact that this place has no dress code. Which doesn't seem that off putting until you're sitting next to someone who just finished working out and is wearing a sports bra and leggings. I'd be curious to know the background on such a liberal policy. All in all Id say it's worth the visit but only with the tour. read more

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Casa Botín is both a tourist spot and a great restaurant. We lived in Madrid for 5 years and I had dinner at Botín many times. Now, we go to Spain every summer. Our first night's dinner is always at Botín. It's claimed to be the oldest continually running restaurant. Going up and down the steep, narrow, treacherous stairs is part of the experience. We always get the same meal: roast suckling pig, menestra of vegetables, garlic soup (OMG!), salad, and chocolate cake. This monument of a restaurant, hopefully, will survive all of us, and keep serving their classical Spanish cuisine for generations to come! Salud y buen provecho! read more

Food was delicious, service outstanding!! I ordered the cochinillo and it was delicious. My husband ordered chicken with vegetables and very good too. My kids ordered steak and loved it. The ambiance was great! read more

This is a beautiful restaurant and is in the Guiness Book of Records as the oldest restaurant. Having opened in 1725, I'm not surprised! The food was wonderful. We started with the Melon and Ham and the Black Sausage from Burgos. While I am not a fan of black sausage, my partner very much enjoyed it. The melon and ham were fabulous! For entrees we had the Roast Suckling Pig and Grilled Filet Mignon Botín. These are both specialties of the restaurant and with good reason! The filet was incredible, smothered in mushrooms that were very well prepared, although it didn't need them. The pig was very good as well, a little on the dry side but very flavorful. It can be a bit pricey and is a definite tourist attraction. We felt like we were being rushed through our meal so they could get more people in. Having been once we probably won't go again. read more

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Very good spot for a nice dinner around plaza mayor. I would recommend coming if you have the time to make a reservation for dinner at the oldest restaurant in the world. It's an experience with some pretty good spainish food. read more

Botín - Spanish Near Me - Madrid, M

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Gazpacho is excellent. Sangria is great especially for summer. Croquettes is delicious. Suckling pig is authentic but for me it's too bland. Again I'm used to suckling pig Balinese way. The Suckling Lamb is good but not the best. Again pretty bland. read more

Though some reviews are not as forgiving, this place is a a gem! We arrived earlier than our expected 10:30pm reservation (Yes! That's dinner time normal in Madrid); we were guided to our a very intimate table for 2 and were promptly seated. Our waiter, Julian was quick to acknowledge us and asked if we wanted drinks and bread; they arrived timely and since we had read their online menu; we were ready to order as soon as our tasty sangrias and bread arrived. We went with with the house traditional Cochinillo Asado...it was wood-roasted in their 1728 oven. Yes! This is the longest and oldest operating restaurant in planet earth and the oven has been in operation since. We had the garlic and egg soup and thoroughly enjoyed it. This was an exquisite introduction to our Madrid culinary experience. Don't be deterred by the fact that this maybe a "tourist trap"; it is not! We absolutely loved every minute and it was just not a beautiful, romantic and delicious dinner but it was a total rewarding experience...Julian made it even better by his service and attention to every detail! We highly recommend this place for its history, excellent service and delicious food! read more

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Service was fine. There was nice ambiance as well. Hence, my 2 star rating. For some, visiting this place because of it's supposed long history as a restaurant is enough. If so, no need to read any further. However, if the reason we come to this restaurant is to taste their cuchinillo ...... then it will be very disappointing. It was terrible ! The skin was crispy but had no taste at all. Same with the lean meat which had an uncooked smell. It tasted like the pig was just placed in a plate and cooked in the oven without any mix of spices or condiments at all. I do not know about their other foods, but this review is only as regards their cuchinillo. I had been to this restaurant years before and do not remember their cuchinillo to be this bad. I will not be returning to this restaurant again. read more

You can't go to Madrid and not visit the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the world! Opened in 1725, it was apparently one of Hemingway's favorite restaurants. If you make reservations, you will be seated in the bodega (the wine cellars) with its rustic arched brick walls, it makes for quite a intimate and lovely dining experience. One of Sobrino de Botin's most famous dishes (and Hemingway's favourite) is the Cochinillo (25€), a roast suckling pig from Segovia. The pig is whole roasted in a nearly 300-year-old original wood-fired oven made of cast iron. If dining here, make sure to ask to see where the magic happens! Botin is not trendy or innovative in the least. Its draw is actually how they have stuck to tradition serving the same food that they did since they opened almost 3 centuries ago. I found the pig to live up to the hype. The skin was so crispy that it made a loud crack as I cut through it but the meat inside was extremely tender and juicy. The portion is also quite large and with the side of roast potatoes it is more than filling. Unfortunately, I was unable to get reservations until 11pm but would definitely recommend to come here for lunch instead as this would be a great meal to fuel you through the rest of the day. read more

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Fue fantástico. Comí el menú de la casa y recomendó completamente. Cambié el gazpacho para sopa de ajo y me encantó. El sabor del cochinillo asado fue perfecto. Hablé con el propietario y nos mostró el horno y también la bodega, súper amable. read more

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Better to be able to say you've been there to then actually have been there. It's the oldest continually serving restaurant in the world. Definitely not enough to get me back or to recommend it. You get two choices: pork or lamb. They come with American sized portions but a number of people will not recognize what they get. Our food was gamey - likely outcome when you're serving 300+ pork loin or lamb racks an evening. It's not bad ... but you're going to say you went, not to get really good food. read more

Good quality food and service. We enjoy the ambiance and setting. We asked for a few changes to our order and they accommodated our requests. read more

Aside from the semi friendly service, food did not disappoint. We had a 13:00 reservation in an awfully freaky hot October afternoon and the sangria did not disappoint. There was a short line shortly before the restaurant opened at exactly 1300 and some had reservations, others didn't but it seems like everyone was given a table. This is a must visit restaurant if you're in Madrid. You wouldn't want to miss it. read more

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The food and service was amazing!!! There's so much history in that building!! Will come again! read more

Very disappointing. We made a reservation at Botin as a highlight ending to our vacation. It was clear from the moment we were seated that they treat Americans/English speaking customers differently than Spanish speaking/locals. Our waiter acted annoyed that we asked him for olive oil and vinegar to go with our bread, even though every other table around us had it brought out with their bread. Our drinks (including water) were empty for over half of the meal. No one came back around for us to even be able to ask for refills. It wasn't overly busy. The table beside us was seated quite a while after us and being served desserts, at the same time that we eventually had to ask a different waiter for our bill.... because our waiter never came back to check on us. When our waiter finally brought the bill he made it a point to ask for a tip, which was even more insulting. We always tip well, but have never been asked for one in Spain, as it is not customary. The building is beautiful and the history of the establishment is very interesting. The food is "okay", but we were looking forward to the experience more than the food. It's just a shame that the service was so terrible. read more

Came on yelp elite recommendation. Per Guinness Book this place is the oldest restaurant in the world. Established in 1725

Known as the oldest restaurant in the world. The food was decent not very good or mind blowing in my opinion however the ambiance and service was very good. I would say this is more of an experience than to eat good food because it is a little bland. Ordered a medium steak and it came well done. As far as the roasted lamb it was a little bland. Still overall recommend for the experience but it's a bit pricey. read more

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Tourist flock to this Restaurant on the sole provision that it is the oldest restaurant in the world. I for one was a tourist but discovered that the Botin is the oldest restaurant in the world and will not be outdone for decades to come. That is because they have been doing authentic Spanish cuisine right! I visited this family owned, warm and cozy place on 3 separate occasions. The first was for my first meal in Spain. I fell in love with Spanish food after my first roast pig, glass eels, and 2 awesome bottles of wine. My other meals included deserts and other entrees. I do understand that a lot of other yelpers and food bloggers have said otherwise for the food. I believe that the worlds oldest restaurant has stayed true to traditions and age old recipes. You have to enjoy yourself with the clear mind that this is how it was done in the past times. A true gem, the staff is nice and very welcome to tourist... a mini tour and pictures were allowed by guest. read more

As a tourist, 5 stars for sure given the uniqueness of the restaurant with a claim as the Oldest Restaurant in the World. As for the food, 3 stars feels about right as does the service, prices etc. We had reservations (a must) at 10:30 however for some reason the maitre'd had us for 8pm. No problem, we were shown to our table upstairs. despite a full house. They have menus in Spanish and English and can be taken home for a souvenir as well if you ask. Reading reviews and by way of recommendation, we went with the house special Suckling Pig. There is a House promotion that includes Gazpacho soup, bread (which they charge for normally), wine or beer, water and ice cream. For 42 Euro, a little pricey for food in Madrid however for a tourist spot, not a bad deal. Gazpacho is served in a very large bowl and the waiter offers to add chopped celery, green peppers, croutons and more. I found the dish underwhelming and bland. The suckling pig arrived in a large plate and the waiter slices as the waiter station which happen to be behind me. The pig is done to perfection. Crispy outer skin from being cooked in the original ovens downstairs (see pics). The meat was tender with just the right amount of fat. It is a very large portion and I recommend you share this dish with a nice appetizer. Next time, I share because I only ate half and was very full! Dessert included ice cream with a bit of chocolate fudge, a perfect ending! In all an experience everyone who comes to Madrid should have.. A bit pricey, a bit over the top, food is okay but the ambiance is great. The Maitre'd gave us a tour of the kitchen with its 300 year old oven and we also were able to go down to the old wine cellar which was very interesting and that ended the evening on a very good note. read more

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This is a Restaurant if you're in Madrid is a very, very must try. Food is spectacular delicious. Employees are very nice. Service was awesome. Cheesecake melts in your mouth. Oh my Lord I hope they have these cheesecakes up in heaven. Big shout out to the business owners keep up the good work guys read more

A friend recommended coming here while we were in Madrid so we made a reservation a few weeks ahead of time. I get that it is the oldest restaurant in the world and the food wasn't bad but I think it is a little touristy and overpriced because of this. We ordered the botin steak and the garlic shrimp. The garlic shrimp were alright. Really nothing special. The Botin steak was good, I enjoyed the mushrooms on it. We had a carfare of sangria and it was okay as well. If it is your first time in Madrid maybe I would go but I do not think it is a must have and i will most likely not go back again unless someone I was with really wanted to go. They also had a live band come and play 2 or 3 songs which was nice but I did not like how after they played they came to each table and asked for money. When I am paying a high price for a meal I do not need someone begging for money and feeling obligated to give it to them. Definitely a BIG turnoff for me! Very tacky. read more

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So this happens to be the world's oldest restaurant per the Guinness world records and our tour guide, thankfully I had done a little research before arriving to Madrid and made a reservation for our large party. It wasn't terribly full when we arrived and from other people's experiences, reservations aren't always required. The restaurant itself is very pretty, just outside of plaza mayor and despite its lofty accolades it can be hard to find. Our party of 6 were quickly ushered to the third and top floor where we were greeted by servers in dinner jackets. Yes I knew this place would be nice but I definitely felt under dressed. We ordered a few of their famous pig as well as lamb, I'd hoped everyone would get different dishes so I could sample but oh well. So the roasted suckling pig....Yes it was good and wasn't nearly as expensive as I'd thought it would be but it wasn't ahhh-mazing. The meat was amazingly tender but just a bit too salty for my taste and the lamb had the same consistency and honestly almost tasted the same. The house red wine paired well with the food and honestly the ambience is probably what did it for me. You can tell it's a bit of a tourist trap though, everyone on our floor was a foreigner and mostly American. All in all this place is maybe just a bit too overhyped but when in Madrid it's not gonna do too much damage to your wallet or your palette to stop by for a dinner and give yourself the bragging rights of eating at the world oldest restaurant. read more

Botín - Suckling pig - Spanish Near Me - Madrid, M

Located near Plaza Mayor, this is the oldest restaurant in the world. Best to get a reservation as it's a popular choice for tourists. We managed to get the early seating of 9pm even though they were running full house. read more

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Sorpresivamente buena, un lugar lleno que parecia q estaban por moda, hasta q llego la comida... MUY BUENO

Botin's claim to fame is being the oldest restaurant in the world. They tend to sit tourists in the front, so you don't get a great feel of how old the restaurant really is. Staff are a bit stiff. Known for their suckling pig- i thought it was just okay. Great place to experience the environment once, but certainly not a place I would come back to multiple times. read more

I agree with the other reviewers who mentioned that this place is one gigantic tourist trap; avoid at all costs if you are looking for an authentic Spanish meal in Madrid. Decades ago, before the dawn of the social media age with a zillion "influencers" touting the supposed excellence of this restaurant, and the hundreds of Instagram pics of the roast-suckling pig for which they are known, Botin was a decent restaurant with fair prices. Back then both tourists and locals would patronize the restaurant. Now there is not a local in sight. Prices have climbed to astronomical proportions. There are so many better options right in the same area where Botin is located. Truly, you are not missing out on anything if you do not dine at "the oldest restaurant in the world" (Botin's claim to fame) while in Madrid. read more

It was enjoyable. The history alone is wonderful. But the food was well cooked. We went for lunch and ordered the suckling pig and roast baby lamb. The meat was juicy and the skin was crispy. Dessert was wonderful as well. You MUST make a reservation in advance. We made it for lunch, so they had more spots available, but dinner is tough to book for. read more

Beautiful plating, I was pleasantly surprised the servers all spoke decent English. The Brava sauce had a hint of lime, I highly recommend the ambiance. read more

The restaurant was established in 1725, and worth going to. Great Spanish Food and Sangria. Every time in Madrid, we will stop by. read more

Okay, so coming here was total serendipity!! We were wandering around the area, trying to find a bar that had been recommend to us, and then suddenly, there we were, standing in front of the window of the oldest restaurant in the world, as per Guinness world records.We didn't think we'd be able to get in, and were leaving Madrid the next day, but decided to try our luck (nothing ventured, nothing gained, eh?). The Gods were on our side and they could give us a table for 3 in 15 minutes and we were just super stocked that the odds were in our favour. Our waiter was darling and very funny. I got the House Specialty Menu for 45 euros, which consisted of Gazpacho Soup, Roast Suckling Pig, Ice-Cream, Bread and Wine. We started off with the lovely bread + Botin Oil (which had a lovely earthy nuttiness to it, and I ended up taking the smallest canister home as a memento) and we also got a jug of Sangria, which was muy delicious! . Then the waiter was kind enough to substitute Garlic Soup with Egg which was a wee bit salty and not as garlicky as I was imagining it to be, while my co-diner got the Gazpacho soup, which I thought was the better tasting option.The Suckling Pigs and Potatoes and it lived up to the hype, it was tender and the skin was crunchy. Another diner got the Squid Ink with Barro Rice - I loved this dish, it was so warm and the rice was so delicious. Apart from the ice-cream, which we polished, we also got the House dessert - Tarta Botin - which was so so good. Light and creamy custard, with heavenly cake, we could have eaten heaps more of this dessert and it was the perfect end to our meal. Loved eating here #foodie dreams fulfilled that you didn't even know you had!! PS - visit the bathroom, there's lovely tiles along the way. Yelp Review 108/ 2017 read more

I finally visited the world's oldest restaurant on a Fourth of July and was privileged to sit at the Hemingway table thanks to the very kind management team. Daniel, Eduardo and Alex went out of their way to make me feel welcome even though they were incredibly busy. Their peripheral vision skills are clearly superlative as they were always aware of the needs of individual and group contexts. Daniel was particularly selfless and generous with his time and energy. Total gentleman. I have rarely met such fine human beings who were truly educated and compassionate in their manner. They know how to embrace the human stories behind the potential client and for this endangered skill, I am eternally grateful. read more