If you find yourself wandering the enchanted streets of Madrid's charming city center and looking…read morefor an unforgettable culinary escape, you need to meet Farah. It truly feels like a stunning Arabian oasis and the perfect Mediterranean getaway right in the heart of the city.
We opened our night at the bar, where the wonderful servers Cynthia and Daniel immediately set the tone with their warm hospitality. Soon after, we were introduced to the master mind behind those authentic dishes, Heba. She instantly transported us to a Middle Eastern mood. First, she treated us to some incredible welcoming drinks: a sour vermouth with pomelo and a crisp, refreshing glass of organic Vizar Verdejo.
From the bar, we were escorted to one of the star tables right in the main spotlight of the restaurant, where the entire team showered us with attention under the romantic glow of the melting candles.
As for the food, the menu is packed with standouts, elevated by authentic Levantine flavors and high-quality local products. If I have to rank them:
The Kebab (The Absolute Top Choice): Hands down our favorite dish of the night. This kebab de pierna de cordero lechal was incredibly savory, perfectly seasoned, and served over a silky, rich sauce. The absolute highlight was the topping of toasted pistachios and pine nuts, which added a nice crunch to every bite. It perfectly bridges tradition with modern refinement.
The Octopus & Eggplant (A Very Close Second): The pulpo a la plancha (grilled octopus) was exceptionally tender with an amazing char. It's paired with large caper berries (alcaparrones) and a rich, golden butter infused with bay leaves. The eggplant dish was equally phenomenal, layered in a deep, vibrant tomato sauce, topped with toasted pine nuts, and served with perfectly crunchy croutons, alongside some warm, fluffy flatbread and a creamy dip.
The Gambas: These well sized prawns came dipped in a bright, citric buttery oil that genuinely made them unique and flavorful.
On the menu, they are gently marinated with comino, vinegar, and a kick of chili flakes (hojuelas de chile). That being said, we aren't huge gamba eaters to begin with, so it's a dish we might skip next time just based on personal preference, though seafood lovers will absolutely adore it!
The Crown Jewel - The Kanafe: Saving the absolute best for last, this dessert takes the crown. The cheese was melted to absolute perfection, hidden beneath a perfectly golden, crispy, shredded pastry crust topped with crumbled pistachios and delicate rose petals. It is a mandatory order.
Between Heba's incredible storytelling, the top-tier service from the team, and food that speaks directly to the soul, it's a dining experience worth getting lost into if you are strolling around Madrid's old City center.
