I visited the three-star restaurant 'DiverXO' in Madrid. It has just been selected as the 4th best restaurant in the world at the World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025. Reservations usually take about a month, but this time I was able to secure a spot a week in advance due to a cancellation. The entrance is greeted by a 'flying pig' sculpture, opening the door to a new world. The electronic ticket received upon reservation features a large image of the chef, David Muñoz, which made me feel the uniqueness of the restaurant at that moment. The staff wore studded black jackets, creating a rock vibe, and illustrated cards distributed with each dish served as a menu, making it a unique experience that you can take home after the meal.
The course consists of about 20 dishes. Many of the plates are inspired by Chinese and Japanese cuisine, and on the day I visited, there were dishes featuring shark fin and Shanghai crab, as well as octopus shabu-shabu. I enjoyed the 'flying pig's kitchen,' where strong spices and aromas intersect with Spanish ingredients, embodying both playfulness and precision.
Experiencing the bold fusion of Asian and Spanish cuisine while immersed in an extravagant worldview—this is a restaurant you definitely want to experience when visiting Madrid.
Taberna Las Cumbres offers inventive Spanish tavern cooking in a cozy setting with attentive, knowledgeable service. The kitchen highlights local flavors through dishes such as delicate croquettes, tuna toasts, marinated fish, and slow-cooked tripe, often presented with thoughtful twists. A well-chosen wine selection and carefully prepared desserts round out the experience.
99 Sushi Bar - Padre Damian is a Michelin-selected restaurant offering contemporary Japanese cuisine in an elegant setting. The kitchen focuses on high-quality ingredients, with carefully crafted nigiri, sashimi, tempura, and wagyu dishes that highlight precision in technique and presentation. Creative desserts, including matcha and chocolate specialties, round out a polished dining experience.
L'Abbraccio offers traditional Spanish cuisine complemented by a notable selection of carpaccio. Diners highlight delicately sliced cured ham, fresh fish and seafood, and well-prepared lamb and beef. Attentive, professional staff take time to accommodate diverse preferences, making it a popular choice for business meals and group gatherings.
Sibuya Urban Sushi Bar offers modern Japanese cuisine with a focus on inventive sushi rolls and fresh fish. Guests highlight flavorful gyozas, specialty uramaki, and flamed rolls, as well as desserts like carrot cake and cheesecake. The atmosphere is inviting and comfortable, and the staff provide attentive, personalized guidance, including support with dietary preferences and allergies.
El Cacique offers Argentinian-style grilled meats alongside ceviche, tuna tataki, and a concise selection of dishes. Portions tend to be moderate, suiting relaxed dinners or lighter meals. The family-run restaurant is known for attentive, professional service and a welcoming atmosphere, with a focused wine list to complement the food.
La Maruca Castellana is a Michelin-selected restaurant offering classic Spanish cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, well-presented dishes. Diners highlight the celebrated potato tortilla, along with croquettes, artichokes, octopus, and other carefully prepared plates suited to sharing. A lively, welcoming dining room and attentive, professional service create an energetic atmosphere for gatherings.
Modern Spanish Cuisine Focused on Meat and Seafood
Restaurante Cabo do Mundo offers modern Spanish cuisine with a strong emphasis on high-quality grilled meats and fresh seafood. Diners highlight tender cuts such as aged ribeye alongside well-prepared fish and shellfish, complemented by classic starters and seasonal vegetables. Desserts like cheesecake and torrijas add a traditional touch, while attentive, efficient service contributes to a smooth dining experience.
Lima Nikkei offers authentic Peruvian Nikkei cuisine in an elegant setting on the Castellana. Fresh sushi and bright, citrusy ceviche stand out for their clean flavors and careful preparation. Guests highlight the inviting atmosphere and attentive, efficient service that make the dining experience feel genuinely welcoming.
Distrito 798 offers an elegant setting for Spanish–Japanese fusion cuisine, with dishes that highlight fresh ingredients and careful preparation. Diners mention a range of small plates, from gyozas and rice dishes to creative nigiri, often guided by the chef’s recommendations. Attentive, accommodating service and consistently high quality over time define the experience.
Long-Standing Neighborhood Restaurant Near Santiago Bernabéu
EL Caciquito is a long-established neighborhood restaurant near the Santiago Bernabéu stadium, known for its classic, unpretentious menu. The cozy dining room offers a comfortable setting for a casual meal, with dishes such as a freshly prepared beef burger with rich sauce. Service is described as quick, considerate, and accommodating, with some staff able to assist in English.
La Tagliatella on Poeta Joan Maragall Street serves classic Italian cuisine, with pizzas, pastas, and risottos prepared with care and attention to detail. Guests highlight well-executed dishes such as carpaccio, mushroom risotto, and thin-crust pizza. The restaurant offers a considered selection of wines, including Spanish labels. An elegant, comfortable dining room and attentive service complete the experience.