The Oldest Restaurant in the World Has Been Operating for 300 Years

The Restaurante Botín in Madrid has been around for 300 years. As the oldest still operating restaurant in the world, it not only attracts with Spanish specialties. Discover why this restaurant is a must-visit on a city trip.

Spain is known for its rich culinary culture, deeply rooted in the country's history. A remarkable testament to this culinary tradition is the Restaurante Botín in Madrid. According to the Guinness World Records, it is the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the world.

Near the Plaza Mayor, in the heart of Madrid, you'll find Restaurante Botín at Calle de Cuchilleros 17, also known as Sobrino de Botín. It was founded in 1725 by French chef Jean Botín and his Asturian wife to work for a Spanish court noble.

After the childless passing of Jean Botín and his wife, the inn was taken over by the founder's nephew and was named Sobrino de Botín (Nephew of Botín). Since the 20th century, it has been run by the González family, now in its fourth generation.

This year, the restaurant turns 300 years old. 'The 300th anniversary is a milestone we look back on with pride and gaze into the future with enthusiasm. We honor our gastronomic culture, the family's legacy, and Botín's role as a symbol of Madrid's identity,' says the restaurant's website.

According to its own statements, the restaurant is 'one of the best examples of traditional cuisine in Madrid.' Therefore, during a city trip to the Spanish capital, it should definitely be on your bucket list.

Since its opening, the restaurant has remained in continuous operation. The original 18th-century wood-fired oven is still in use today, especially for specialties like roasted suckling pig (cochinillo asado) and lamb (cordero asado). Other dishes include skewer-grilled hake, fresh sole, Botín mussels, Castilian soup, and refreshing gazpacho.

Originally, inns in Spain were not allowed to sell food or drink, but only to prepare what visitors brought with them - a practice that also applied to Botín, as explained on the 'Guinness World Records' website.

Botín is known not only for its culinary delights but also for its historical connections.

The famous American writer Ernest Hemingway (1899 to 1961) mentioned the restaurant in his novel 'The Sun Also Rises' (1926) and in the essay 'Death in the Afternoon' (1932), and he was a frequent guest.

The works of Spanish writer Benito Pérez Galdós (1843 to 1920) also mention Botín. It is even reported that the Spanish painter Francisco de Goya (1746 to 1828) worked there in the kitchen as a young man.

Today, Botín remains a living testament to the history of Spanish gastronomy and a popular meeting place for both locals and tourists alike.

Botín is open daily from 1:00 PM to 11:30 PM. Lunch is served from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, dinner from 8:00 PM.

If you want to dine at the world's oldest restaurant, you should reserve a table early - demand is high. Reservations can be made online through their booking system on the website or by phone at +34 91 366 42 17. If the desired time is not available, it is announced daily at 1:00 PM or 11:15 PM (except on special days) when seats will be available again.

Those who want to learn more about the house's history can also book a guided insider tour through the restaurant's rooms, for example, on 'Insider's Travel'.

Looking for more inspiration? Find tips for all top travel destinations at bettercities.net, and the best travel deals on our Deals Page.

bettercities.net