Location.
Calle Álvarez de Baena, 4, 28006 Madrid, Spain - www.zalacain.es
Ambience and Decoration
We decided to celebrate an important date at Restaurante Zalacaín in Madrid, a place that had to close in the Covid pandemic and has reopened again, and it certainly didn't disappoint. From the moment we walked through the door, we were immersed in an atmosphere of classic elegance. The restaurant's décor combines the traditional with the modern in a way that creates a welcoming and sophisticated environment. The subdued lighting and the arrangement of the tables provide an intimate and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for leisurely dining.
Service
The service was impeccable from the first moment. The staff are attentive, friendly and knowledgeable about the dishes and wines on offer. We were made to feel welcome and comfortable, without being intrusive. We especially liked the wine recommendations, which went perfectly with the dishes we chose. At all times, the service was efficient and unobtrusive, allowing us to enjoy our meal without unnecessary interruptions.
Value for money
At Zalacaín, you pay for quality, and although we found some dishes a little pricey for the quantity offered, we understand that we are paying not only for the food, but also for the experience as a whole. Overall, we feel that the value for money is fair considering the standard of the restaurant and the attention to detail in every aspect of the experience.
Gastronomy
Recommended Dishes
- Zalacaín's cuisine is an ode to Spanish haute cuisine with international touches. The menu is designed to offer a complete culinary experience, where the quality of the ingredients is unquestionable and the execution of the dishes is outstanding.
- Sautéed Mushrooms
The sautéed mushrooms were delicious, cooked to perfection to bring out their natural flavours. However, we found the price a little steep considering the portion. - Fried Tiger Prawn
This dish was a hit. The prawn was crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, a perfect combination that was balanced by the impeccable frying. Definitely one of our favourites. - Tellagorri cod
The Tellagorri cod is a dish that pays homage to Spanish culinary tradition. The cooking of the cod was impeccable, but we would have liked a slightly more generous portion. - Stuffed pig's trotters
The stuffed pig's trotters were a hearty dish full of flavour. The gelatinous texture of the trotters, combined with the savoury stuffing, made this dish memorable, though perhaps not for all palates. - Chocolate Tartlet
The dessert was a perfect end to the meal. The chocolate tartlet had a crunchy base and a creamy filling that was not overly sweet, which we appreciated. - Solán de Cabras
Solán de Cabras mineral water is a classic at fine dining tables and complemented the food well. - Viña Real Oro Gran Reserva
This wine was one of the best choices of the evening. A full-bodied red with character, it was a sublime accompaniment to hearty dishes such as pig's trotters and cod. Its complexity on the nose, with notes of ripe fruit and a hint of spice, as well as its lingering finish on the palate, made us enjoy every glass. It is a wine that, although priced at a premium, offers a worthwhile winemaking experience for those who appreciate a good Gran Reserva.
- Sautéed Mushrooms
Conclusion
Our visit to Zalacaín was a culinary experience that left us very satisfied. It is a restaurant that has managed to remain a benchmark in Madrid haute cuisine, combining the best of tradition with modern techniques and impeccable execution. Without a doubt, it is a place we would recommend for special occasions, where the setting and the service perfectly complement the quality of the food.
We give a rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
Image Gallery
