Bacira — Restaurant in Madrid

Absolutely disappointing experience from a supposed Michelin Guide restaurant. I went in with a group of 5 and we were seated downstairs. We were interested in the tasting menu but had a couple of questions for our waitress - huge mistake.

After telling us she speaks English, she switches to Spanish when asked what was included in the tasting menu and after using what little Spanish (4 years that held us over apparently everywhere but here) we knew she said she wasn't sure what was included and tells us she will bring someone who knows. Fine. Except for the fact that 25 minutes goes by and nobody comes back. A second waitress comes down to take another tables orders and we flag her to ask again the simple question of what was included in the tasting menu. Again, she did not know and said someone would come. Whether they feigned ignorance or actually did not know what was included on their own menus, I do not know but regardless it's ridiculous.

After another 15 minutes, I go upstairs to find the one waiter who speaks English to tell him we have been waiting for the last 40 minutes. He tells us it is very busy and he is sorry, which in my opinion is no excuse, and then proceeds to take our questions upstairs to which I tell him to please come downstairs to our table as it should be done. 5 minutes later, finally he comes down. One of my friends is allergic to nuts and sesame oil and when asked if there was anything he could eat, the waiter responds with "impossible" without even asking the chef. He then wants to take the rest 4 of our orders and is surprised when we say that we all would like to eat something.

I have never been to a restaurant where they can't accommodate a simple request like using a different oil. To top it all off, the waiter would rather us leave than work with my friend to find a solution for his diet. So after 45 minutes of waiting to ask two questions, we left. Terrible service. Make sure your staff knows whats on...

Recommend: No, perhaps it was an off night. A dinner for two for a combined 150+ Euros this is not worth it. Under 100 Euro this would be 4 star, under 75 Euro this would be 5.

Food: interesting. Creative dishes but some miss the mark on flavor and texture. The pacing of the tasting menu is confusing and it feels random and not cohesive. Instagram friendly plating.

Service: poor, multiple tables at an 8:30 seating hadn’t even been asked their order while other tables were well into their second and third courses

Atmosphere: good, nice buzz from the crowd and the upstairs is well designed. Do not allow yourself to be seated downstairs , it’s got none of the charm and would ruin the experience.

Overall: average tasting menu experience but not worth the long tasting menu and there are plenty of other Madrid restaurants to try if you are here for just a...

This restaurant quickly vaults into my Top 5 foodie experiences from all of my travels. We were off to a fantastic start when the Hummus spread with the bread was unique and delicious. The seabrim stripped with a mini-scallop and huoncaira sauce might be the best dish I have ever eaten. Spiced tuna tartar was another home run. Also the Niguiri of flombe unagui kobayaki with foie ended rivally the seabrim in terms of wow. We ended up going twice to this restaurant and all other dishes were solid including the eggplant, leak, and mikada sushi (without soy sauce and not needed which I like the best). Ironically one of their most popular dishes = the oxtail meatballs with mashed potatoes was not one of our favorites but still a fantastic presentation and flavor profile. Now we need to book another flight to Madrid next year just to come to...