Casa Benigna — Restaurant in Madrid

This dining experience makes me emotional, the place and the staff makes me feel like I am at home, and it was the best experience that I had when I visited Madrid as a tourist.

I came across this restaurant when I was nearby wandering around the city, I didn't make any reservation as I didn't know the restaurant is so popular and didn't think too much. I knocked the door and the manager opened the door for me, and managed to arranged a table for me at 3:30pm ( I really appreciate her effort to fed the hungry me as I was just randomly checking).

I went back after an hour, and they have set the table, as a tourist I really asked a lot of questions about the food, and they were patient. I ordered one-person size baked aubergine with duck confit and seafood paella.

I love how they serve the butter with a bucket, it is special. While I was waiting for my food, I checked the decoration, it is very chic and it gives a cozy family vibe, which I really love.

Dishes: Baked aubergine with duck confit: the duck was so crispy! the aubergine was tender and had such a harmony with the sauce, I personally don't like aubergine AT ALL (hahah I know but because of the recommendation I decided to give a try, and it was beyond my expectation), it is so good and I love how they combine the ingredients with everything.

Seafood paella: as a Chinese, our rice usually is soft and it is my first time to try paella. I was shocked by how crispy and chewy the rice was! and it was well seasoned, the crispy rice under gives a different flavour and texture( crunchy rice crust is my favourite and it sometimes at the bottom of the cooking pot when we cook the rice) the dry texture added extra flavour.

the service was good and they really took good care of the table with the right amount of attention. when I asked for bills, they delivered me a note and I immediately got teared up after read it (uploaded in the picture).

they could have just rejected me from not making a reservation but they didn't, instead they made the best effort to provide the best service to me - a random tourist that might even never visit Madrid again. It was the warmest and best memory that I had for this trip, I just want to say thank you again to all the staff in the restaurant.

thank you Casa Benigna, I will definitely come back with my family and friends in May, thank you so much for making the best memory for my trip, hope to see you guys very very soon, and this time I won't forget to make a...

Casa Benigna delivers an exceptional Spanish dining experience that showcases both traditional preparations and outstanding hospitality. The excellent jamón bellota slices, paired with their homemade butter and bread, create a perfect appetizer that sets the tone for quality throughout the meal. The premium ham's nutty, rich flavors complement the fresh bread and creamy butter beautifully.

The highlight of the meal was undoubtedly the tomato sauce noodles with sliced lobster - so delicious that you could smell the aromatic tomato sauce before it was even mixed into the pasta. This dish was definitely my favorite, combining the sweetness of fresh lobster with a vibrant, fragrant tomato base that created an unforgettable flavor combination.

The paella de costilla ibérica (paella of pork ribs) was equally delicious, featuring the coveted crispy rice bottom that paella enthusiasts seek, paired with tender pork ribs that provided a lovely crunch in every bite. The balance of textures and the depth of flavor demonstrated masterful paella technique. The paella of rabbit and snails offered an interesting flavor profile that represents traditional Spanish countryside cuisine, though this combination is admittedly not for everyone. The preparation was authentic and well-executed for those seeking genuine regional specialties.

The strawberry sorbet served as an amazing palate cleanser and dessert ending for the evening, providing a refreshing, clean finish that perfectly concluded the rich, savory meal.

A special shout out to the Filipino kitchen and waitstaff crew who were very attentive and enthusiastic throughout the evening. Their dedication to excellent service and genuine warmth significantly enhanced the dining experience.

Would I eat there again? Probably not. Reservations take a long time to book, and while the food is good, it's not worth coming back for given the hassle of securing a table and the abundance of other excellent dining options in Madrid.

Casa Benigna successfully combines authentic Spanish cuisine with exceptional service, but the difficulty in booking and the lack of truly memorable dishes that would justify repeat visits make it more of a one-time experience than a regular dining...

An extraordinary gastronomic experience! We booked this restaurant 6 weeks in advance on a friend’s personal recommendation. To say it met our expectations is an understatement! Our taxi dropped us off beside an inconspicuous wooden door beneath the sign Casa Benigna in modest surrounds. We found the door locked and thankfully noticed the large brass door knocker which you were expected to use to get the attention of your host! Once inside we were enchanted by the decor and were greeted by non other than the owner of the restaurant Lars. He loved telling us the story of his restaurant which was founded in 1990 by his father - Norberto and now owned by him. He talked us through the menu and made brilliant recommendations which we absolutely devoured!! The hot smoked salmon brought fresh from Norway and smoked in house and the eggplant with duck confit were both divine. The smoked salmon was the best I’ve ever had an just melted in your mouth. The paella is the highlight of this restaurant as the family hailed from a little village near Valencia. We just had to try at least two. The chicken and vegetable paella was beautiful to look at and burst with flavour. The Iberian pork paella is a house classic which we loved also. Although this was all very filling and we just couldn’t make room for dessert the owner treated us to a little thin crispy wafer made from nuts and a small pot of decadent chocolate sauce which we couldn’t refuse. An experience I would highly recommend to anyone visiting...