Coque — Restaurant in Madrid

Over the past ten years, we’ve frequented many Michelin-starred establishments. During last year visit to Madrid, our dining experiences included Ramón Freixa, Smoked Room, OSA, and Cebo. This time, in our recent visit, we dined at Coque, Desde 1911, Deessa and Paco Roncero.

FOOD We loved how Coque divides its dining experience into six unique phases, beginning with the cocktail room, wine cellar, and kitchen, and culminating in the dining room for the main part of the meal. This structure made the experience feel distinctive, warm, and memorable. One constructive point is the lack of a warm towel before serving finger foods; it would help guests settle in more comfortably. The first five stages were engaging, though with some hits and misses. The “Geleé of 5 Jotas Acorn-fed Iberian Ham Cane and Sea Urchin Yolks” was underwhelming, while the “Psyllium Leaf with Wild Bull Steak Tartar in Old Mustard Sauce” stood out as exceptional. That said, the amount of alcohol served during these stages is significant and can be overwhelming in such a short timeframe, especially for lighter drinkers. While the wine list is impressive and exploring the cellar is a memorable experience, I disliked having to select wine while standing, which felt more like sales pressure than an opportunity for an informed decision. In the dining room, most courses were innovative and delicious. Highlights included the “Atlantic Large Red Prawn Cocktail, Essence of Its Head with Mustard and Tapioca.” However, the “Galantine with Pardo Birds, Quail, Partridge, Pigeon, and Pheasant” was a major letdown—dry with peculiar flavors, and we barely touched it. The suckling pig main course showcased two excellent variations, but the primary preparation was overly large, somewhat chewy, and lacked crispness. Dessert didn’t quite make up for the letdowns in the main course, leaving the meal somewhat uneven overall.

SERVICE The service was professional and efficient, but it lacked warmth and a personal touch that could have elevated the overall experience.

WINE SERVICE The sheer amount of alcohol served during the first five stages was overwhelming to the point that we couldn’t even consider ordering wine afterward.

AMBIANCE While the first five stages take place in unique, private rooms that enhance the experience, the main dining room felt rather mundane. Though spacious, it lacked both comfort and intimacy, which detracted from the overall ambiance.

One constructive critique is the handling of carts in the dining room. Their wheels appear to struggle with the floor's friction, causing servers to exert significant effort to maneuver them. On occasion, servers even failed to move the carts smoothly, while the "expert" servers used such force that it was impossible not to notice their struggle. This not only elicited sympathy for the staff but also disrupted the grace and flow of the atmosphere, diminishing the dining room's charm.

VALUE FOR MONEY Coque’s steep price tag initially deterred me during past visits to Madrid. When I finally dined there, the first five stages, though intriguing, failed to form a cohesive experience, and the main dining room fell short of expectations. In a city with numerous superior options at better value, the cost is unjustified.

VERDICT Even with more competitive pricing, Coque would still struggle to change the overall impression it left. While it is a good restaurant, the context of the underwhelming main course and dessert, coupled with poor value for money, leads me to settle on a generous three-star rating. This means I wouldn’t plan on returning and would be very cautious in recommending it to others. If I do, it would be at the bottom of my list and only to those with very...

My wife and I went to Coque for a date night after a friend recommended it as a great experience.

We arrived on time for our reservation and were promptly seated at the first station where we were served a cocktail and a large tv screen showed videos with no audio of the restaurant and the owners. Interesting way to start the experience.

A few minutes later we were transferred to the second station. A large table with a wall behind promoting a prominent scotch brand. We were served a dish and told that it would be accompanied by a drink with the promoted scotch, however we were not served the drink. Behind the table, and in plain view were about 20 previously prepared dishes waiting to be placed in front of the next guests. Seemed like they had been there for awhile and so was a bit odd to see pre-prepared dishes. Made the experience seem cheap.

A few minutes later we were taken to the next station where we were presented with a themed room with some drinks and a small plate of sausage meat that was cold and a bit hard to chew.

Next we were walked over to the wine cellar where we were served another drink and some macaroons displayed on a tree branch. We decided to peruse the wine collection when an attendant approached us and handed me a piece of paper that indicated two wine tasting menus - a standard option and a premium option, each with nine bottles. He pointed at the wine bottles from a distance and rapidly said how one differed from the other but nothing more, no description of the wines. Upon looking at the bottom of the list in small print it says the premium is 1,000 €. We opted for two bottles, a white and a red that were to be served during the sit down portion of the night. It is common at most quality restaurants in Madrid for the host to tell you about the wine in detail. Evidently, not at Coque.

We were ushered upstairs to the fourth station where we were served beer and grilled beetroot.

Finally, we were escorted and seated at the table. Almost as soon as we sat down the first dish arrived. Another waiter arrived with the bottle of white wine and as he attempted to pour, only a small trickle came out because the wine was frozen solid. The waiter suggested we wait until it thawed out. Unbelievable. I told him he was to bring me a new bottle.

The dishes were largely forgettable and they try to make up for it with a showy presentation of dry ice fanfare.

We were interrupted during our dinner at least 5 times and they tried removing my wife’s plate 3 times before she was finished with the dish.

At the end of the meal, they turned off all the music and said they were closing.

The entire experience was rushed and mechanical, the staff was not trained properly and very junior for a 2 star Michelin rated restaurant. The 20+ dish servings were far too many and the amount of alcohol served was just too much.

The total bill totaled over 800 € for two people. Felt insulting.

I cannot recommend this restaurant for any reason and am questioning the credibility of the Michelin guide. This place may have been great at one point in time, but it is definitely not now.

The decor is impressive, but that’s where it ends. The entire experience...

Coque Madrid: A Michelin-Starred Journey Through Spanish Culinary Artistry Madrid’s Coque, led by the Sandoval brothers, is an unparalleled dining experience that skillfully combines culinary artistry, innovation, and tradition, earning it two Michelin stars. Situated in the sophisticated Almagro district, Coque offers an extensive 1,100 m² space designed to immerse guests in a sensory journey through distinct stages on two floors.

The Team and Ambience

Coque is a testament to the Sandoval family’s commitment to excellence. Mario Sandoval’s mastery in the kitchen, Diego’s refined and welcoming front-of-house management, and Rafael’s expert wine and sherry selections combine for an unforgettable experience. Each brother contributes to a well-choreographed journey through the restaurant’s intimate spaces. Beginning in a cozy English-style bar, moving through a Macallan whisky room, and then visiting a magnificent wine cellar and "sacristy" with sherry poured traditionally by venencia, guests are guided through the culinary process in an engaging, thoughtful manner.

The Culinary Experience

Chef Mario Sandoval’s “Chamberí” tasting menu is an ode to Spain’s finest seasonal ingredients. From Motril shrimp to wild Galician clams and Toro Bravo beef, each course highlights Spain’s bounty with a balance of inventiveness and reverence for the ingredients. The restaurant also offers a carefully curated vegan-vegetarian option, showcasing Mario’s ability to adapt his creativity across dietary preferences. The tasting experience unfolds with a sequence of delights: beginning with aperitifs, followed by the sacristy experience, kitchen stops, and ending in the dining room. The meticulously crafted dishes, paired with an exceptional, geographically diverse wine list, left us with an unforgettable impression.

Service and Atmosphere

Each visit to Coque brings an elevated dining atmosphere. The main dining room’s design is chic and sophisticated, with seating arranged to ensure a personalized experience. The décor, elegant and artfully crafted, complements the culinary artistry and supports a leisurely, immersive ambiance that encourages guests to savor every moment. From the precision of the food presentation to the attention given by the entire team, the service is impeccable, ensuring that each guest feels celebrated.

Memorable Highlights

The commitment to ingredient quality and pairing precision stands out, with each course reflecting a deep understanding of taste and balance. The wine and sherry selections, expertly chosen by Rafael, add an extra layer to the meal’s complexity, enhancing the flavors of each dish. Coque’s constant evolution of its menu to reflect seasonality means that each visit offers a fresh, new experience, filled with elements that surprise and delight.

Overall Recommendation

Coque is more than just a meal; it is a truly immersive experience, where attention to detail meets high culinary standards. From celebrating a special occasion to exploring some of Spain’s finest ingredients in a memorable setting, Coque’s unique experience is highly recommended for anyone seeking excellence in Madrid’s...