El Camarote — Restaurant in Madrid

Quintessential tourist trap. Someone hears you speak English with your partner and immediately assumes they can scam you on the spot. I grew up here, but I've been living in a different country since the 1990s. I've been scammed more than enough times because I'm perceived as a tourist, since scammers only hear me speak English. Nothing like being scammed multiple times to see it coming from miles away. Early sign: a server starts harassing you in English to get you seated as soon as possible. I don't know any legit hospitality business in which they need to get so pushy. Second sign: no prices listed on the menu upfront. That's fishy. Yet I gave them a vote of confidence and I scanned the QR code. At that point, the same fellow came  back and started telling me, once again in English, that I wasn't supposed to look at that online menu. He got extremely impatient, compelling me, by hook or by crook, to discuss what we wanted to order with him and he'd tell us how much it was. Now I had enough evidence that this might be a textbook scam, plain and simple, so I told him that we needed to look at the menu on our own terms. At this point, he turned around and told me in Spanish: "vete a ...." I can't spell it out because Google maps would block the post. He obviously assumed that I didn't understand Spanish. I followed him into the restaurant and I asked him in fluent local Madrid Spanish (as I said, I grew up in Madrid): "could you explain to me why you said "vete a ...."? He raised his voice responding with an angry non sequitur. I told him that I would talk to his jefe. One of the staff members, whom I assumed was some sort of supervisor, looked at me, so I explained what happened (in Spanish). He told me that he was really sorry and that the unfortunate event would have repercussions. Later on, after having dinner somewhere else, we walked by, and my partner noticed that the same fellow who claimed that the issue would be taken seriously was chilling out in friendly terms with the one who insulted me. Should I report this joint to the local authorities and see if what they're doing to tourists with the menu bait and switch is even legal? It can't be. We need witnesses in order to build a case. If you read this review and have experienced  similar behaviors, it might be about time to inquire with local...

I found this restaurant by chance while looking for a place that was not too touristy. We had an excellent meal, especially the tortilla, which is dine in a traditional way. It was so good, that we went back at the end of our vacation to have it again. Anyway, I am shocked at the fact that this restaurant only has a 3 star rating. I am less shocked by some of the idiotic comments in some of the reviews. Here is my editorial comment in reply. If you want wait staff that speak perfect English, stay home. Your paella takes a while because it is cooked to order, if you want it right away, get it from McDonald's. Before you complain that the tortilla is not properly cooked, educate yourself about how a ration of tortilla is supposed to be. The only strange thing I noted was that they charge you for bread that they bring to the table regardless of whether you ask for it. Bottom line, this is one of the best places I have eaten...

Don't even think to go there. I wanted to enjoy a breakfast today. On the breakfast menu it was priced Coffee+toasts+orange juice for 2.50 Euros (regular price in most restaurant in Madrid). I only ordered an orange juice and toast. First the juice was not "Natural", Second the plate was dirty from a previous customer (incredible), at that moment I already regret I sat there! I asked to replace it, they did replace it but didn't excuse or felt sorry for the filthy plate. Third and finally they charged me with 5.50 Euros more than the double price saying it was a different deal and the juice was twice the size! Let me laugh, the juice was so small and so low quality (not real juice of course). Obviously they know you are a tourist and they take advantage of this. Finally after a short argument, I paid and left. I don't remember such a bad experience in a restaurant for a simple breakfast. The whole thing...