El Castizo de Serrano — Restaurant in Madrid

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Los Castizos, a remarkable Spanish restaurant located on Serrano Street in Madrid. From the moment I stepped foot into this establishment, I was captivated by its charming ambiance and warm, inviting atmosphere. Not only did Los Castizos exceed my culinary expectations, but the outstanding service provided by Sonia and Yago, the servers, truly elevated the entire dining experience.

The moment we were seated, Sonia greeted us with a genuine smile and made us feel right at home. Her extensive knowledge of the menu and passion for Spanish cuisine were evident as she enthusiastically explained the various dishes and recommended some must-try specialties. Sonia's attentive and friendly nature ensured that we felt comfortable throughout the entire meal.

Yago, the other server, was equally impressive in his professionalism and attention to detail. He effortlessly anticipated our needs, ensuring that our glasses were always filled and promptly addressing any requests we had. Yago's personable demeanor and excellent communication skills added an extra touch of warmth to our dining experience, making us feel like valued guests.

Now, let's talk about the food at Los Castizos—it was an absolute culinary delight! The menu boasted an extensive array of traditional Spanish dishes prepared with a modern twist, showcasing the creativity and expertise of the talented chefs. Each dish was meticulously presented and bursting with flavors that beautifully reflected the essence of Spanish cuisine.

One standout dish that left a lasting impression was the Patatas Bravas. The explosion of flavors and the harmonious combination of ingredients truly made this dish a highlight of our dining experience.

To complement our meal, Sonia and Yago expertly guided us through their impressive wine selection, and added a complimentary sparkling wine for my birthday that perfectly complemented the flavors of our chosen dishes. Their knowledge and enthusiasm for wine were evident, and their suggestions were spot-on, enhancing the overall dining experience. I did end up getting an orange juice instead as I do not drink alcohol.

I must also mention the impeccable attention to detail throughout our visit. From the elegant table settings to the immaculate presentation of each dish, Los Castizos showcased a commitment to excellence that was truly commendable. The restaurant's interior exuded a cozy yet sophisticated charm, creating a welcoming ambiance that added to the overall enjoyment of our evening.

I cannot recommend Los Castizos enough. The combination of exquisite Spanish cuisine, attentive service from Sonia and Yago, and the restaurant's warm ambiance make it a culinary gem in the heart of Madrid. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor to the city, a visit to Los Castizos promises an unforgettable dining experience. Prepare to be indulged, delighted, and...

Our experience of this restaurant was very disappointing - I am not one to write a restaurant review, however the staff left a bitter aftertaste to mine and my friend’s palette. We sat down and was served a plate of chorizo which we hadn’t ordered and the waitress told us they give it to all tables (we had then been charged €3.40 for this and bread (which arrived once our meal had arrived, at which point we didn’t want the bread anymore) per person - when it came to paying the bill they had charged us for this for 4 people, despite there only being 2 of us - I’m unsure whether the waitress thought I wouldn’t pick up on this over charge when paying, as we had been served by 1 waitress the entire meal and she had given us the bill, so the situation felt like we were being taken advantage as we are tourists. When I questioned her on why she had charged us for 4 people, her response was rude and she seemed like it was a big deal when I told her we had been overcharged. The floor manager then came to discuss the bill with me. For drinks, we had ordered tap water and Pepsi max. I noticed we had been charged for something I couldn’t identify that we had ordered. When I asked what the extra charge of €2.60 was for, the floor manager had told us the charge was for bottled water- I told him we had only ordered tap water and he was insisting that we had ordered bottled water (there was very clearly only one Pepsi bottle on the table). I felt very patronised when he tried to argue with me that we had ordered something we hadn’t. I then asked if we could have the bread for takeaway since we hadn’t eaten this and again seemed like a big ask. We had been waiting for a while for him to bring us the bread and we had grown impatient at the length of time this was taking, so we decided to get up and as we were walking towards the exit, we had full sight of the kitchen - the manager was standing there with my takeaway bag and walked out without it, walked past us and gave us what felt like a patronising smile, as if we hadn’t just watched him walk out when he knew we had been waiting for the bread. He asked if we needed anything, we told him we were waiting for the bread and walks away without saying anything. At this point, we were frustrated by the staff’s rudeness and was not worth the wait. The food was average - I had ordered the chicken and was dry. The staff did not check up on us during our meal to ask if everything was ok. We had asked another staff member for some assistance and told us to ask someone else, this was very rude. Overall, the staff were unhelpful and unfriendly and I left spending more money than anticipated for low quality food. I would appreciate a formal apology and hope other guests do not get to...

I found myself quite happily awash in a sea of flavors at the venerable Castizo Serrano. The heart of Madrid now has a delicious pulse, and it’s beating within the dishes served at this culinary theatre of dreams.

Upon arrival, my taste buds were immediately treated to a zestful concerto - the Patatas Bravas. Simple as the concept may seem, these spicy potatoes reached a culinary crescendo that set the stage for the delights to follow. As the second act unfolded, the Pulpo a la Gallega con Patata Cocida, the Galician-style octopus with boiled potatoes, took center stage, teasing with a sonata of seafood delicacy that resonates with every sense.

The symphony continued with the Albóndigas de Ternera y Jamón Ibérico Estofadas. Not merely beef and Iberian ham stewed meatballs, but rather a ballad of country fields and kitchen fires, tantalizing and rich in their savory harmony. And then came the Zamburiña Gallega a la Plancha. The Grilled Galician scallops, elegantly composed and flawlessly executed, pirouetted on my palate, a dance of marine sweetness intermingling with a tantalizing hint of the grill.

The final piece was the star of the show, the Mollete de Pepito de Ternera, a beef sirloin sandwich that was nothing short of a culinary magnum opus. Tender, flavorful sirloin housed within the comfort of a soft 'mollete', it was a poignant and soulful finale to a gastronomic symphony that left me satiated and already longing for my next visit. A standing ovation for Castizo Serrano! This is the overture of a beautiful love...