ita Madrid — Restaurant in Madrid

ita · Madrid

One of the most unforgettable meals I’ve ever had—and it all started with hesitation. I almost didn’t book because the menu looked too limited. But don’t be fooled. There is absolutely no limitation here—only precision, passion, and pure culinary joy.

ita is run by a husband-and-wife team—an economist and a chemical engineer—who’ve somehow turned their shared obsession with food into a Michelin-starred masterpiece, without the slightest bit of pretension. Every bite reflects love, discipline, and a deep respect for ingredients.

Let’s talk about the monkfish. I would literally go to heaven and come back for this dish. The texture is like lobster, tender and rich, layered over silky potato purée with just the right amount of kick from warm spices and perfectly crispy fried kale. Creamy, chewy, crispy—it’s like a three-part symphony on the plate.

The beets were another standout, served with caper berries, fresh mint, dill, and a tangy-sour reduction that made every bite feel bright and herbaceous. The burrata? Impossibly fresh, creamy, and balanced. The anchovies were delicate and clean, and the sourdough bread they came with worked as the perfect canvas for everything we ordered.

Then came the corvina—served with house-made lemon zest, red onion, and warm spices. You have to eat it with a spoon to soak up every drop of that juice. I’m still dreaming about that olive oil.

We started with a sample of the baba ghanoush served with bread and radish…crispy little bites of joy. We finished with a seasonal nectarine dessert and their silky crème caramel, and both were subtle, thoughtful, and not overly sweet. A perfect ending.

The vibe is light, warm, and filled with laughter. You can hear people enjoying themselves, but somehow it still feels intimate—like you’re being taken care of by a private chef in your own home. And the service? Genuinely kind, never pushy. Even though we kept trying to order more (because everything was that good), they gently reminded us to enjoy what we had.

No gimmicks, no Instagram fluff, no upselling—just a couple of food lovers who are clearly doing what they’re meant to do. I would 100% come back, this time to pair the food with their wine list. It’s rare to find a place that nails flavor, technique, and soul....

Ita Madrid, recently awarded a Michelin 2025 rating, is a very small restaurant run by a remarkable husband and wife team who are super enthusiastic and amazing. The intimate operation features the wife expertly running the kitchen while the husband serves as the gracious host, creating a personal dining experience that feels like being welcomed into their home.

The small menu offers a very limited range, and all customers must remember that there is only one chef working in the kitchen, so patience is essential. This constraint actually enhances the quality, as each dish receives meticulous attention from the sole chef.

For appetizers, we enjoyed the balsamic beets with their interesting fresh flavor that elevated this humble vegetable, red potatoes that reminded me of an ensalada rusa with their creamy, comforting preparation, and burrata that was excellent in its simplicity and quality.

The mains showcased the kitchen's technical prowess: the zucchini ravioli was stellar and so good that I genuinely wanted more - a perfect example of how simple ingredients can be transformed into something extraordinary. The Corvina fish dish was most similar to Peruvian ceviche, offering bright, clean flavors that demonstrated the chef's international influences. The roast beef was amazing, cooked to perfection using sous vide technique that resulted in flawless texture and temperature throughout.

For desserts, we had the pot de creme chocolate, which was alright - not too bitter or sweet, striking a balanced middle ground. The creme caramel was essentially a well-executed leche flan, familiar and comforting in its traditional preparation.

Overall, Ita certainly deserves the Michelin rating through its technical excellence and passionate execution. However, be warned that the dishes feature small portions and the limited range of options can be restrictive for some diners expecting variety or...

Just popped into this delightful little spot in Madrid's Barrio de Salamanca, Ita, and wow, what an experience!

Run by the most delightful Venezuelan couple, Ita is the epitome of warmth and hospitality. The wife, a wizard in the kitchen, whips up what they call "cocina de mercado" - a menu that's short but every dish is a masterpiece. And her husband? Well, he's not just the face of the restaurant, but also a wine sommelier who knows his stuff. Their wine selection is a treasure trove of garage wines - a rarity in small Madrid restaurants.

Let's talk about the wines first. We kicked off with Txuria a Viura from Aseguinolaza & Leunda. One whiff and you're hit with green apple zestiness and a hint of salinity. It paired like a dream with their Cod and leeks - a must-try. Then there was the Ca'n Verdura Negre from Mallorca. Think red fruits, minerality, and just the right amount of acidity. It was the perfect companion to their pumpkin and pecan raviolis - and trust me, these raviolis are the stuff of legends!

The starters set the bar high. Smoked sardines with glazed pear and house pickles - a symphony of sweet, smoky, and acidic notes. And the desserts? A dream! The flan with a hint of cardamom was a cool twist, and the lemon custard with cinnamon and meringue was nice and citrusy to end with.

Every dish reflects their Basque Culinary Center training, yet there's an unmistakable homeliness about Ita. It's cozy, unpretentious, and just radiates love and passion for good food.

In short, Ita is a must-visit for anyone in Madrid who values quality, a boutique wine selection, a personal touch, and exceptionally crafted dishes.

It's a small place, so make sure to book in advance. Trust me, you...