LA BOLA — Restaurant in Madrid

My experience here was disappointing due to a lack of professionalism of the waiter we got. We were the first in, and the last out. First time in this place. I went with my daughter and a friend. I was able to get gluten free soup, and gluten free bread, a 10 for this, however, when my daughter and friend got their fideos they were cold and dry lacking caldo, we mentioned this to another waiter, who quickly pointed out, in a very friendly manner while looking at his colleague just how to enjoy cocido there. Turns out, our waiter, one of the senior ones, hadn't explained how things are done. Things were just dumped on the table, he forgot the guindilla etc, a disaster. Can't fault the food, but big time the waiter. When we were finally given our coffee we asked for the bill and it was thrown on the table by the same person, On the bill instead of a glass of white, there was a bottle of white. He even doubted we were telling the truth, I had a glass of red, my daughter water and my friend a glass of white There was a lady who went round all the tables saying hello but didn't come near us. We were at the table to the left by the window as soon as you go into the dining room. You should never judge a book by its cover.

Would I repeat? Yes, as the food was excellent, but would ask for a change of waiter were we to be served by the same man.

The other waiters seemed so friendly, but as they say in Spanish o tenía mal día el nuestro o nos tocó el de turno. Muy antipático. No representa el restaurante. Nunca he puesto un mal review en un...

Tourist trap! Not worth the hype! We made a reservation for dinner, since a day previously when we went directly there during lunch time they said it's not possible without one. Fair enough. First, when we arrived I was very surprised only 3 tables were occupied and for one hour while we dinned there no one else arrived. This made me think they might create intendedly a false impression that their restaurant is popular and hard to get in. Secondly, the food... what a dissapointment. We had the famous Cocido Madrileño and Bacalao Andaluza that you see in the picture. The Cocido was not that bad, but definetely not for everyone as it's pork, sausage, veal and chicken meat all boiled together for hours with chickpeas and no condiments at all. The taste of it is very strong and raw, hard to please everyone. The Bacalao was disgusting, the taste was oily and bland, texture of fish chewy and weird. Even the salad was impossible to eat because of a weird taste. And it costs 19 euros for those 3 little pieces of fish you see! On top, they make you pay 1.62 euro per person for some stale bread they put on the table even before the guests appear. Even the atmosphere is sad and quiet, with no music and very impersonal. The service was tipical for Spain, they do not care and don't bother but we weren't expecting much either. If you want an authentic experience try Casa Alberto instead. Is even older than La Bola, but have great food and very good prices especially if you choose...

This review is long overdue and I apologize to the staff for my tardiness. My wife and I celebrated our 43rd wedding anniversary while in Madrid and had the unique opportunity and honor of dining at this restaurant which specializes in Cocido Madrileno since 1870. They make each portion in clay pots and cook it on a wood burning stove to give it a wonderful smokey enhancement to the stew. The ingredients are simple yet combine to make a great meal. The staff explains the process and recommends the wines and deserts that enhance your dining experience Wilmer recommended their apple fritter and it was the perfect desert after having the cocido. The way that the staff treated us was nothing short of perfection and they paid attention to each detail of the experience. I'd like to recognize Wilmer, Kamal and Diana for their service and we are hoping to enjoy another Cocido Madrileno in the near future. There was however one disappointment though (but to no fault of the staff)... They had clay pots with the restaurant's name (logo) at the check out register and wanted to purchase one as a pleasant memory but weren't for sale. We recommended that they strongly consider selling them but for now, the great dining experience and full tummy upon leaving the restaurant will be treasured for years to come. Thank you, Taverna La Bola for making our dining experience there so memorable...