La Taberna de Peñalver Cava Baja — Restaurant in Madrid

The food here is absolutely spectacular! Went 2x but had two very different experiences. The first night we arrived really late, because we fell asleep after a full day tour and woke up at 10pm. Arrived 10:45pm and immediately were advised that if we wanted paella we would need to order by 11pm. Really appreciated the heads up. We were waited on by multiple people and don’t remember all of their names, but service was great and I remember Gabriela who was very sweet and engaging. Next day we showed up around 5pm because we absolutely loved their secreto ibérico rice and wanted it again before hearing back home. Our waiter was Luis and this was a completely different experience and unfortunately not for the better. We ordered starters and the same ibérico rice we were craving from the night before (staff recognized us and were happy to see us back, which was really nice) drinks and starters came and everything was going well, but when the main course came it was a seafood paella, which wasn’t what we ordered. Before he even finished placing it on the table I advised there must have been a mistake because that was not what we ordered— here is where the experience turned bad— Luis came to the table and tried to argue that this is what I had ordered, I told him we were there the night before and had returned for the same thing because we loved it so much and that is what I ordered. He proceeded to insist that when he read off the order he named this dish and we had no objection, I told him again I was VERY SURE I know what I had ordered. He asked if we would consider keeping the one that was bought to us because he would get in trouble and they would charge him for it. My partner doesn’t like seafood so that just wasn’t an option so I declined. He left it on the table and said let me see what I can do. Now I’m feeling uncomfortable, he should have immediately removed it from the table, definitely shouldn’t have tried to argue with me or make me feel bad that he would get in trouble for HIS mistake! Ended up picking it up from our table and giving it to a table that had just been seated. If I were them I would have had an issue with that, but they took it. Then he forgot to ask the kitchen to make the correct one and we had to wait over 45 minutes for our food. The rest of the staff, as the day before, were very nice and one of them came and told Luis we had ordered the secreto ibérico the night before. Gabriella also came over and greeted us and talked to us for a little bit while we waited. I think Luis realized he handled the situation poorly and really tried to appease but it really felt inauthentic. Another gentleman, the one that brought and served us our rice later came and gifted us a wine bottle, which was a really nice gesture and was deeply appreciated. All in all I loved the food and staff here and wouldn’t hesitate to return when in Madrid. I can do without Luis, but really enjoyed...

The restaurant itself has a pleasant and welcoming atmosphere. The waiters were okay — not rude, but also not particularly friendly or informative. For the type of restaurant it aims to be, I expected a warmer and more attentive service.

We ordered the paella, which was disappointing. The portion felt quite small considering it was meant to be for two people. The first bite was tasty, but it quickly became overly salty and nauseating. The bread with olive oil was just okay — nothing special. The highlight of the meal was actually the dessert — a cheesecake — which was genuinely good.

However, considering that the restaurant had a 4.8 rating at the time we booked, we were expecting something outstanding. What we got was, at best, mediocre.

Another confusing aspect — which I’ve also seen mentioned in other reviews — is the way prices are presented on the menu. For example, the paella is described as being for two people, but the price listed is per person. So if it says “paella for two – €20”, the final price is actually €40. I find this misleading and unclear.

The total bill for two people — where we had just one appetizer, the paella, some bread with olive oil, and one dessert — ended up being over €100. That felt completely overpriced for the experience we had, the type of food, the level of service, and even the location of the restaurant. I was genuinely surprised by the final cost, especially considering the...

Disappointing experience despite good food

We had lunch at this restaurant during our vacation in Spain, with our children. We came here based on good reviews, and the food — especially the paella — was indeed tasty. Service was quick at first, and everything seemed fine.

However, the experience took a negative turn when it came time to pay. Our bill was around €150–200, and I handed over a €500 bill because I was having issues with my card that day and wanted change to leave a proper tip. The manager came over and was extremely rude and upset that I gave him €500. He threw the money back on the table and told us to “do whatever we want,” refusing to give change and making a scene.

Later, an older man — possibly another manager or a waiter — came over and angrily told us that “in Europe, €500 notes are not accepted.” Excuse me? I’ve been in Spain all summer, and plenty of places accepted it just fine. They could have simply gone to exchange it instead of treating us like a problem.

Overall, this experience ruined not just our impression of the restaurant but of Madrid in general. As women traveling with children, we were met with hostility instead of hospitality. The way they spoke to us — as paying customers — was completely unacceptable and unprofessional. The customer should always be treated with respect. Sadly, this was not...