La Taberna de Peñalver — Restaurant in Madrid

Madrid, spain- We were recommended this restaurant because of their paella. We made reservations at 10:30 and got there at 10:38 PM and we’re rushed to our table. The hostess instead of the waiter asked us if we were ordering paella and asked us which paella we wanted. We decided we were going to order two of them. the hostess was very rude and was pushy and rushing us quickly. The waiter came out an older gentleman and was very nice and funny. He wanted to shake our hands which was very unusual for a restaurant, but I liked it, and thought it was funny. He cracked a lot of jokes and was entertaining. we ordered mushrooms, which were very good and ham, which was very good. We got our orders very quickly, and was very surprised by the quick service. The black squid ink paella in the picture we received within 10 minutes. The taste was very good, unfortunately it wasn’t how I was described. it felt like it was undercooked. Usually it has some crunched to it where it was toasted with the pan. But this was only soft and no crutch. We also ordered the seafood traditional paella and never received it. By the time we finished our Paella, they brought us out the check without even asking if we wanted the check. There is still a lot of people there, and to me they were trying to get everybody out of the restaurant. they started stacking up chairs around us, even knocking our table and chairs while we were still drinking our cocktails. with the check came some small chocolate covered ice cream‘s, which were also very good. I think I came towards the end of the late night shift and everything was bad timing where everybody wanted to leave work. I’ve heard nothing but great things about this place, but in this circumstance, I had a bad experience. I can’t say that I will not recommend this place, I would just recommend to go there early and not be rushed out when you’re trying to have a...

Exceptional Paella in Madrid

Finding a perfect paella in Madrid can be a bit of a challenge, given the city's distance from the Valencian coast where the dish originates, but I discovered an absolute gem that delivered a truly authentic experience.

The restaurant, located in the heart of Madrid, offered a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for indulging in this Spanish classic. When the paella arrived at the table, it was a feast for the eyes—beautifully presented with vibrant golden rice, dotted with plump prawns, mussels, and clams, alongside tender pieces of chicken and rabbit.

The first bite confirmed that this was no ordinary paella. The rice was perfectly cooked, infused with the delicate flavors of saffron and a rich seafood stock. Each grain was packed with flavor, and the seafood tasted incredibly fresh, a testament to the restaurant’s dedication to sourcing top-quality ingredients.

The highlight, of course, was the socarrat—the crispy caramelized rice at the bottom of the pan, which added an irresistible texture and depth to every mouthful. This attention to detail made the paella feel authentic, a true representation of the traditional Spanish dish.

The service was top-notch, with the staff explaining the intricacies of the dish and making sure every guest felt well taken care of. Pairing it with a crisp white wine, recommended by the waiter, elevated the meal even further.

Overall, this was one of the best paellas I’ve had, not just in Madrid but anywhere in Spain. If you’re in the capital and craving a taste of Valencia, this spot is a must-visit. Rich, flavorful, and utterly satisfying, it’s the perfect dish to enjoy while soaking in Madrid’s vibrant...

My goodness, where do I even begin with this review? Simply giving La Taberna de Peñalver five stars for my experience this evening wouldn't do it justice. Back in Madrid for just one night, but this time staying in this neighbourhood, I've had this place "starred" on my Google Maps for at least the last 12 months – quite possibly a recommendation from a Madrid local during my travels. One word: WOW!

Putting aside the fact that it's been rated as the number one restaurant in Madrid on Trip Advisor (a fact I wasn't aware of, but not at all surprised by), the food was exceptional; it didn't just impress me, it left me in awe. Not only that, but every single staff member we encountered showed the utmost appreciation for our patronage. I haven't witnessed such incredible dedication and team synchronicity in a long time. Each staff member clearly enjoyed their work and demonstrated immense respect for their employer, running the establishment as if it were their own business. If you're unsure about what to order from the menu, simply ask, and you'll quickly discover that the staff take the time to understand your preferences, offering accurate suggestions. Professional, friendly, attentive, warm, welcoming, honest… the list of admirable qualities displayed by the staff is extensive, and goes on…

A huge thanks goes out to Atul, Jaycee, and the entire team. You are truly exceptional. I feel incredibly fortunate to have unexpectedly stumbled upon La Taberna de Peñalver this evening, with absolutely no expectations or advanced knowledge of just how fantastic this restaurant truly...