Nestled in the heart of Madrid, Lhardy, established in 1839, offers a dining experience that transcends time. Walking into this historic restaurant is like stepping into another era, where elegance and classic charm seamlessly blend to create an unforgettable atmosphere.
The moment you enter Lhardy, you are enveloped by its cozy, black interior. The dark, rich tones of the decor are both inviting and sophisticated, providing a perfect backdrop for a refined dining experience. The high ceilings, adorned with intricate moldings, and the grand windows draped with heavy curtains add to the sense of timeless luxury.
Candlelit tables and antique chandeliers cast a warm, gentle glow, creating an intimate setting ideal for savoring the restaurant's culinary offerings. The attention to detail is evident in every corner, from the polished wooden floors to the gleaming silver service ware that hints at the restaurant's storied past.
During our visit, we indulged in a selection of very special cheeses and wines, along with old-fashioned Madrid food, all of which exceeded our expectations. The quality and presentation of the dishes were impeccable, reflecting the high standards that Lhardy has maintained for over a century. The experience was further enhanced by the excellent service; the staff were attentive and knowledgeable, adding to the overall charm of the evening.
In addition to its dining experience, Lhardy is also famous for its patisserie, offering an array of delightful pastries that are as delicious as they are beautifully presented. This added an extra layer of indulgence to our visit, making it truly memorable.
In summary, dining at Lhardy is not just about enjoying a meal but immersing oneself in a piece of Madrid’s history. The classic, cozy atmosphere, combined with superb cuisine and exceptional service, makes it a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique and memorable...
Read moreThis was, by far, my most disappointing dining experience in Madrid.
Throughout the meal, flies repeatedly landed on my food. When I brought this up to the staff, a female sommelier responded by saying that flies are “natural” and that I probably attracted them because I ordered more food. She even asked me is that I didn’t want to pay. This kind of attitude is unacceptable.
Before I finished my tasting menu, I was pushed to pay. After only two bites of dessert, I was again asked to swipe my card. Then flies ruined the dessert as well. I noticed that female sommelier wore a silver grape badge and tried to have a civil conversation about wine. She denied being a sommelier and said she was just “studying.” But when I mentioned WSET, she became visibly angry and snatched away the card machine. Moments later, another staff member brought a second machine and asked me to pay again.
I asked to speak with a manager and voiced my deep disappointment. Eventually, a more senior male staff member confirmed that this lady was indeed their sommelier.
The level of hygiene and hospitality I experienced does not match the reputation this restaurant claims to have. I sincerely hope they take food safety and staff professionalism more seriously...
Read moreSave your money! Do not eat here! This was the absolutely worst meal I remember having anywhere! My wife and I were trying to recall our bad experiences over more than 30 years of international travel and could think of nothing to compare to this experience. I should have known from my 1st question to the waiter that this was going to be an awful night. When I asked to start with a glass of white wine I was told in a very condescending way that they do not offer any white wines by the glass. And so the food came..... First we were presented with stale, tasteless bread, followed by a small bowl of uninteresting consome. The main courses were deer and calf cheeks. The deer was so tough and tasted like my mother's (may she rest in peace) 2 day old pot roast. It was tough and covered in a very unappetizing sauce. My calf cheeks were also covered in a strong and foul tasting sauce. My wife and I both agreed that this was a meal similar to what one would find in a north European train station. Oh, and this came at the end of our 1 month stay in Spain. During this time, we have had a very few other disappointing experiences, but nothing that could compare at...
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