Moratin — Restaurant in Madrid

While visiting Madrid, I came across Moratin's as a recommendation from my Airbnb host. Since I was unable to call and reserve per the instructions of their website (UK phone number issue), I emailed the restaurant and Marcos gladly accommodated my reservation request.

At the start of the evening, I was warmly greeted at the door and shown to my table. The atmosphere was charming and intimate. To my surprise, many of the menu items were available to order in half-portions if you wanted more of a sampling than a full meal. I really admire this flexible option as it has the potential to decrease food waste and overeating, yet providing the possibility to try other dishes.

The service was really good, though I do have one complaint. When asked about my wine preference, one of the servers told me they would bring me an option to try. The wine never came, which I assume was an honest oversight.

Regarding the meal, I had the Spoon (soup) of the day, the Santoña octopus with paprika oil and cilantro about potato parmentier, marinated salmon at home with pickle vinaigrette, and the cod confit on vegetable escalibada. My favorite dish was the soup and my least favorite was the cod confit (it gave me quite the stomach ache). Overall, I thought the food was just okay, but I wasn't too impressed.

Though I give the food a lower rating, I applaud the atmosphere, culture, flexibility, and the warmth/friendliness of the staff at Moratin's. I'd be happy to dine here again to try some of the other dishes and to hopefully get a more comprehensive...

Fantastic little restaurant - I had been meaning to go to it for ages because of the reviews and given it is convenient for me and so was very hyped about it before going. Thankfully it did not disappoint and exceeded expectations.

Put simply at Moratin they offer fresh, interesting well cooked food, an extensive, well-curated and affordable wine list. All of the above provided with excellent, friendly service in a relaxed but formal tranquil setting.

There were 3 of us and we shared each dish to maximise the deliciousness. With the exception of the desserts, nothing disappointed. I would recommend the following dishes: puerros (leeks), steak tartar (this was delicious and a sizeable portion to share) and a seared tuna from the north of Spain - this was a special of the day. There were some really interesting flavours on show, made with flair and showcasing high quality fresh ingredients.

I do have to mention that the desserts were nice, but nothing spectacular. I'm still yet to be wow-ed by a dessert here in Spain.

Seriously great wine list too - we went for the Louro Godello and the Lalama from Ribiera Sacra. Both delicious and well priced - we even had a second bottle of the Louro it was so good.

Great restaurant and I'll definitely...

My only apprehension towards leaving a review of this stellar place is that I’ll find it harder to get a table in the future. But Vinoteca Moratín deserves the praise.

A perfect ambience with soft music and just-right illumination preludes a fantastic culinary experience.

The menu is large enough to offer choice for those who seek it, but concise enough to let you make up your mind. The only question is which plate will you leave behind since they all sound (and are) excellent.

As foreshadowed by the talented owner who narrates the menu fabulously, the plates were all excellent. My personal favourite were the cannelloni which blew my mind paired with the suggested Toro wine.

The desserts were as spectacular as everything else throughout the dinner. A great close to a great meal.

Many congratulations to the whole Moratín team. We’ll be...