Numa Pompilio: A Culinary Oasis of Italian Elegance in Madrid's Barrio de Salamanca
Numa Pompilio, nestled in the upscale Barrio de Salamanca in Madrid and part of the esteemed Paraguas family, is a culinary gem that effortlessly combines sophistication with an authentic Italian dining experience. From its unique décor to the delightful garden oasis, every detail is meticulously crafted to create an elegant atmosphere.
The restaurant's interior is a testament to the Paraguas family's commitment to aesthetics, with a blend of classic and contemporary elements that exude refinement. The beautiful garden, one of the restaurant's standout features, adds a touch of tranquility to the overall dining experience, making it a perfect retreat in the heart of Madrid.
Numa Pompilio proudly focuses on Italian cuisine, offering a diverse menu that showcases the rich culinary tapestry of Italy. While the background music might deviate slightly from the Italian theme, the overall ambiance remains consistently elegant.
The starters present a selection of classic Italian dishes, setting the tone for an authentic culinary journey. The pasta menu, covering various regions of Italy and featuring traditional recipes, stands out as a highlight. Opting to enjoy pasta as a starter was a delightful choice, as the quality of each dish surpassed expectations.
The mains present another compelling option, showcasing the culinary expertise of the kitchen. The dessert list, with its tempting offerings, provides a fitting conclusion to the dining experience. Each dish reflects a dedication to quality and authenticity, making Numa Pompilio a destination for those seeking an Italian culinary adventure in Madrid.
The wine list complements the menu, featuring a well-curated selection of both local and international wines. While the prices may lean towards the higher end, they are in line with the restaurant's sophistication and the overall dining experience it offers.
Service at Numa Pompilio is exemplary, characterized by professionalism and genuine kindness. The staff's attentiveness adds to the overall enjoyment, ensuring a memorable and pleasurable dining experience.
In summary, Numa Pompilio in Madrid's Barrio de Salamanca is a haven for those who appreciate the finer things in life. Its commitment to Italian cuisine, coupled with an elegant ambiance and impeccable service, makes it a top choice for anyone looking to savor the essence of Italy while indulging in the vibrant culinary scene of Madrid. Though the prices may be on the higher side, the experience justifies the investment for those seeking a truly exceptional...
Read moreWe went to dinner at Numa Pompilio, and while the food and atmosphere were excellent, the service was absolutely horrendous. Right from the start, the experience was disorganized: the food arrived before the drinks, and when we reminded the staff about them, they brought two Hugo Spritz and one Coke instead of one Hugo Spritz and two Cokes.
I ordered a second Coke before the main courses arrived, but it only came after I had already finished eating. I had to remind them 10 minutes later. The server was completely clueless, like he didn’t know where he was or what he was doing.
To make it worse, the main waiter who initially took our order only took the appetizers, and after we finished those, he never came back to take our main course order. We had to call him over about 10 minutes later, and he just said he would “be right back.” Very unprofessional.
I had been to this restaurant before with my girlfriend and her parents and had a great experience, but this time I went with my girlfriend and my parents, and it was nowhere near the same. We come to Madrid once a year, and we expect top-tier service to match the food and ambiance. This was a huge letdown.
They also forgot to bring the eggplant parmigiana appetizer, and we had to remind them. Throughout the dinner, we felt like we were the waiters of our own table—asking servers to clear plates and being completely ignored.
And finally, we were overcharged on the bill for items we never ordered. When we pointed it out, the waiter insisted it was correct and said he had already fixed it. But when we insisted again and had him check, he realized it was wrong—and the look he gave us, like we were the ones bothering him, was the cherry on top.
I wish I were exaggerating, but unfortunately, this was the reality. A shame that such a beautiful restaurant with great food can be completely ruined by such...
Read moreThe food was especially delicious and the atmosphere in the terrace was lovely, a really magical, fairytale setting. Normally, enough to have guaranteed more than a satisfactory evening. Except it wasn’t. I’ve experienced some rude waiters in my time. Some tired waiters. Some busy waiters. All palatable. All understandable. Never, though, have I experienced the waiters in this establishment. Masters of rudeness, connoisseurs of snobbery, the waiters in this restaurant, from the beginning, were total cliches of themselves. 45 minutes we waited, from being unceremoniously plonked by the cutlery station in a practically empty restaurant, to managing to engage with a waiter long enough to, reluctantly, take our order. We ordered all of it in one go. After then waiting 30 minutes for a pre supper cocktail, it predictably arrived along with our starter, swiftly followed by our main without the wine. Followed by the tour de resistance. “ We do not have the bottle you ordered but something very similar.” I japed, this will probably cost double what the original bottle would have. Little did I imagine that they’d actually pull such a crude, dirty, unprofessional, trick. But, alas, I was in the hands of Monsier Thenadier and his gang of tricksters. A final word to the wise, If the sommelier then leaves your bottle on the side, without the resource, attentiveness, or care of service to pour said bottle, then don’t sit and suffer in silence. The bottle will still be there, undrunk, at the end of the meal. We came with high expectations and left with a incredibly sour taste in our mouths. I wish I could say it was the sumptuous lemon sorbet I finished on, but experience tells...
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