Restaurante Pabú — Restaurant in Madrid

This French fine dining restaurant, newly awarded a Michelin star for 2025, has impressively achieved this accolade within just a year, reflecting the dedication and passion behind its success. The chef emphasizes the use of fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from Spain, with vegetables taking center stage in most dishes. Vegetarians will find the offerings both exquisite and flavorful, while non-vegetarians can enjoy a curated selection of fish and meat options.

The interior is a unique fusion of industrial design, gallery aesthetics, and vintage furniture. The space is thoughtfully divided between a main floor and a basement level. Upon arrival, the receptionist confirms your reservation and guides you to the downstairs dining area, where the menu is introduced by the dining manager, who happens to be the chef's mother. I opted for the “Bubú” tasting menu with wine pairing, along with an additional Bernard Antony cheese selection. Their skilled sommelier tailors the wine pairing to your preferences, offering a choice of straightforward wines or creative combinations to complement the meal.

While I won't detail every dish due to the seasonal nature of the menu, each creation was delightfully innovative, perfectly balanced in seasoning, and allowed the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine. The dishes never felt dull or overly simple, as the combinations and presentations were consistently inventive. The freshly baked breads were a standout—the Brioche with caramelized white sesame seeds on the crust was unforgettable, and the focaccia, filled with sweet and tangy tomatoes, struck a delightful balance of crunch, chewiness, and airy softness with a juicy twist.

For dessert, I enjoyed their Soufflé and Cheese selection. The soufflé was freshly baked and paired with Madagascar Bourbon vanilla and salted caramel, offering a rich yet refined sweetness. The cheese selection, guided by the chef’s mother, included six varieties, each distinctive in flavor. The highlights for me were the black truffle cheese and a unique sheep cheese. The meal concluded with a pot of fresh herb tea, featuring mint, salvia, stellaria media, and fennel—a refreshing and soothing finale.

The tasting menus are priced at 150 EUR and 110 EUR, with additional options such as a weekly lunch menu for 75 EUR and à la carte dishes ranging from 30 EUR to 100 EUR. This is a dining experience worth savoring, particularly for those curious about vegetable-forward haute cuisine. Whether you're a vegetarian or simply seeking an innovative culinary journey, this restaurant is not...

We had a fantastic lunch at Pabú in Madrid. The restaurant combines a stylish, modern atmosphere with impeccable cuisine, making it a perfect choice for an unforgettable dining experience.

What truly sets Pabú apart is its commitment to quality—all ingredients are fresh and sourced daily, purchased in the morning for same-day use. This dedication to freshness is evident in every dish. The menu masterfully blends French and Mediterranean cuisine, offering a delightful selection of flavors that are both refined and comforting.

Their wine selection is outstanding, with a carefully curated list that perfectly complements the dishes. The service was also top-notch—attentive, knowledgeable, and welcoming.

Overall, Pabú is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates high-quality cuisine and a well-paired glass of wine. We truly enjoyed our lunch and will definitely be...

Named for the two menus they offer, Pabú brings together memories from former L'Arpège chef Coco Montes with a focus on seasonality. "Pate" or father, is the menu with 8 plates and "Bubú" or mother, has 6 plates.

Drawing in pulses, grains, shellfish and more, with much of it sourced from in and around Madrid, Montes cooks in a way which challenges and excites while always retaining an element of comfort and relativity, making it highly relatable.

Of particular note is the wine list. Of less concern is the way they don't remove each glass throughout your meal. This leaves the table a little crowded at the end. ‘That's a lot of glasses,’ I told our sommelier. ‘That looks like...