Taberna de Peñalver Callao - Restaurante de Paellas en Madrid Centro — Restaurant in Madrid

While the food was exceptional—among the best paellas we have enjoyed in Madrid—the service experience unfortunately fell far below expectations and left us with a negative impression of an otherwise could have been an excellent gastronomic experience.

Upon our arrival, we were informed that the table would be needed by 10:00 p.m., which we fully understood and accepted. However, beginning around 9:00pm., the staff repeatedly approached our table to ask if we were finished, despite the fact that we were clearly still eating. The constant interruptions were intrusive and made us feel rushed, undermining what should have been a pleasant dining experience.

At approximately 9:30 p.m., we ordered another drink, a Tinto de Verano, assuming we still had sufficient time to enjoy it before vacating the table as agreed. To our surprise, only a few minutes later, the server returned and informed us that the table would be needed in “three minutes.” This abrupt statement was both shocking and discourteous. Being told we had only three minutes remaining—after being told we had the table until 10:00 p.m.—was simply unacceptable.

We understand and respect that tables are booked for specific time slots. However, the way this situation was handled—repeatedly pressuring us to finish, attempting to remove plates prematurely, and finally giving us a three-minute warning—was unprofessional and made us feel unwelcome.

We genuinely appreciated the quality of the food and the effort of the kitchen team, but the poor service overshadowed what could have been a memorable evening. I hope you will take this feedback seriously and address the service issues to ensure that future guests receive the courteous and respectful treatment expected from a...

The paella was very good, however the service was terribile. We order a portion for 5 of croquetas de jamón and the waiter gave us 6 croquetas instead of 5 sp he came back and asked if we wanted to pay the 6 croquet or if he could take it away because “we have paid for only a plate” (even if it wasn’t our mistake). Then the waiter hit the bottle of wine and he threw down the paella that was near the wine. Alla our jackets were dirty and in the end after 30 minutes that give us another paella for free. The problem was that they never apologized for the mistake and didn’t to any discount on the final price. We asked the waiter if the price was corrected, and he said that as we finished alla the new paella we had to pay the whole price, assuming this is crazy because we wanted to eat only our portion of paella but as he did another paella to apologize we didn’t want to leave it. Then as soon as we finished eating they gave us the check wanting us to...

Somewhat unpleasant attitude when asking for a table - would not let me and my clearly pregnant wife sit for drinks unless we commit to getting food for lunch up front.

It is entirely possible that we may have ended up getting something to eat as well after a little while, if we had been allowed to sit and look at the menu after getting our drinks, but my wife was tired, slightly nauseous and just needed to sit right then, so it was difficult to say up front. There was no line and several vacant tables, so seemingly not an issue because we were keeping others from eating there.

To be honest, it feels unpleasant to be unwelcome unless you commit to spending a certain amount like that. Gives the impression that they are more focused on money than providing a good experience. Had they considered - even if we didn’t get food during this visit, that we might return later if it was a nice experience? I haven’t experienced this kind of weird attitude...