A'Barra

I enjoyed it. Considering it was generally a struggle to find vegetables and any meat other than jamón ibérico in Madrid (though no complaints about the latter), I found it refreshing to see vegetable-forward dishes and a heavy seafood influence. Some of the types of seafood were new to me as well, so I appreciated that element of adventure into the local cuisine. Flavor-wise, it was heavy on salt, smoke, and cream. All extremely comforting and very much of Spanish essence. I think the overall journey of the courses spoke well, though someone’s comment about the salt-heavy diminuendo was noteworthy to me too - I guess the salt did serve as a bit of distraction on the palette so early on. At first I would have agreed that the courses were not enough food-wise but I ended the night feeling very content. There were many protein-heavy dishes. The yema dish with the eel was a standout for me, as was the tenderness of the smoked pork, and a few others. The only true downfall for me was that I had been hoping to see another land meat in the lineup - a quail would have been lovely, for example. A bit more balance btw land and sea would have made this a 5 star. I’d come back again though. Thanks for a lovely dinner.

This place promises in abundance; decor, ambiance, cleanliness, presentation and nice staff… but! The food just isn’t up to the standard that the Spanish are renowned for, particularly with a Michelin star. I had black rice with prawns for a starter and for €36 I would have expected more than one prawn. I even had to ask them to keep the head, as half the meat was still in it! The main dish was Venison with mushroom risotto; two small pieces of meat and no more than a very small spoonful of risotto. The meat was cooked very nicely, but the risotto was so small, it barely covered one piece of meat as an accompaniment. I paired the wine and my other half had pumpkin to start and fish for a main. Cooked nicely with good flavour, but nothing special. Bill was €210. For this money, you really can do better elsewhere and only your average uneducated tourist might fall for it. Pity. Unfortunately, very disappointed. Perhaps the Michelin star is a poisoned chalice these days?

This restaurant blew my boyfriends and I away. The restaurant itself was stunning and the service was impeccable. We absolutely loved it and would recommend coming back here again. Our favorite dish was the Iberian Wellington. We both thought it was beef instead of pork - that is how succulent the dish was.

Jamon was very good, with good flavour and texture. Good stuff stops there Had the tasting menu. 2 consecutive vegetable dishes with 0 innovation. Vegetables are average with nothing special. Things are not balanced - leaning towards saltier flavours with minimal counterbalance of other flavours. Ingredients are not easy to point out and is overpowered by the salt / mismatched sauces despite the main focus being the ingredients in most of the dishes. Service is horrendous considering there were only 4 tables for dinner and we’re in the centre. Multiple waiters came to my table and walked past my table but my wine glass and water were empty and ignored 5 times by people attending to the table. This is basic. If people are lazy, at least put the bottle of water or wine glass within arm’s length so I can pour it myself. After alerting a FEW people, they finally topped up my water and wine. Come on, train your service staff better instead of letting them use their phones or talk to each other all the time at the front of the restaurant. Would not recommend unless there’s lack of food options nearby

Our dining experience began here with my wife and I being greeted by Anya at the door. She was very friendly and polite, taking my wife’s jacket and my bag at the door. We were then waited on by Sergio, who was very friendly and professional. My wife and I found him very pleasant to speak to throughout the courses, not too much, not too little. Our water was consistently refilled without us even noticing, and each course was thoughtfully explained in clear English. Then of course, there was the food. It was clear to us that each dish was very thoughtfully put together to create the best experience possible. The taste was out of this world, I cannot emphasize this enough. The flavors were incredibly creative and original. Further, despite my shellfish allergy, the chefs were able to fully accommodate without compromise. To date, this has been the best restaurant I’ve ever been to. I did not meet the head chef or the manager, but if either of you are reading this, you’re both doing an awesome job.

As someone that was expecting something incredible, it was alright, I mean putting caviar and truffle on everything doesn’t mean it automatically tastes better. We had the tasting menu, I felt like there was something lacking… oh yes, flavor, that’s it. You can tell it’s just a place where the super rich go to tell others they’ve been to a “Michelin star”, but the ingredients were so simple, I was expecting something more complex, using rare Spanish ingredients. Also they fill you up with a big bread with butter and olive oil since the dishes are extremely tiny. Other than that, service was good. I went for someone’s birthday, we had called earlier to confirm it was for a birthday and they completely forgot, only after we paid the check and reminded them, is when we got a little birthday surprise.

restaurant is a little tucked away in the middle of a residential area. so best to get there by walking or Uber. food was excellent. I loved the beef and appetitiser. beef looked a bit raw but when slicing it, you realise it is cooked but yet still very tender and easy to cut. fish was also very fresh. desserts was OK with some chocolate pieces and ice cream with some accompanying gelatin. but I thought service was slightly inconsistent. dishes were not served to entire table at once and at times, some dietary restrictions were also slightly overlooked.

A’Barra is a true fine dining gem in Madrid. Every dish was beautifully presented and full of flavor — the blue lobster ravioli and steak tartare were outstanding, and the Crêpe Suzette dessert was the perfect finish. Excellent wine selection (the Finger Lakes Ravines was a great recommendation), and the service was professional and discreet. Highly recommended for anyone looking for an elegant and memorable dining experience.

My experience here was like eating a too ripe apple. It looks nice on the surface, but after a bite it leaves a sour and bitter taste. This is particularly true for A'Barra, especially being Michelin rated. Service was not prepared or organized. When we came in there were still fixing the lighting, making the "fine" dining experience not so fine. There would be 5 people waiting on our table but when we asked for someone only 1 person would show up, not because the others did not know English, but for some reason they were ordered to do so - it was weird and uncomfortable. They said we were given these complimentary starters but then get charged after. The waiter that misinterpreted our order in the beginning did not apologize and instead we got a new waiter and he ignored us the rest of the time. Food was inconsistent in presentation and taste. Those with better taste had poor presentation and vice versa. Nothing wowed me but I would choose the yolk dessert if anything. Overall not a fan.