La Cúpula (The Palace Hotel)

Our group of 6 went with high expectations. The restaurant is beautiful to be sure. The waitress and sommelier were polite. We frequent fine dining restaurants during all our vacations. The food was what was so disappointing. The one item that was as good as expected was the beef Wellington. The mushrooms, the salads, the cod, the tartar, the beef, the pasta were all bland. The plating was also ho hum. At this price point, we expect so much more. The MOST disappointing was the duck. It was so tough, it was hard to even eat. On top of that, their “steak knife” was duller than a butter knife. When the waitress asked if everything was good, we did mention that the duck was so tough, it was inedible. But no follow through. Later, during our dinner, a gentleman, I assume is the manager, came and asked how everything was. We again explained that the duck was so tough. It was inedible. He said “yes, it is delicious! “ ?!?! I am not sure if his English was very poor or he was just not caring to get feedback. Once again, no follow-through. Even the mille feuille dessert which should be flaky and crisp, was mushy and gross. If you are looking for a beautiful restaurant but don’t care about the food, and willing to pay fine dining prices, maybe this restaurant is acceptable. We are accustomed to great food and service as well as ambiance at this price point. This was not it.

I booked a lunch reservation here due to the proximity to museums and activities I had planned for the day. I usually avoid hotel restaurants (IYKYK) but broke my rule for convenience. It looked beautiful, and I was hoping for a pleasant lunch in a beautiful setting. Unfortunately, my experience was not great. They had a set lunch menu, but I chose to order off of it - I’ve eaten few vegetables since arriving in Madrid, and I was craving a good salad. Cesar salads are pretty standard and hard to mess up, so that’s what I ordered. The cesar salad I received was very overdressed, and the dressing was not good - it was thick and gloppy with little flavor. The egg on top was undercooked and a little too wiggly jiggly for me. The bowl it was served in was hard to eat out of. I went for the ambiance and was seated in an area behind decorative trees that were blocking the view of the glass ceiling. Overall it was a pretty disappointing experience, especially for the price. I might come back for a drink, but I would not come back for food.

After seeing the glass dome online, we wanted to check it out. We were able to drop in for dessert and coffee and it was as advertised. The velvet chairs, linen napkins and evening glow from the dome were delightful. Topped off by a perfectly mixed Irish Coffee and Tarte Tatin with cinnamon ice cream. A very special and sophisticated way to spend an evening.

La Cupola inside The Palace Hotel is an absolute vibe—elegance without the fuss. We didn’t sit in the main restaurant but cozied up at the bar instead, which honestly was the perfect call. The girls split a burger and fries (which they devoured), while I sipped on a refreshing afternoon and espresso. What made it special? The ambiance. Think: a soaring glass dome from 1912, natural light flooding in, and a live pianist filling the space with soft, timeless melodies. In the afternoon, they brought out complimentary chips and some truly delicious olives—unexpected and so appreciated. It’s the kind of place where history and luxury meet, but it still feels warm and welcoming, even with kids in tow. Honestly, one of those picture-perfect moments you want to bottle up.

Disappointing to say the least. We stayed at the hotel and decided to have dinner at the hotel because we had to leave early the next day. What a complete waste. We have traveled extensively and aren’t strangers to fine dining. The only thing fine was the price of the meal. They didn’t have our table prepared when we arrived, so they squeezed us into a 4 top by switching out the chairs, which was fine as things happen. 4 out of 5 of us had bread service, which consisted of one piece of bread for 6 euros EACH and they didn’t come back to see if we wanted more, but on the bill they charged all 6 of us. They also “miscounted” how many waters we had for the table. But the bigger problem is that it took an hour and 20 minutes to get our meal, while others seated after us had been served, they also forgot one of the sides we ordered, we didn’t bother reminding them. Now on to the food. Beef Wellington was great, fish and lamb shoulder were good, not amazing or memorable. I’m confused as to how this restaurant has such great reviews.

The experience was great. I had the lunch menu and every dish was exquisite. The waiter was really nice to me , very attentive

Hostesses were amazing. When I first sat down for afternoon tea, everyone was so nice and attentive. I was waited for my friend to arrive before ordering. Once she was seated we ordered. I can’t tell you who our waiter was because four different people came to the table. We got our salad and sandwich. After that- no one. We needed ice- no one. I ordered the tea and dessert for $18. The tea was NOT good, so I switched to an Irish coffee. I received it- again, nothing. Coffee cold. Aren’t you suppose to have your drink with the dessert you picked? Awful service. I didn’t catch his name, but he obviously didn’t like US and showed it. I WILL NEVER BE BACK, NOR DO I RECOMMEND THIS PLACE.

Visited the restaurant for afternoon tea, service is very very slow before someone brings over the menu! Then took another 39 minutes for afternoon tea to arrive. I personally disappointed since this is a Westin hotel restaurant! The afternoon tea pastry is not up to expectation for Westin Hotel , there are 3 sandwich , cheese, Salmon and Spanish ham , some restaurants offer a bid of celery, these sandwich are way too plain. Do not enjoy the pastry , nothing visually attractive. After all, I asked for the wifi password, they gave me the wrong password then disappeared completely after couple of attempts to give the correct login password. The restaurant is not busy , only 3 tables therefore I cannot understand the reason behind the poor service.