Restaurante Casa Benigna

An extraordinary gastronomic experience! We booked this restaurant 6 weeks in advance on a friend’s personal recommendation. To say it met our expectations is an understatement! Our taxi dropped us off beside an inconspicuous wooden door beneath the sign Casa Benigna in modest surrounds. We found the door locked and thankfully noticed the large brass door knocker which you were expected to use to get the attention of your host! Once inside we were enchanted by the decor and were greeted by non other than the owner of the restaurant Lars. He loved telling us the story of his restaurant which was founded in 1990 by his father - Norberto and now owned by him. He talked us through the menu and made brilliant recommendations which we absolutely devoured!! The hot smoked salmon brought fresh from Norway and smoked in house and the eggplant with duck confit were both divine. The smoked salmon was the best I’ve ever had an just melted in your mouth. The paella is the highlight of this restaurant as the family hailed from a little village near Valencia. We just had to try at least two. The chicken and vegetable paella was beautiful to look at and burst with flavour. The Iberian pork paella is a house classic which we loved also. Although this was all very filling and we just couldn’t make room for dessert the owner treated us to a little thin crispy wafer made from nuts and a small pot of decadent chocolate sauce which we couldn’t refuse. An experience I would highly recommend to anyone visiting Madrid. Book ahead!

An absolute gem in Madrid. Casa Benigna offers one of the most authentic and heartwarming dining experiences I’ve had in Spain. The food is exceptional – you can truly taste the care and tradition in every bite. My absolute favourite was the black rice with alioli. It was rich, perfectly cooked, and full of deep flavour, with the alioli adding just the right touch of creaminess and balance. Truly unforgettable. Their signature paella, cooked in the traditional patella, was also outstanding. Every dish felt thoughtful and full of soul. The service was warm and personal, with a team that made us feel genuinely welcome. It’s clear they love what they do and want every guest to leave happy. The setting is elegant yet relaxed, with a cosy charm that makes you feel right at home. It’s the kind of place where you slow down, enjoy the moment, and savour every bite. Casa Benigna is more than just a meal – it’s an experience. I’ll absolutely be coming back and highly recommend it to anyone looking for authentic Spanish cuisine made with heart.

Small and eclectic restaurant in Madrid that serves some of the best rice dishes in their own patented metal plate. The menu is short (5 starters and 7 main courses all rice or pasta) but all items are a must try. The house smoked salmon excels, served warm with an ultra crispy skin. All rice types are flavourful and cooked to perfection with a bit of socarrat (burnt rice). The service is very professional, attentive and friendly.

We began with a variety of appetizers, each thoughtfully prepared, with the jamón being particularly exquisite. The paella, cooked in their signature patella pan, was outstanding, featuring a flavorful socarrat that showcased the chef's dedication to perfecting rice dishes. Desserts were equally impressive, rounding off a proper dinner. The service was warm and attentive, making us feel like honored guests. The cozy, home-like atmosphere added to the charm. Highly recommended for those seeking authentic Spanish cuisine in Madrid.

This place nails both style and substance. The decor is quite unique (with clothes and else hanging from the roof and other details which make the place cozy) and the device very welcoming. The paella was one of the best I’ve had—perfectly cooked rice but also the possibility to take several types of paella to share among us. The smoked salmon was incredible too, with a depth of flavor that makes sense once you learn the owner has Norwegian roots (or at least that’s what I understood). A spot that feels special without trying too hard—definitely worth a visit!

Casa Benigna delivers an exceptional Spanish dining experience that showcases both traditional preparations and outstanding hospitality. The excellent jamón bellota slices, paired with their homemade butter and bread, create a perfect appetizer that sets the tone for quality throughout the meal. The premium ham's nutty, rich flavors complement the fresh bread and creamy butter beautifully. The highlight of the meal was undoubtedly the tomato sauce noodles with sliced lobster - so delicious that you could smell the aromatic tomato sauce before it was even mixed into the pasta. This dish was definitely my favorite, combining the sweetness of fresh lobster with a vibrant, fragrant tomato base that created an unforgettable flavor combination. The paella de costilla ibérica (paella of pork ribs) was equally delicious, featuring the coveted crispy rice bottom that paella enthusiasts seek, paired with tender pork ribs that provided a lovely crunch in every bite. The balance of textures and the depth of flavor demonstrated masterful paella technique. The paella of rabbit and snails offered an interesting flavor profile that represents traditional Spanish countryside cuisine, though this combination is admittedly not for everyone. The preparation was authentic and well-executed for those seeking genuine regional specialties. The strawberry sorbet served as an amazing palate cleanser and dessert ending for the evening, providing a refreshing, clean finish that perfectly concluded the rich, savory meal. A special shout out to the Filipino kitchen and waitstaff crew who were very attentive and enthusiastic throughout the evening. Their dedication to excellent service and genuine warmth significantly enhanced the dining experience. Would I eat there again? Probably not. Reservations take a long time to book, and while the food is good, it's not worth coming back for given the hassle of securing a table and the abundance of other excellent dining options in Madrid. Casa Benigna successfully combines authentic Spanish cuisine with exceptional service, but the difficulty in booking and the lack of truly memorable dishes that would justify repeat visits make it more of a one-time experience than a regular dining destination.

I have lived in Barcelona and traveled extensively throughout Spain, believe me when I say that this is THE MOST EXQUISITE Paella I have tasted! The service is outstanding and the food is incredibly delicious. I don’t like cooked salmon but I devoured this one, enjoying each bite! MOST VISIT!

Just had one of the next meals in Madrid. Came here for lunch alone and it was all local diners. The owner and his daughter introduced themselves and gave my his recommendations and the history of the restaurant. The aubergine was amazing. I got the pork paella and it was the rice was so crispy!! At the end of meal, then even gave me sweet note and comped my meal. Can't recommend this place enough!