Ricardo J.
Yelp
Review #500: Botín - the oldest continuously operated restaurant in the world, having run since 1725. World famous and renowned for its roast suckling pig.
We made reservations for 03.06.24 - the doors opened at 1 PM, the line was in place. We asked the host for a seat in the cellar and were obliged for his consideration.
The atmosphere and energy at opening time was considerable. The staff was ready to go!
Our waiter was professional and reserved, yet extremely attentive and courteous. Other waiters were gladly fielding questions from the customers about the restaurant's history.
We ordered a bottle of the house red, the Botín Salad, and of course, the roast sucking pig.
The wine was delicious and well-priced. And to think it was their "cheap option," yet as good as what is considered "high end" wine in the US.
The salad was a solid choice - well topped and dressed and plenty for the both of us. The toppings on it were incredibly complementary to one another, and the flavor profile was expert.
And then, the glorious yet sublime pig. Their pigs are only fed milk for three weeks before being processed for consumption. The result is extremely tender meat with a subtle flavor. The meat was almost creamy in texture, it was so rich. And the skin - so crispy from the ancient oven fire. It was like a thin sheet of ice on a lake that you poke and crack. The skin held a beautiful taste and was fun to crunch on separately.
After our meal, we were encouraged to look around the restaurant on all levels. Although the place was super busy and congested, every staff member moved around us and the other visitors effortlessly and without complaint.
For the naysayers on here that say there are cheaper places to eat in the area - yes, there are. And when you are, say, in Texas - you can get your BBQ from a Texas Monthly Top 10 joint, or you can head on down to the gas station for a brisket taco. And that we made it out of Botín for just around $100 USD - you can also go eat at the local Texas Roadhouse for that much and not get the once in a lifetime experience of eating here.
Finally, the menu and prices are available both online and at the door, so if you want to complain about prices, that's your own fault.
The service and food here was excellent - and as a dining experience, this is one that you talk about and remember fondly for a long time.