Lhardy is thought to be Spain’s oldest cafe-restaurant, having opened its doors in 1839. Anecdotes abound about its role in the many espionages and scandals of contemporary high society; for many decades Lhardy’s French-influenced cuisine was synonymous with unattainable luxury and aristocratic high living, and indeed the restaurant first introduced a telephone system for reservations in 1889, when the nation had less than 49 telephones installed. Today, it has left this elitist heritage behind it, and operates as a joint cafe-restaurant and boutique for unique Spanish foods and supplies.

A stone’s throw from Plaza de la Puerta del Sol is an iconic restaurant that hasn't changed much since the Romantic era – retaining its original chandeliers, varnished wallpaper, and gilded fixtures. A few aesthetic adjustments mark the passing of time, like the grand gold mirrors painted black in 1904 to mark the death of Queen Isabella II. Lhardy is known for elevated versions of traditional Spanish cuisine such as cocido (chickpea stew) and callos a la madrileña (beef tripe and sausage stew).

Lhardy is the gaudiest, most regal luxury restaurant in town and one the city's oldest—it dates back to 1839. You’ll find stately chandeliers, heavy velvet drapes, stained glass, twisting staircases, and endless gold and silver throughout the two-story space. The Spanish-French food, which includes their hearty Madrileño stew and sauced up fishes and meats, doesn't quite live up to the grandiose upstairs dining, especially for the grandiose prices.

This landmark restaurant, which opened in 1839, is credited with having introduced French haute cuisine into the culinary wilderness of Madrid. Founder Emile Lhardy is said to have been enticed to the city by none other than 'Carmen' author Prosper Mérimée, who told him there was no decent restaurant in the Spanish capital. These days it's rated as much for its history and belle-époque decor as for the (expensive) food.

If you wish to step back in time, we recommend you have lunch in Lhardy considering it is one of the first restaurants in Spain that was founded specially for Madrid´s noble people´s refined taste. It was opened in 1839 during the Romantic period and it was visited by Madrid´s most important politicians, aristocracy as well as the kings . You will be able to have a luxurious lunch or dinner in one of its original and beautiful dining rooms such as the Sala Isabelina or the Japonese Salon.

Lhardy is the first known Spanish restaurant, with such status integral to the ongoing public restoration works on the establishment. This famous restaurant is not only home to delectable authentic dishes, but also the backdrop for many significant events in Spanish history. These four walls date back over three centuries, a period marked by the overthrow of kings and politicians, the inauguration of republics and new dynasties, restorations, regencies and dictatorships.

If you are a history nut like I am, you should definitely go to Lhardy, which first opened in 1839!. Many important events in Spanish history might have been determined over a meal here, as monarchs, politicians and celebrities have been coming here for almost two centuries (the spy Mata Hari was arrested after having lunch at Lhardy in 1916). When I walk into this magnificent place, I have an emotional reaction.

It opened in 1893 as a bakery and shortly after became one of the first stylish restaurants in Madrid. Political and intellectual figures would meet in its dining rooms, making it the most mentioned restaurant in Spanish literature. Walking through the mahogany façade transports you back to 1880 when decorator Rafael Guerrero gave it an Imperial style that has been preserved to the present day.

Established in 1839, Lhardy is Madrid’s oldest luxury restaurant, a veritable institution frequented by artists, royals, and intellectuals over the years. Its location on Carrer de San Jerónimo makes it a great place to stop on your way to or from Puerta del Sol for a warming cup of their legendary consommé (Spanish caldo) guarded in antique silver samovars in the charming deli upfront.

This prestigious restaurant has the honor of being the first luxury restaurant to open in Madrid. Unlike other restaurants of its time, Lhardy had separated tables, fixed prices, white tablecloths and written menus, something completely novel in Madrid in the 19 th century. Lhardy serves one of the most delicious "cocido madrieño" you can try in Madrid / Image credits: Wikipedia (C.C.)

Located in Carrera de San Jerónimo 8, since 1839 it has shown us in its sumptuous rooms, witnesses of the last 175 years of history, mainly typical Madrid and international cuisine. In the menu it rescues the best traditional recipes such as its mythical stew, the kidneys with sherry or the tripe. They have several elegant private rooms ideal for celebrations and group meals.

From aristocrats to intellectuals and politicians, its refined cuisine and impeccable service captivated the capital's high society and lead to its successful longevity. After more than three centuries of history, its romantic-style dining rooms still retain the aura of nineteenth-century Madrid, while its menu includes contemporary delights which nod to its evolution.

One of the most classic restaurants in Madrid, Lhardy is located very close to Puerto del Sol. Opened in 1839, they’re another restaurant famous for serving colcido madrileño stew, as well as many other centuries old dishes such as roasted duck with orange. The dining room is very old school luxury, think wood-panelling, red velvet, grand paintings and chandeliers.

Lhardy was founded in 1839, and its décor hasn’t changed much since then, but this totally adds to the experience. It is considered to be the first restaurant that brought Haut cuisine to Madrid and therefore boasts a very long list of high society and politicians who have dined here. The menu remains fairly French, although typical Madrileño dishes do feature.

Lhardy is a historic Spanish restaurant in Madrid which has been in the city for over a century, serving the best in both Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine to some of Spain's most powerful figures. Some people say that Spain would not be the same without this restaurant as so many political meetings and talks have gone on within its walls.

Lhardy is one of the century-old restaurants of Madrid, has been open since 1839 and has a long history. So much so, that the very Manolete has eaten there and has also appeared in the works of Azorín and Galdós. Although in 2021 was acquired by Pescaderías Coruñesas the restaurant is still decorated in the style of the 19th century.

Step back in time and enjoy the fantastic cuisine of Lhardy, a favorite in the Spanish capital since 1839. From the moment you walk in you’ll feel the elegance and opulence of the 19th century, as the restaurant appears now much as it did back then. You’ll even have your cocido madrileño served to you on a silver platter!

But if you're looking for a more hearty meal, the Madrid landmark Lhardy is a good option. It opened in 1839 and was said to have been the first restaurant in Madrid to serve French cuisine and be called a 'restaurant'. When it opened Lhardy was frequented by the city's royalty, literati and political leaders.

Madrid is where old and new collide: classics like Lhardy, Casa Alberto and Bodegas La Ardosa are worth a visit if even just to admire the historic decoration, while recent arrivals in town include Tramo, a social enterprise combining elegant dining with environmental and social consciousness,

We recommend this classic soup’s preparation at the century-old restaurant Lhardy, where they also add a touch of apple. Another place to try it is at Diurno, with a more ‘gentrified’ atmosphere in the heart of Chueca, where they add bacon and croutons to this delicious white cream soup.

Opened in 1839, Lhardy Restaurante is one of Madrid’s oldest dining spots, known for preserving the city’s culinary heritage over the centuries. Its historic interiors and timeless atmosphere offer a glimpse into Madrid’s past while maintaining a warm and inviting setting for guests.

If you enjoyed the Palacio Real, you’ll love dining at this favorite of Isabel II which introduced haute cuisine to Madrid in 1839. Above a slightly shabby shopfront close to Puerta del Sol, the dining room is a sedate mix of dark wood and red velvet. A recent menu makeover and more…

A true Madrid institution, Lhardy first opened its doors in 1839 and hasn’t changed much since. Trust us, that’s a good thing!. The beautiful, old-world decor and impeccable service make this a top pick for where to eat in Madrid on Mondays.

What to Order: Cocido madrileño, suckling pig, house red wine. No list of Madrid's best restaurants is complete without the iconic Lhardy. Occupying a handsome 1839 building on the Plaza Mayor, Lhardy is the epitome of old-world elegance.

Steeped in history since 1839, Lhardy is a true restaurant of Madrid. This fine dining place is credited with introducing French haute cuisine to the city and remains a favorite for special occasions.

Lhardy is a very elegant restaurant which is around 180 years old. It has welcomed customers like Queen Isabel II. Its specialities are ‘croquetas’ and ‘cocido madrileño’ (stew from Madrid).