- Brasserie Lafayette (Recaredo 2, Madrid) is a dean of French cuisine and one of the most romantic and beautiful restaurants in the capital, with a distinctive Provençal décor and its own personality, allergic to the usual “cloning” of interior design in many restaurants.
- Lafayette is spectacular, but the star of the show is the best French brasserie cuisine; among the new additions are Bigorre pork sausages, fondue and a new Sunday brunch for late Valentines.
- With almost 20 years of history in Madrid, its premises in Chamartín, located in a former dairy, has a beautiful landscaped terrace that can be enjoyed all year round and a simply impeccable Sunday brunch (€47.50 per person).
Brasserie Lafayette (Recaredo 2, Madrid, 1 Sol Repsol) is one of those places that transcends fads and passing trends and, in its almost two decades in Madrid, has become a must for lovers of the best French cuisine. But it also offers an added attraction: it is the perfect place for gourmands in love, who are looking for a romantic and special atmosphere without having to give up the best culinary offerings with a distinctly French stamp and a wine cellar full of references that you will want to discover and explore. Booking this Valentine’s Day is essential to enjoy the most special French restaurant in the capital. To say ‘Je t’aime’ over and over again. And to eat impeccably.
Lafayette has always been committed to offering its diners a very special atmosphere. It did so in its early days, in its original premises in the Las Tablas neighbourhood, and it continues to do so in its Chamartín location, which it has occupied since 2018 and which was once a dairy. With one of the most beautiful landscaped terraces in the area (equipped with a heating and cooling system that makes it enjoyable and pleasant all year round), its décor transcends trends and has its own unique style, far removed from passing fads or clones. The vegetation stands out, with numerous bouquets of paniculatas; the front of the restaurant is decorated with tree trunks, one of its hallmarks, and the lighting is always warm.
For those who love (good food)
Lafayette’s menu includes dishes that are already well known among gourmets, such as its famous onion soup, with a much creamier texture than the classic version; the delicious skate à la meunière; its ratatouille with poultry foam, full of flavour; and steak tartare. Those eager for something new should not miss the French charcuterie board from Porc Noir de Bigorre, a generous serving of ham, salami, gorge sèche and rosette from authentic Gascon pork with Designation of Origin. Not widely known in Spain, this pig is a “relative” of our Iberian pig, with limited breeding in the Central Pyrenees region of France. After years on the brink of extinction, it has made a comeback due to its high gastronomic potential, as its meat is exquisite (thanks to its carefully selected diet), much redder and more marbled than classic pork and rich in antioxidants. Its famous Mont d’Or fondue, one of the most prized Alpine cheeses, accompanied by delicious Porc Noir de Bigorre coppa, an illustrious relative of the Iberian pig, as well as the indispensable Ratte potatoes, a variety famous for their peculiar shape and flavour, is also a romantic and gourmet treat in equal measure. Ideal for sharing as a main course for two people, it is priced at 65 euros.
The best host (and the one who knows most about French wines)
At the helm of the wine cellar and the day-to-day running of the business is someone without whom Brasserie Lafayette would not be what it is: Sébastien Leparoux from Brittany. This Frenchman, who has fallen in love with Madrid, is an essential figure on the city’s gastronomic scene. A lover of history and an educator on French wine (not always well understood in Spain), no one else has his ability to bring unique labels from his country, little-known trends that are on the rise in Spain, incredible wines at more than reasonable prices, and to explain and give an entertaining lesson on good drinking with every service. A discreet and friendly host, he is one of the greats of Madrid’s dining scene and the best person to explore the world of French wines, as the wine cellar only houses wines from his homeland, with the happy exception of selected sherries, one of his passions. Always attentive to new developments and his guests, he creates a magnificent atmosphere.
Brunch Sunday, a romantic plan for latecomers
Those who, due to family commitments or inflexible schedules, want to celebrate Valentine’s Day in a different way, can do so with originality and good taste on 15 February. On that day, Sunday, from 11.30am to 1.30pm, a delicious brunch (€47.50 per person) is available, subject to prior reservation. In addition to coffee or tea, it includes a drink (orange juice or a Basil Smash cocktail, made with gin, fresh basil, lemon juice and syrup). This is followed by a powerful selection of starters (mini croissant with Bigorre charcuterie and Comté cheese, brioche cubes with mi-cuit foie gras, shot of coconut vichyssoise cream, mini pissaladière from Nice and duck confit croquette). There are four appetising main courses to choose from: two free-range eggs, Benedictine style or fried, with chips; Croque-Monsieur with mini green salad; juicy shallot and saffron omelette; or gravlax salmon with buckwheat blinis and crème fraîche. Everything is served with bread, of course. And for dessert, two house specialities: lemon sablé with meringue and crème brûlée mille-feuille.
Source: THE NEWSROOM