The oldest restaurant in the world: Hemingway’s favorite restaurant in Madrid

The flames of the “Botí” restaura’s oven have not been extinguished for three ceuries; Not in the midst of the Spanish Civil War, not even in the deadly silence of the Corona pandemic. This restaura in the heart of Madrid, recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest restaura in the world, recely celebrated the 300th anniversary of its tumultuous history. (Smithsonian Magazine)

Photographer: Unknown / Smithsonian Mag

Boutine is not just a restaura; It is a living museum. Legends say that “Francisco Goya”, the famous paier of the 18th ceury, once washed dishes in this place. It is also said that “Ernest Hemingway” (Ernest Hemingway) wrote the final scene of his famous novel, “The Sun Still Blows”, behind one of the tables on the top floor of Butin; Where the signatures of the kings of Spain are remembered on its walls.

The four-story building of the restaura, which dates back to 1590, is located in the ceer of Madrid. In the baseme of this building, wooden stairs lead to Nemur’s cellar, which is the oldest part of the building and its brick arches hold many secrets. At the end of the cellar, there is a secret passage; A tunnel that once connected the whole city and was a refuge for liberals who escaped from the governme and the Inquisition.

Photographer: Unknown / Smithsonian Mag

The baseme of Boutin restaura has another reside. Legends say that a wandering spirit who broke a few dishes in a restaura one day was imprisoned in this cellar for punishme forever; But it’s not just ghosts who visit Boutin. From the Spanish royal family and King Hussein of Jordan to Jackie Kennedy, Henry Kissinger, Aonio Banderas and Catherine Zeta Jones, they have all tasted history in this place.

Boutin’s menu has remained iact, as has its history. While many restauras in Spain have moved towards modern and fusion cuisine, Boutin has chosen the opposite path; Especially in terms of preserving the autheicity of the famous dish made from roasted meat. Everything is based on fresh ingredies and recipes that have been passed down from breast to breast.

The Gonzalez family, the owners of the restaura, know that you can’t just rest on past glories. They have taken a step towards the digital world by holding special eves, launching a new website and logo, and offering a special 300th anniversary menu; But some things will never change. The most importa of them is the famous oven of the restaura, whose flames are a symbol of coinuity. When Aonio González was asked how they keep the fire burning, he replied, referring to the Greek myth, Prometheus.

We steal fire from the gods.

This metaphor says it all. Eering Boutin is an experience of human innovation and creativity to survive in a world that is constaly changing; However, Boutin has his own personality and should remain so.

Photographer: Unknown / Smithsonian Mag

If you travel to Madrid, will you taste the history in the oldest restaura in the world? Share your opinion with us and other Kojaro users.

Cover photo source: Getty Images Photographer: Callum Moy