El Pescador

Insiders Location★★★★★★★★★★5.08 months ago

El Pescador in Madrid is outstanding, one of the best meals I’ve had in the city. The service is impeccable, the wine list is exceptional, and every dish is perfection. The angulas were the best I’ve ever had, unforgettable.

J Z★★★★★★★★★★1.0a year ago

If you DO NOT speak Spanish, steer clear of this restaurant. We chose this restaurant for our final evening in Madrid, drawn in by its reputation for excellent seafood. While the food was undeniably high quality and reasonably priced by London standards, the service was nothing short of appalling. From the moment we arrived, the manager’s attitude was outright hostile. Despite knowing we didn’t speak Spanish, he continued addressing us in Spanish, completely ignoring our situation. To make matters worse, an English-speaking waiter stood nearby but was forbidden from assisting us. This led to a humiliating scene, as the manager barked at us in a silent restaurant, making sure every patron could witness the spectacle. I repeatedly apologized, explaining we didn’t speak Spanish, yet the manager responded with nothing but impatience and disdain. The discomfort in the room was palpable, and it was only when the waiter, clearly frustrated, finally stepped in to help that we received any semblance of assistance. By then, the damage was done, and our evening was ruined. While the seafood may be commendable, the disgraceful treatment we endured overshadowed everything. If I could give this restaurant zero stars, I would. If you, like us, don’t speak Spanish, I strongly urge you to spend your €200 per head elsewhere—somewhere that values basic respect and hospitality. A deeply infuriating and disappointing end to an otherwise wonderful trip.

Gretta H.T★★★★★★★★★★5.09 months ago

Having skimmed the dismal jeremiads on Google, we half expected to be cast out for speaking English, or perhaps reduced to miming and tears. What nonsense. We were, in fact, received with warmth and most attentive courtesies, not least from the gentleman who bore every aspect of being the manager. The waiters, innocent of English yet abundant in charm, navigated the evening with smiles, gestures, and a good humour so effortless it rendered the very idea of a language barrier laughably provincial. The white shrimp were positively yum, though in a moment of foolish restraint we ordered a mere 200 grams, a ration so parsimonious as to feel almost monastic. The octopus was less to my taste, though my companion dispatched it with rapture, proof enough that taste is no fixed star. And then the famous sole appeared: generous, buttery, triumphant, leaving us so entirely replete that dessert could exist only as an abstraction, contemplated but never grasped. In sum, a most civilised and charming evening, and, contrary to the online hysteria, a reminder that character, as Heraclitus observed, is destiny. This establishment, I am happy to report, has character in abundance.

Julia Lu-Sellers★★★★★★★★★★5.0a year ago

Great vibes, fresh seafood/shellfish en galor. Staff don't all speak English but that s what makes this place authentic. Make sure you at happy with the snails and bread they provide you first off as you will be charged for these. The curry was delicious and their specialty crepe desert was delightful! Only 16min from the airport, worth a stop over before heading in or back.

Anna Maria Matta★★★★★★★★★★3.0a year ago

I clearly agree with the fellow reviewers that food is exquisite BUT the manager is a big problem! Clearly zero effort to translate or bring someone who speaks English. Came to take our order 40min later because apparently he’s the only one who takes the orders. Wanted us to order the most expensive items on the menu. The staff clearly seemed stressed because of many situations happening due to this person. I really want to come back because it’s the best fish that anyone can have BUT i won’t come neither do i recommend it because of this person… the manager…