Outdoor winter dining

It’s a favourite pastime among Madrileños: enjoying lunch or dinner with friends outdoors, no matter what season the calendar says it is. Who says it’s cold at this time of year? All of these restaurants radiate warmth and charm.

Published in esMADRIDmagazine December 2024

21 December officially marks the beginning of winter, a season which is generally quite pleasant in Madrid. Snow is rare, and although it’s cold, some sunny days peek through every now and then. Pay attention and look up. You might be able to enjoy the city’s famous Velázquezian sky, immortalised in numerous paintings, such as The Surrender of Breda, by the Las Meninas painter.

It’s not difficult to recognise: despite the clouds that often drift high above, the sky retains a striking blue hue. Gazing at these skies is truly a delight. So is meeting, whatever the season, for lunch or dinner at a table in one of our city’s many al fresco dining spaces, whether it’s down at street level or high up on a rooftop. All the terraces at these restaurants have something in common: they’re covered. Some by glass or other intriguingly transparent structures, and others by awnings which give them a very romantic feel. Keep an eye out for them at Madrid’s trendy rooftop bars and restaurants, along the city’s pavements, or in the middle of a garden. They’re waiting to be discovered!

PICOS PARDOS

Velázquez, 62. (BLESS Hotel Madrid). SERRANO. Tel. 91 086 13 85  picospardos@blesscollectionhotels.com

They’ve taken their time to arrive in Madrid, but we can now finally enjoy the bubble trend that has caught on in other places. But what exactly are they? Well, they’re a bit like a transparent igloo that allows us to admire the surroundings and views in a very special way. All the more so if, like at this restaurant, they’re installed on one of the city’s most exclusive rooftops, in Barrio de Salamanca.

The experience is called Picos Pardos Winter Edition and it’s a sensory adventure, as you can have dinner under the stars in a very intimate setting. It feels like you’re in the Alps!

The menu contributes to that feeling, especially with offerings like raclettes and fondues made with Swiss cheese and, naturally, chocolate. These delicious dishes share menu space with more traditional options like Olivier salad and Ibérico ham croquettes.

EL JARDÍN DE ARZÁBAL

Santa Isabel, 52 (Reina Sofía Museum). ATOCHA. Tel. 91 528 68 28

A true oasis perfectly describes the spectacular covered al fresco dining area at this sensational restaurant by Grupo Arzábal. In this timeless garden, you can savour the finest cuisine, no matter the season. The space itself resembles a greenhouse with hanging plants and a glazed cast-iron structure.

At times, it feels like you’ve been transported to a tropical paradise; at others, a quaint Mediterranean village. It can be found inside the Reina Sofía Museum, giving it a very intriguing artistic feel.

Here, ingredients play a starring role, with a menu which includes orange sea bass ceviche, tuna steak with citrus pickle, Bouchot mussels, poularde meatballs in pepitoria sauce and a creamy cheesecake for which you’ll need to leave some room. Everything is just so yummy!

HEVIA

Serrano, 118. GREGORIO MARAÑÓN / RUBÉN DARÍO. Tel. 91 562 30 75

Welcome to one of Madrid’s great culinary institutions. This family business, passed down from generation to generation, has one constant: friendly, impeccable service and top-quality ingredients.

With its long tablecloths, soft lighting, fresh flowers and background music, the terrace space exudes a French bistro vibe, making it one of the most inviting and elegant in the city.

The menu features classic dishes such as Spanish omelette with tripe and an award-winning tuna belly and potato salad.

ROBATA MADRID

Puigcerdá, 4. SERRANO / RETIRO. Tel. 91 600 69 86

Enjoy, savour and pay tribute to Japanese cuisine with a subtle Western flair at this restaurant, located along the picturesque, narrow street Calle de Puigcerdá, just off Calle de Jorge Juan. Just like many of the surrounding establishments, it offers a very pleasant open-air dining space. At this time of year, however, you may prefer the rooftop area with its sloped ceilings.

The menu includes more traditional dishes as well as fusion creations, the famous robata (charcoal-grilled food) options and fantastic homemade desserts.

BEL MONDO

Velázquez, 39. VELÁZQUEZ. Tel. 91 167 94 08

Designed as the perfect mix between a summer palazzo along the banks of Lake Garda and a 1980s bachelor pad, Bel Mondo radiates happiness. Diners can enjoy the 235-square-metre outdoor patio area set in a secret garden full of flowers—an ideal setting for a romantic dinner for two!

In the kitchen, Daniele Tasso uses buoni prodotti, or the finest Italian products, to prepare gourmet Neapolitan pizzas and a selection of fresh pasta, all of which is made on-site.

UDAIPUR

Paseo de la Castellana, 74. GREGORIO MARAÑÓN. Tel. 91 563 11 87

Choose between one open-air dining space and another with a glazed enclosure—the decision may depend on the weather. Either way, both are great spots to enjoy the delectable offerings at this Indian restaurant which boasts a scrumptious menu.

You’ll find chicken samosas, spiced prawns, tandoori fish tikka...and lots of curry! And there’s another incentive: the signature cocktails. Try the Boombay Masala for a savoury, spicy kick. Be sure to check out the décor too, which is inspired by the colours of the Holi festival and the warm tones of spices.

FELLINA

Caracas, 21 RUBÉN DARÍO / ALONSO MARTÍNEZ Tel. 91 108 80 08

This restaurant offers a taste of Italy in the heart of Chamberí. The highlight? Its charming al fresco terrace where everything tastes better. As they say here, “life is a combination of magic and pasta”. One must-try dish: boletus mushroom risotto with foie gras served inside a Pecorino cheese wheel.

EL JARDÍN DE FORTUNY

Fortuny, 34. RUBÉN DARÍO. Tel. 618 26 64 58

This covered garden is located on the premises of a lavish 19th-century building in the neighbourhood of Almagro. Natural light and decorative features take centre stage in the terrace area, which serves Mediterranean food. How does wild sea bass in asparagus cream with wild asparagus tempura sound?

LA ANCHA

Príncipe de Vergara, 204. CONCHA ESPINA. Tel. 915 63 89 77

The enclosed outdoor space at La Ancha, which opened in 1969, is found in the park in front of the restaurant. Surrounded by greenery, its wooden structure is similar to that of a cottage. You can’t call yourself a true Madrileño until you’ve tried their legendary Armando escalope.