El Riojano

It was founded in 1855 by a Madrid-based baker who worked for the Royal Family, Dámaso de la Maza, better known by the nickname “El Riojano”. It is not a family bakery because, since it was founded, it has been passed on from managers to employees. Its produce is traditionally baked cakes, in particular its Cshaped, lemon-flavoured cakes that were called “pastas de los consejos” because they were made to be served when the “Consejo de Estado” (Council of State) was held.

The bakery follows Madrid’s traditional calendar of festivals: “Roscones de Reyes” ring-shaped cakes, “panecillos de San Antón” rolls, “rosquillas tontas y listas” doughnuts, “azucarillos de San Isidro” sweetmeats, “huesos y buñuelos de santo” cakes, “corona de Almudena” cake, etc. In 1892, it was refurbished to give it its present-day appearance: mahogany from Cuba, Carrara marble and bronze accessories.