Restaurante Casa Benigna Restaurant à Madrid

Restaurante Casa Benigna in Madrid is a fine dining spot that specializes in traditional Spanish cuisine with a Norwegian twist. The interior design is quirky and colorful, with creative elements all around. The ambiance is warm and welcoming, and the service is outstanding, with friendly staff who explain the history and design of the establishment. The price range is acceptable for high-end Madrid, and the location is in a residential area out of downtown. The menu features exceptional dishes such as the hot smoked salmon starter, which is a must-try. The tomato salad is superb, and the rice dishes are exquisite, especially the Arroz a Banda and the Arroz de Pollo con Verduras. The paellas are unique and have a modern twist, such as the rabbit meat and ribs options. The complimentary bread comes with butter scraped right from the barrel, imported from Échiré, France's best butter maker. The wine selection is excellent, and the staff recommends a good red wine to pair with the dishes. One of the special features of this establishment is the Patella, a pan invented by the owner chef to prepare and serve the paellas. The proprietor, Lars, who is half Spanish and half Norwegian, shares his passion for food and explains the origin of the dishes. The smoked salmon is prepared in-house, and the snails come from their "snail guy." The staff is attentive and prompt, and they happily help customers order a cab when they are done. Overall, Restaurante Casa Benigna is a hidden gem that offers an unforgettable gastronomic experience. The food is outstanding, the service is exceptional, and the ambiance is warm and welcoming. It is a must-go place when in Madrid, and Jonathan Gold would definitely approve.