Dinner at Ático Restaurant by Ramón Freixa at The Principal Madrid Hotel

Just a ten minute drive away from Hotel Único Madrid is the beautiful boutique residence’s bigger sister. Also part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Hotel Principal Madrid boasts 76 rooms and just like it’s little sister, the hotel is utterly elegant with an exclusive, discreet entrance. The location is pretty fab too at the edge of the Gran Vía, Madrid city centre and a short walk from the Prado Mueseum, the Reina Sofia modern art museum and Retiro Park – you couldn’t be more in the middle of the action.

Entering the hotel, we’re directed straight to the lift which takes us to the sixth floor and Ático Restaurant by Ramón Freixa. You may recognise the chef’s name from my previous post – his two Michelin-starred restaurant is located at Hotel Único Madrid and here at The Principal he presides over a more informal restaurant. We’re given the choice of inside or out and on this balmy night where it’s still light at 9.30 at night – the choice is easy.  
The Terrace is absolutely dreamy and with our limited time in the city it was great to experience a place with jaw-dropping views across the rooftops. 
Perfect to enjoy a romantic dinner as golden hour sets in.

We ordered a glass of champagne to enjoy as we consulted Ramón Freixa’s menu based on traditional Spanish recipes but with a modern twist.
We munched on stuffed olives, sipped on an excellent Vichyssoise amuse bouche and chewed on excellent bread with a fragrant olive oil…
While I did that very British thing of marvelling at it still be light at 10pm…

Born in Barcelona Ramón Freixa comes from a family of bakers and chefs but left his home town in 2009 to set up his first restaurant at Hotel Único. It was in 2010 that he was award two Michelin stars there, Ático Restaurant came in 2015 as the ‘pret à porter’ version of his original restaurant. The concept is the same fresh, innovative and creative food but the price tag is more wallet friendly and the setting more casual. 
My S’s choice of starter was potato ravioli stuffed with prawns and Ganxet white beans which turned out to be an interesting pasta-like crisp sandwiching the seafood. An unexpected and a totally delicious take on a classic ravioli dish.

My octopus layered with causa limeña (potatoes) had a Peruvian flavour and a delicious kick from the green mojo sauce. A perfect light summer dish to enjoy on this beautiful terrace.
I was undecided between a lighter fish dish or black rice with squid, soft-shell crab and Perol botifarra sausage but I was warned that the latter was incredibly heavy and perhaps not ideal given the weather. My choice of roasted monkfish with spiced crust and creamy seafood soup was a fantastic choice and full of flavour – I particularly enjoyed the seaweed topping. 
With the name ‘Basque-style hake 2.0’, the inspiration behind the dish was clear and while this was beautifully cooked we found it slightly lacking the flavour punch of our other fish dish. 
Mr S’s flan arrived beautifully presented in a glass jar – a spectacularly creamy dessert topped with toasted marshmallows and pecans. 
My ‘red berry raindrop’ turned out to be a refreshing sorbet in a pool of white chocolate with fresh berries and party-in-your-mouth style popping candy.
Inside the restaurant is utterly Instagrammable with pink sofas and floral cushions giving a fresh-feminine look. 
And La Terrazza opposite is a glass walled bar with a tropical feel.

With only one night in the Spanish capital Ático Restaurant by Ramón Freixa at The Principal Hotel Madrid was the perfect choice for dinner with it’s elegant setting, view and fantastic food.

PIN FOR LATER:

The Principal Madrid Hotel
Marqués de Valdeiglesias,
1 (corner of Gran Via 2)
28004
Madrid

Our dinner was complimentary. 

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