unfiltered, uncensored, and unbiased guide to Madrid's legendary eateries: a battle of the ages
Historic Madrid eateries dispute over which one holds the title of oldest restaurant
Get ready to chow down on some history while you devour Castilian cuisine in the heart of Spain's capital. Sobrino de Botín, nestled in Madrid, flaunts the Guinness World Record as the world's oldest restaurant, having dished up dishes for 300 years. But the real battle of the ages unfolds at Casa Pedro, a humble tavern lurking on the outskirts of Madrid. This rustic joint lays claim to being older than Botín, claiming to have withstood not only the Spanish Civil War and the Napoleonic invasion but even the War of Spanish Succession.
"It's a constant source of frustration," said Casa Pedro's manager and eighth-generation proprietor, Irene Guiñales. "We say, 'Yeah, we've been here since 1702,' but the problem is we can't prove it."
But Irene isn't one to back down from a challenge. With Guinness guidelines in mind, she's determined to unearth documents to back up Casa Pedro's claim. The restaurant's logo boldly proclaims its age, so it's time to walk the talk.
When it comes to history, both taverns have plenty. Botín has count Truman Capote, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Graham Greene on its celebrated patron list, while Casa Pedro boasts images of former Spanish King Juan Carlos I dining in its cozy confines. The Spanish royalty has even visited King Felipe VI, although he prefers to keep a low profile compared to his father.
While both restaurants share charm and classic Castilian fare, they cater to different crowds. Botín draws daily droves of tourists attracted by its Guinness World Record and prime location near Madrid's famed Plaza Mayor. Casa Pedro, on the other hand, caters to local regulars like David González and Mayte Villena, who've made Friday lunches at the tavern a tradition for years.
The question left hanging is who will snatch the title of the world's oldest restaurant from Botín? Guinness requires substantial evidence and documentation, including continuous operation in the same location under the same name. For Casa Pedro, that means scouring through literary works, local archives, and even national archives for documents that can prove its age, all while contending with the fact that much of the evidence was destroyed during the Spanish Civil War.
But even if Casa Pedro eventually becomes the Guinness World Record holder, Irene acknowledges that her restaurant's laid-back location would likely keep it from capturing Botín's central Madrid clientele.
So, what does it take to clinch the Guinness title for oldest restaurant? Fortunately, we've got the inside scoop on the specific criteria:
- Continuous service under the same name
- Operation at the same location
- Detailed records and evidence supporting its longevity, including historical documents, licenses, or other forms of verification[1][2].
"Delve into Madrid's rich history and immerse yourself in a unique blend of lifestyle, food-and-drink, and home-and-garden experiences at Sobrino de Botín and Casa Pedro, both renowned for their long-standing histories in the heart of Madrid."
"When contending for the Guinness World Record as the world's oldest restaurant, Casa Pedro must fulfill certain requirements such as continuous service under the same name, operation at the same location, and providing extensive evidence, including historical documents, to prove its longevity."
