Restaurant and Shop Lhardy

You have to feed the body and not just the soul. Putting away a three-course cocido madrileño – a stew with chick peas, meat, sausages, vegetables, and broth, would be my first choice. And here we have the problem. There are endless opinions about where to get the best cocido in Madrid. I would recommend Lhardy, which is just a few steps from Sol (reservations recommended: 91-521 33 85 /522 22 07). The meal will run about 65 euros because, even after a century and a half of continuous operation, Lhardy is still a refined and expensive place. Afterwards, I would recommend a bit of “Spanish yoga”, even if for half an hour, to recover from the calories.

When I was little, my parent took me to see the Three Kings at the Corte Inglés. We used to stroll through la Puerta del Sol, walking up Carrera de San Jerónimo and have a hot consommé at Lhardy. This has been one of my favorite Christmas time activities ever since.
Lhardy is a delicatessen, adorned by a magnificent Isabeline mirror, where you can try a cup of consommé (or several) with or without sherry wine, accompanied by a ham croqueta or a pâté sandwich. It’s a snack that takes one back in time and makes you feel a little more “aristocratic.”

Lhardy, 1839. Madrid.
Everything is impeccable, as always, and exudes the courteous and aristocratic atmosphere of 20th century Madrid. It consists of a main dining room and five private rooms which are true witnesses to the history of this country. This is the third time I’ve been to the famous Lhardy restaurant to have a delicious cocido and, as a dessert, a “Surprise Soufflé.” Don’t miss the store, either.