El Club Allard

World Class Spanish cuisine

El Club Allard's impressive architecture

El Club Allard is a very special place in the heart of Madrid, it started off as a private club but now is open to the public, the place has glamour, exclusivity and luxury written all over it. I was lucky enough to secure a Friday night booking and I was really looking forward to seeing what is so special about El Club Allard as it is rated as one of the finest Madrid restaurant, with 2 Michelin stars and sitting as no1 in Trip Adviser Madrid.

El Club Allard

amuse bouche aka edible menu

game truffle with foie and mushroom

butter fish with asparagus shot

pea ravioli with iberique dewlap

We opted for the 13 course tasting menu and it was just dishes after dishes of top quality cooking. The game truffle with foie gras and mushroom got off to an incredible start, I was completely sold with the earthy and rich flavours of the elements with a hint of nuttiness in the smell. The smoked sardine with celeriac cream and apple was also impressive, the smoky fruity sweetness showcased a well thought out flavour combination that worked to the taste buds. 

smokes sardine with celeriac cream and apple

cold cherry soup with herring caviar

egg with bread and pancetta and light potato cram

grouper with Korean marinade

confit suckling pig with "echalion" onion compote 

This was my first time I've ever tasted grouper in Europe and what a great first it was, the fish was cooked to perfection, the meaty and rich flavour worked like a treat with the Korean sweet and spicy marinade. Grouper is a popular fish in the Far East and at El Club Allard it managed to deliver that taste profile with a light western touch. Desserts were outstanding in both concept and taste, the final dessert was a poached egg which contain mango, white chocolate and coconut, it looked just like a real egg but the taste was a completely different story.

hibiscus flower with pisco sour

fishbowl

just like the real deal

"broken egg"

the blackboard

The whole dining experience was truly world class, the modern and flaired approach plus a touch of elegance resulted in some of the finest food I've ever encountered in my life. And on top of that, you are in an impressive looking palace style building with top level services. I could not find fault in the tasting menu and my only regret was to order the 13 course tasting menu instead of the 16. If you ever visit Madrid, El Club Allard is definitely worth a special visit. 

Food 5/5

Head chef: 
Maria Marte

What I paid: 
£120 per head with 2 glasses of wine

Average cost without drinks and services :
£73 tasting menu



Calle de Ferraz, 2, Bajo derecha, 28008 Madrid, Spain

http://www.elcluballard.com/