Gastronomic experiences in a place full of history

Discover our latest events

Tapas route – July 2022

Since 1983, Café de Oriente has had a lot of stories to tell.

Located in the heart of Madrid de los Austrias, next to the Teatro Real and in front of the Royal Palace of Madrid, Café de Oriente is one of the most charming and emblematic restaurants in Plaza de Oriente. Very close to the Sabatini Gardens, this bistro restaurant offers a unique gastronomic experience in a privileged setting.

It is halfway between the Almudena Cathedral and Calle Mayor. On the other side of Café de Oriente is Plaza de Ópera, which leads to the pedestrian street Arenal, taking you to Puerta del Sol, one of the busiest centers of the city. If you are looking for a place to have breakfast in Madrid with impressive views, this is the ideal place.

A corner of legend

Our restaurant is located under the vaults that once belonged to the 17th century Convent of San Gil, with different rooms suitable for every occasion such as family gatherings, meetings with friends or professional meetings, with the capacity to cater for all kinds of events.

Its vaulted rooms show off the remains of the 17th century convent and much later, in the 20th century, the space was occupied by a large printing press, until 1983 when Don Luis de Lezama decided to open Café de Oriente.

It soon became a place for social gatherings. Its regular customers include figures from the worlds of art, politics, music…

The prestigious Spanish cartoonist Antonio Mingote found his inspiration for the cartoon of the day in the ABC newspaper at table number 9. Nowadays, this table is a corner that pays tribute to the talent of a great friend of Café de Oriente.

One of the best terraces in Madrid

Not only because of its location in Plaza de Oriente and in front of the Royal Palace, but also because it is open 365 days a year.

Any time of the day is perfect to sit and enjoy both the views and the atmosphere of the area at Café de Oriente, one of the best-located terrace restaurants in Madrid.

Our gastronomic proposal comes from our chef Roberto Hierro, who has been with us since 1989. He is responsible for inaugurating all the spaces of Grupo Lezama and stands out for his passion for creating and decorating each dish, always starting from a traditional base and respecting the flavors. He considers it very important not to lose the roots and tradition. Enjoy this experience where traditional cuisine is blended with modern touches to offer you an unforgettable meal.

A congressman in advanced cooking courses, a gastronomic advisor, and a pioneer in dignifying cuisine, as well as being the head chef alongside four other chefs at the Royal Pavilion of EXPO 92 in Seville, Roberto Hierro is currently the Executive Chef of Grupo Lezama in Madrid. Discover his mastery at our restaurant near the Royal Palace of Madrid, where every dish is a masterpiece.

Together with his great kitchen team, they work with the utmost dedication and detail, to offer a unique gastronomic experience under the motto “we are what we eat”.

Our cuisine

EST. 1983

Executive Chef of Grupo Lezama

Roberto Hierro

Our spaces

Event Rooms

El Bistró

Our room on the main floor, with a maximum capacity for 100 people, has a décor reminiscent of traditional French bistros, with a romantic and delicate style, which combines perfectly with the beautiful views from its windows overlooking the Plaza de Oriente.

Salón San Gil

The San Gil Room is named after the Convent of San Gil, a site that was a monastery in the 17th century. This room, along with the Grandmother’s Room, is one of the largest, with a maximum capacity of 70 people. It is the ideal space for those looking for restaurants with private rooms in Madrid.

Salón de la Abuela

The Salón de la Abuela is the most dazzling room, with spectacular views of the Royal Palace. It has a maximum capacity for 35 people, as well as a private bathroom and a separate entrance.

Salón del Rey

The King’s Room is located in a 17th-century cave, offering a unique and historical atmosphere. This room features a round glass table for eight people, supported by an inverted capital as a base. The capacity can be increased to 10 people, providing an intimate and exclusive space if you are looking for restaurants for small celebrations in Madrid.

Sala Blanca

This room is located in the original quarters of the 17^th century Convent of San Gil, whose walls are made of brick, in the lower part of the café. It is set apart, to give more privacy to a maximum of 10 people.

Salón Chinchón

Next to the Sala Blanca, this room is also located in what was originally the Convent of San Gil. An intimate and charming little corner for 6 people.