Is Madrid's famed El Botin restaurant a tourist trap? I'll be there for 3 days in June and don't want to waste my time or money on an overrated tourist trap. Plz. advise. Any better alternatives? Thank you.

I ate at Sobrino de Botin and I did not like it. I had some sort of meat dish and it was very dry. My dining companions all insisted that it was SUPPOSED to be that way, and I said, "What, it is supposed to tasted like dirt? That doesn't make any sense." I did, however, enjoy my wines. (I have been known to enjoy gasoline and lighter fluid, though.)<BR><BR>My friend, who is a famous writer, swears by Viridiana. She always books a table there when she is in town. <BR><BR>Good luck.<BR><BR>

The famous Sobrino de Botin restaurant, where Hemmingway used to hang out, claims to be the oldest in the world & is worth a visit. Sure a lot of tourists eat there because of its reputation & location next to the Plaza Mayor. The menu is typically Castillian. The specialties (roast suckling pig & roast lamb)are pretty tasty & not "overpriced" for the area.

I know that El Botin has become touristy but it is still worth a visit,especially if you can get seated downstairs by the ovens.Avoid the upper levels,not much atmosphere and definitely for the tourists.I'm always amazed how the waiters manage those stairs! There's always a wait ,especially after 10PM.My suggestion is to get there about 9:15PM and then you'll be there when the Tuna drop in and serenade everyone.They are musicians dressed in outfits from the Middle Ages and always sing beautifully.The Botin is known for the suckling pig and lamb.Their red house wine is excellent.<BR>Read the last few pages of Hemingway's The Sun Also Rises and the setting is in this restaurant1<BR>The owners son has opened a Botin restaurant in Miami-very good1<BR>If the food is not to your liking ,the atmosphere certainly will be!

Thank you all very much for taking the time to share your detailed (and prompt) advice.

We ate at Botin a year ago and really enjoyed it - it didn't feel as touristy as some other places we went. We were surrounded by Spanish families dining out. We sat downstairs. I had a fabulous Filet- my husband had veal. We ate there about 1:00 pm - no wait at all.

Yes. That doesn't mean that it's bad, only that it is overpriced and crowded. There are plenty of other restaurants that are as good or better.<BR><BR>

We assumed it might be a sort of tourist trap but wanted to go anyway. We waited until we got to Madrid and were unable to get reservations for the entire four days we were there. On the other hand, we ate at the restaurant that they run in Toledo on the grounds of the Hotel Cardinal. It was truly wonderful -- we spoke with some locals who said some people come from Madrid to eat there since, "the tourists have driven us out of our Madrid restaurant". Incidentally, the same family now has a Botin in Miami as well.

I've eaten at the one in Miami. the food was good, but frankly overpriced. No better than a half-dozen other Spanish restaurants in Miami. Friends have told me the same is true in Spain. There are better, cheaper options, although I've been told that the ambience at Botin really is great.

We made reservations for Botin a day in advance for 10 PM. We were there until 12:30. <BR><BR>We sat downstairs and yes there are lots of tourists but that's becuase of it's great history.<BR><BR>We had gazpacho, roast suckling pig, great wine and dessert. Everyone loved it! Even our vegatarian friend (she didn't have the pig!)<BR><BR>I would definatley have dinner there as it is such a wonderful experience!