In the vibrant city of Madrid, Sobrino de Botín holds the prestigious title of the world’s oldest restaurant according to Guinness World Records. For three centuries, this establishment has been captivating visitors eager to enjoy authentic Castilian dishes alongside a slice of history. However, on the fringes of the city, a challenger emerges in the form of Casa Pedro. Its proprietors contend the tavern has witnessed significant historical events such as the Spanish Civil War, Napoleonic invasions, and even the War of Spanish Succession, suggesting it could be older than Botín and a contender for the coveted title.
Irene Guiñales, the eighth-generation manager of Casa Pedro, laments the lack of irrefutable evidence backing their assertion that the tavern dates back to 1702. Despite the claims emblazoned on its logo, proving such an extensive history has proven challenging. The family engaged a historian, uncovering documentation that traces the restaurant’s operation to at least 1750, inching closer to Botín’s acknowledged record.
Both restaurants are imbued with family heritage. Their menus feature traditional Castilian favorites like stewed tripe and roast suckling pig, served amidst authentic Spanish decor complete with antique tiles, rustic wooden ceilings, and subterranean wine cellars. They also bask in rich histories brimming with notable patrons. Botín has hosted literary icons such as Truman Capote and Ernest Hemingway, who lauded it as “one of the best restaurants in the world.” While Casa Pedro may lack similar literary accolades, its walls boast photographs of notable figures like former Spanish King Juan Carlos I and even occasional visits from the current King, Felipe VI.
Despite these parallels, the two establishments diverge in their clientele and atmosphere. Casa Pedro, once a layover on the only route north from Madrid to France, attracts a loyal local following like regulars David González and Mayte Villena, who frequent the tavern weekly. In contrast, Botín’s prime location near Plaza Mayor in central Madrid makes it a magnet for tourists, a flow that has only increased since it received the Guinness accolade in 1987, although its historic aura has always drawn diners.
The chase for the Guinness title raises questions about definitive proof; substantiating such a claim requires extensive documentation showing consistent operation at the same location under a single name. This requirement disqualifies even older entities like Paris’ Le Procope or Beijing’s Bianyifang. Yet, Casa Pedro continues its quest. The Guiñales family scours Spanish national archives to unearth records proving the tavern’s establishment as early as 1702, amidst the challenges posed by missing local archives lost during the Spanish Civil War.
For Guiñales, capturing the Guinness recognition remains an elusive but tantalizing prospect. Despite the physical evidence being potentially out of her reach, the dream of earning the title endures as a cherished aspiration, even as she acknowledges that the charm of Casa Pedro’s discreet location may prevent it from ever rivaling Botín’s bustling appeal. “Reaching that audience would be incredible,” she reflects. “It’s a dream, but it’s a dream worth pursuing.”