Spain ◦ Madrid|The Oldest Restaurant in the World

by YU-LING

Descending the stairs and tracing my fingers along the uneven stone walls, I feel a sense of history comes from the cellar.

◦ Sobrino de Botín

Established in 1725, Botín is recognized by the Guinness World Records as the oldest restaurant in the world. Prior to this, Europeans did not have the habit of dining in "restaurants"; afterward, Botín became the first restaurant specifically for cooking food for customers. However, here, the essence of history is somewhat elusive to me.

◦ History That Looks New

Perhaps it is due to the nearly three centuries of bustling activity, with dishes being scrubbed to a shine and walls cleaned until spotless. The lighting in the restaurant creates a theatrical atmosphere, with waiters who smile and wink becoming part of the performance.

I feel that the bowls and plates found in Taiwanese diners, adorned with cracks and stains, embody a greater sense of history than those found here.

Sobrino de Botín
Calle de Cuchilleros, 17, Madrid

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