At number eighty on Madrid’s Calle de Velázquez, right in the heart of the Salamanca district, Terracotta rises as a beautiful tribute to craftsmanship—not only in the kitchen, but also in every corner of its aesthetic and philosophy.
A single glance at the interior is enough to understand why it continues to attract so many loyal visitors. Terracotta has been designed as a warm, sensory retreat where natural materials take centre stage. Beautiful adobe walls, cork ceilings, elegant linen fabrics, stone, seashells, and a striking piece of black macramé welcome guests into the very soul of Terracotta. Everything—absolutely everything—is handmade and carefully placed, evoking the essence of the fired clay that gives the restaurant its name.
But Terracotta is not just a place to appreciate its original and cosy interior design—it’s a place to feel and savour the delights coming out of its kitchen. The carefully curated gastronomic offering celebrates time and respect for ingredients. Here, slow cooking, patiently prepared stocks, and homely sauces are the hallmarks of the cuisine. The menu reimagines traditional cooking using modern techniques, without losing its roots—each dish tells a story of origin and dedication.
The experience is rounded off by a cocktail bar that deserves special mention, where its signature sangrias are the undisputed stars. Among the most surprising creations are a pear sour made with artisanal whisky and a reinvented piña colada featuring spice-infused rum and a fully homemade pineapple and coconut cream.
Our evening at Terracotta began with a playful appetiser—exotic panipuris filled with tartar sauce and sesame mayonnaise. After enjoying this delicious welcome, we moved on to sample an inventive little gem lettuce salad with burrata, bacon, and croutons, which is currently offered off-menu—though we were delighted to hear it will soon be a permanent fixture. This good news led us to the next course: exquisite scarlet prawn croquettes with Iberian pork veil and black garlic aioli, offering an explosion of flavour that was truly a joy to experience.
We also sampled the sensational king prawn popcorn, served on Trocadero lettuce leaves with hints of mango chutney and kimchi mayonnaise—a dish bursting with exotic flavour, finesse, and flair. It’s ideal for sharing, much like the delicate confit duck bonbons with Robuchon-style mashed potato and a Thai demi-glace, which led beautifully into a formidable plate of chargrilled leeks with king prawn tartare—love at first bite.
Before moving on to dessert, we couldn’t resist the temptation of trying the striking huevos rotos made with free-range farmhouse eggs, scarlet prawns sautéed with garlic, and a rich broth made from their heads. It was absolutely sublime—a dish of perfect flavour, texture and temperature, guaranteed to win over even the most demanding palates.
For pudding, the stunning Arabian-style cake with cream and lemon curd is well worth trying. Light, refreshing, and with just the right citrus kick, it’s always the perfect finishing touch.
Terracotta is a must-visit along Madrid’s Golden Mile, where craftsmanship and fine cuisine live in sweet harmony. A charming restaurant that pays homage to tradition and good taste, ensuring moments of pure enjoyment.
Terracotta awaits you with open arms.
TERRACOTTA
Address: Calle de Velázquez 80, 28001 Madrid
Telephone: +34 914 85 63 46
Web: https://www.terracottamadrid.es/
