Taberna Linaza, the new opening by Óscar Portal in the capital

Last October, the renowned chef Oscar Portal surprised us with a new project in the heart of Madrid. Located at number three on the Madrilenian street of Montalbán, near the emblematic El Retiro Park, Taberna Linaza awaits us with a sensational gastronomic proposal centered around quality. An honest cuisine where the best seasonal products take shape in seductive preparations that we can enjoy both in its more informal bar area and in its main dining room when we can do so in a more relaxed manner.

Taberna Linaza has two different menus that adapt to these two spaces, featuring a selection of traditional dishes with well-executed French influences. Classic recipes to which Óscar Portal has added his personal touch reach their peak when paired with the magnificent wines that make up their carefully curated cellar.

The success of his restaurant, Volea, located in the Madrid town of Pozuelo de Alarcón, which opened three years ago, has encouraged Portal to make the leap to the capital with this new opening that will delight food lovers.

During our first visit to Taberna Linaza, we started by savoring incredibly creamy ham croquettes with romesco sauce, which gave us the best possible welcome before being captivated by a surprising Russian salad with red prawn in garlic that is a true spectacle. Fine, delicate, and resolute, it led us directly to sensational charcoal-grilled artichokes with Payoyo cheese that are a true delight. A balanced and perfect combination that conquered our palate before moving on to try some fun confit green piquillo peppers with Cusumano bonito crowned with grilled razor clams and Pedro Ximénez vinaigrette. A striking preparation that does not disappoint in taste and led to their already famous Linaza baby squid served on an exquisite sauce made with anchovies, cream, parsley, and thyme. The sauce was so delicious that we ended up eating it by the spoonful. Enough said… simply amazing.

For the main course, we opted for the hake in porrusalda. A recipe they excel in and is worth trying when visiting Taberna Linaza. Simply outstanding.

For dessert, Óscar suggested trying the torrija with Lotus cookie ice cream, which contrary to what it might seem, turns out to be an extremely delicate and not heavy sweet. The perfect ending to one of those meals that leave us wanting to come back to further explore the menu of this new restaurant that starts its journey with a strong impact.

Taberna Linaza, Oscar Portal’s latest professional adventure in the capital, captivates us with honest, resolute, and delicious cuisine that once tasted, tempts us to return… Much sooner than we had planned!