Karlos Arguiñano went on El Hormiguero, filmed in Madrid and later, in his program Cocina Abierta, he dropped a recommendation that did not go unnoticed. “Last week I went to El Hormiguero and ate at two restaurants: one on the way there and one on the way back”. The first one, the one he mentions with a “you’re going to succeed” -in reference to the fact that you’ll love it if grilled fish is your thing-, is Filandón, a restaurant on the outskirts of Madrid that we already knew, but which Arguiñano has elevated to the category of essential getaway.
Located on the Carretera Fuencarral-El Pardo (M-612), kilometer 1.9, Filandón is one of those places that seem designed to disconnect without leaving Madrid. It is in the middle of the countryside, but ten minutes from downtown by car. It has its own parking, a large garden, a children’s area and, above all, top products that have been grilled.
When highlighting it, Arguiñano relates it to his property “these are the ones from Pescaderías Coruñesas“. For those who are not familiar, this distributor has been the holy grail of fresh fish in the capital for decades.
The definition of the great gastronomic guides.
The Michelin Guide defines it as follows: “Looking for a restaurant where you can escape from stress? In this one tranquility is guaranteed […] you will find a cuisine of traditional taste where the product is the great protagonist, with fantastic fish supplied daily by Pescaderías Coruñesas, selected meats, delicious rice dishes…. Many dishes are prepared on the grill!”. The Repsol Guide, meanwhile, puts the focus on the stews and its versatility for families: “a large restaurant with several environments and pleasant to go with children”.
And what do you eat at Filandón?
The menu is extensive and well thought out for sharing. Highlights are the tartares (red tuna and steak tartar cut by knife), red shrimp ceviche, hook squid and seafood salpicón. The grill rules in dishes such as the old cow cutlet, the pixín, the beef burger “to eat with your hands” and some hake cocochas al pil-pil that are religion. If you are hungry for rice, the carabinero (28€ per person) is one of the most ordered.
The average price, with wine, is around 50-60€ per person, although you can get by for a little less if you share and choose well. A cheesecake, for example, costs 6€, and the carabinero croquettes (half portion) 8€.
Why it’s always full (and why it’s a good idea to book)
Filandón is on many of our lists: best terraces in Madrid or restaurants to go with children, are some of them. In summer it fills up, in autumn too. The semi-covered garden, the large tables, the quiet surroundings and the easy parking make it perfect for family reunions, round birthdays or getaways that end in hours of after-dinner conversation.