Despite it being the middle of August, the new El Bajío at Juan Bravo, 23 was closer to full than empty. Among the tables, Mexican accents could be heard, confirming what its menu and its fame already announce: here you come to eat Mexico. Open all month, the restaurant maintains the pulse of the grand opening that put it on the Madrid gastronomic map at the end of 2023.
The move from Chamberí to the Salamanca neighborhood has not changed the essence. The dining room, decorated with Mexican handicrafts, maintains a balance between sobriety and color, leaving the protagonism to the kitchen. This cuisine, under the supervision of “las mayoras” -women guardians of traditional recipes-, has achieved the recognition of the Michelin Guide 2025.
A seductive menu
Founded by Carmen “Titita” Ramírez in Mexico City in 1972, El Bajío has grown to 19 locations in its country of origin, becoming an institution of Mexican cuisine. In Madrid, the menu combines classic antojitos such as panuchos yucatecos or aguachiles with nods to the local palate. The guacamole, for example, is accompanied by crunchy chicharrones, and the cochinita pibil tacos maintain the right mellowness and potency of flavor.
On this last visit, the liquid proposal deserves a mention: well-balanced micheladas and margaritas accompanied a meal that had its highest point in two dishes. The first, a grilled sea bream with a light, fresh and citrusy green sauce. The second, a perfect dessert for summer: meringue with lemon mousse, raspberry and mango ice cream, fresh and with a measured acidity.
Adrià’s stamp and Madrid’s consolidation
It is no coincidence that this is the Adrià brothers‘ favorite Mexican restaurant. Ferran defined it years ago as “one of the best places I’ve eaten in the world” and Albert said it was worth a flight to visit. Today, with a location in the heart of the Salamanca neighborhood, that recommendation translates into full tables and a place to consider on the city’s gastronomic agenda.