In Madrid, a heated competition is unfolding between two historic taverns vying for the title of the world’s oldest restaurant. Sobrino de Botín currently holds the Guinness World Record, claiming it was founded in 1725. However, Casa Pedro asserts that it was established earlier, in 1702, and is working to provide proof to support this claim.
Sobrino de Botín, located near Plaza Mayor, has enjoyed continuous operation for 300 years. The restaurant was officially recognised by Guinness World Records in 1987. It has become famous for its traditional Castilian dishes, especially its roast suckling pig cooked in a wood-fired oven that has been burning since the restaurant’s early days. The establishment has also attracted literary icons such as Ernest Hemingway, who praised it as one of the best restaurants in the world, along with frequent visits from Truman Capote and F. Scott Fitzgerald. The current owner, Antonio González, explained that Guinness required evidence of uninterrupted service at the same location under the same name to confirm the record.
Casa Pedro, located on the outskirts of Madrid, claims an older founding date of 1702, which would make it 23 years older than Botín. The Guiñales family, who have managed the restaurant for eight generations, have hired a historian to gather documents supporting their claim. Irene Guiñales, the current manager, expressed frustration at the difficulty of proving their history despite having found evidence dating back to 1750. Casa Pedro is described as a historic wine tavern with rustic architecture unique to Madrid. It has served notable guests such as King Juan Carlos I and King Felipe VI, though it remains less known to tourists compared to Botín.
Guinness World Records requires applicants to submit substantial documentation showing continuous operation under the same name and location to qualify for the title of the oldest restaurant. This strict standard excludes some older establishments such as Le Procope in Paris, founded in 1686; White Horse Tavern in Rhode Island, dating back to 1673; and Bianyifang in Beijing, established in 1416. Another contender, La Campana in Rome, claims over 500 years of operation and intends to submit its documentation to Guinness soon.
While both Madrid restaurants serve traditional Castilian fare, their identities differ. Sobrino de Botín is internationally famous and tied to literary history, while Casa Pedro remains a cherished local establishment with deep roots in the city’s cultural heritage. The contest between them highlights the challenge of verifying historical claims and the pride cities place in their culinary landmarks.
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