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Italian cuisine is one of the most popular in the world. From pizza to pasta, from focaccia to risotto and tiramisu, these are just a few examples of the variety found in the Italian culinary tradition. In fact, the Italian Ministries of Culture and Agriculture have asked for the national cuisine to be officially included in UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage, although being part of the Mediterranean Diet, in a way it is already considered as such. Be that as it may, April 6 pays tribute to one of its classic dishes: carbonara. Therefore, we have selected seven of the best restaurants in Madrid where you can try a top carbonara pasta to celebrate this World Carbonara Day. Buon appetito!
Noi
At Noi, chef Gianni Pinto is in charge of the kitchen. With a proposal of contemporary Italian cuisine, here you will try new concepts, but always faithful to the Made in Italy touch. Regarding carbonara, they serve Spaghetti alla Carbonara with Pecorino and Guanciale (€22), which are delicious. But in their menu they hide other specialties that you can’t miss.
Recoletos, 6.
Gioia
This restaurant lives up to its name (“jewel” in Spanish). Led by Piedmontese chef Davide Bonato, Gioia is committed to the typical and traditional flavors of Italian cuisine but with a creative reinterpretation that gives it a genuine touch. Its emblem is the Tuber tasting menu (€90), where the truffle is the star ingredient. As for carbonara, here they also make their own version: Spaghetti alla chitarra, guanciale, pecorino cheese air, egg cooked at low temperature and charcoal and pepper crumble (€21).
Calle San Bartolomé, 23.
Menomale
Whoever tries the carbonara in this restaurant, repeats for sure. In the heart of Malasaña neighborhood there is a little piece of Tuscany in this place. Its classic dish is made with wheat spaghetti sautéed with guanciale, finished with free-range egg yolk, pecorino and plenty of black pepper (€11). But in its menu you can also opt for specialties such as meat lasagna, rigatoni amatriciana or trofi al pesto, among others.
Calle San Bernardo, 85.
Ozio Gastronomico
Specializing in Sicilian food, at Ozio you have at your disposal innovative recipes inspired by the most traditional ones, with influences from southern Italy and a very strong connection with the territory, thanks to the proposal of chef Dario Genova. Ozio’s Carbonara is a real spectacle. It is 100% cream of ripe Sardinian Pecorino “Picciau” PDO and egg yolk; guanciale from “Corbisiero Salumificio”, Avellino-Italy. And with lots of pepper and slices of Sicilian truffle carpaccio, which gives it a differentiating touch (€22).
Aviador Zorita, 37.
Trattoria La Tavernetta
It is a typical Italian trattoria, cozy and with a traditional and highly recommended gastronomic proposal. In its menu you will find the delicious Linguine alla carbonara with guanciale and without cream (€15). Specializing in Sardinian food, from Sardinia, they also serve other dishes such as pasta dumplings stuffed with potato, Sardinian cheese and mint, pinna gialla bonito tartare or risotto with cinghiale and cannonau di Sardegna.
Calle Orellana, 17.
Bel Mondo
It is one of the most media and instagrammable Italian restaurants in Madrid and its carbonara is an icon. Who has not seen in their stories their famous Carbomamma served homemade Spaghetti served directly on the wheel of pecorino cheese? A real spectacle that leaves no one indifferent. For €16,5 per person, you can taste this exquisite Italian classic.
Calle de Velázquez, 39.
Fornería Ballaró
A hotspot for lovers of authentic Sicilian cuisine. Under the direction of Angelo Marino, here they offer a gastronomy based on traditional roots but always using high quality seasonal products. Their concept revolves around the wood-fired oven where thin crust pizzas are prepared. In the pasta options, of course you can’t miss their carbonara, prepared with pork jowl, egg yolk and pecorino romano as the only ingredients, to transform the rigatoni into a delicious Carbonara (€18).
Santa Engracia, 90.
The list of restaurants in Madrid where to try a delicious carbonara could be extended to many more options. What is your favorite carbonara in the capital?
