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Red Queen was one of the most anticipated series of this 2024 and, judging by the worldwide success it is reaping on Prime Video (it has slipped into the world Top), it seems that it has not disappointed. The adaptation of the novel by Juan Gómez-Jurado stars Vicky Luengo and Hovik Keuchkerian but, as the creators themselves have stated, Madrid is just another character, even among the main characters. Those who have already seen the fiction will have recognized a lot of emblematic places in the capital: from the Lavapiés neighborhood (where the story begins) to the Opera, the Royal Palace, the Gran Vía or the Crystal Palace of El Retiro, among other spots. And, of course, there is also a gastro stop that does not go unnoticed during the episodes, confirming that Madrid is a city of cinema.
One of the most Madrilenian scenes seen in the series is the visit to the mythical Chocolatería San Ginés (Pasadizo de San Ginés, 5, Centro, 28013 Madrid), where Jon Gutiérrez’s character (Hovik) enjoys a traditional chocolate con porras, in the purest Madrid style.
Following the traditions, in episodes 4 and 6 another emblematic place also appears, both gastronomically and culturally. It is El Corral de La Morería (C/ de la Moreria, 17, Centro, 28005 Madrid), the most famous flamenco tablao in the capital, which also has a gastronomic haute cuisine restaurant with the exquisite proposal of chef David García.
Another restaurant of a media chef also sneaks in among the locations of the series. It is the restaurant Omeraki (C/ del Duque de Sesto, 27, Salamanca, 28009 Madrid), owned by Alberto Chicote. This is a nod to its author, Juan Gómez-Jurado (who also plays a character in the story), as he is a close friend of the TV chef. It is Chicote’s most recent hospitality project and offers a very dynamic gastronomic experience, as the menu is quite changeable.
There is also space for the prestigious restaurant A’Barra, which has a Michelin star. Located in Calle del Pinar 15, it has become a gastronomic reference in the capital, thanks to its ability to perfectly combine traditional formulas with an innovative touch and always seeking to maintain a sustainable concept.
The most modern and traditional Madrid
Other views that have already become an obligatory stop in Madrid are those offered by the sophisticated terrace of the Hotel RIU in Plaza España, which is also visited by the protagonists of Red Queen during their adventure to solve the investigation. Between scenes, iconic sites such as the Café Moderno also come into view.
But these are not the only gastro scenes that appear throughout the seven episodes that make up Red Queen. There is also room for neighborhood cafés such as Bar Ortega (Av. de San Diego, 126, Puente de Vallecas, 28018 Madrid), where the main characters sit down to enjoy a typical sandwich. And Cafetería Los Arcos del Mercado (C. de Miguel Arredondo, 8, Arganzuela, 28045 Madrid), located in the Arganzuela area.
And, although it is not a site per se, special mention should also be made of the space dedicated to another dish of our gastronomy such as the potato omelette and the traditional ritual of elaboration. In fact, episode 5 is entitled ‘Una tortilla’.