Lhardy Café Madrid opens in the Salamanca district: coffee, pastries and the hallmark of the legendary 1839 restaurant

Lhardy Café opened on September 7th at number 8 Velázquez Street, as confirmed by the owning group. Behind the project are Grupo Pescaderías Coruñesas and the García Azpíroz family, owners of Lhardy since 2021, when they purchased the historic restaurant and the building that houses it during a difficult time for the business. Since then, the group has worked to revive one of Madrid's great gastronomic landmarks and to find new ways to expand it. The idea, as explained by the owners, is not to replicate the Lhardy on San Jerónimo Street, but rather to "bring its history to a more informal and contemporary setting."

The new café occupies the space of the former Llave de Oro café at the Wellington Hotel, right on Velázquez Street with a street entrance. The establishment is spread over two floors and includes an outdoor terrace, designed for the sunny months and al fresco dining. Downstairs, a large bar sets the pace for a lively and informal atmosphere; upstairs, the ambiance becomes more relaxed and focused on fine dining, ideal for sitting down to lunch or dinner.

A Lhardy open from 9:00 to 24:00 for any time of day

The best thing about this concept is its flexibility: it's open every day, from 9:00 a.m. to midnight, without breaks. This means that at Lhardy Café Madrid you can have a leisurely breakfast, a mid-morning coffee, lunch, an afternoon snack, a light bite, or dinner. This all-day approach is the main difference from the original restaurant, which is more formal and focused on lunch and dinner. Here, no one forces you to choose a specific time slot: the café functions as a meeting place for any time of day.

The ground floor is organized around a large bar for a more spontaneous bite, while the upper floor invites you to sit and relax. The décor blends antique silver, copper, and ceramic pieces from the former Lhardy department store with mirrors, sconces, and antique lamps from the Palacio de la Trinidad—a lovely nod to the house's heritage. The interior design is by the Auna studio, and their attention to detail is evident.

This café also revives something that Emilio Lhardy, the Swiss founder trained in Paris, established in 19th-century Madrid: the café as a meeting place, without the need to sit down for a full meal. He was also a pioneer in allowing ladies to come alone and in having people get up to pour their own consommé. Centuries later, that idea lives on in a specialty coffee shop that is visually appealing and smells of freshly brewed coffee.

The pleasure of enjoying a good coffee without looking at the clock is the true luxury of the new Lhardy.

What to order: consommé, soufflé, and specialty coffee

The menu is a clever blend of Lhardy's signature dishes and the signature touch of the Pescaderías Coruñesas Group. There are classics like the grilled Evaristo sole with vinaigrette, the beef tenderloin with whisky sauce (from 1911 onwards), croquettes, tripe, and that consommé served in its traditional samovar. All of these coexist with the restaurant's iconic dishes and the famous Lhardy soufflé, which can be enjoyed here without having to wait for a formal dinner.

But the real surprise comes with the pastries and cakes, which at this Lhardy take center stage in a way previously unseen on Carrera de San Jerónimo. Specialty coffee is the common thread from opening to closing, perfect to accompany breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a mid-afternoon treat. There's a clear intention to attract a young, foodie clientele without sacrificing classic flavors.

The wine cellar also has its own distinct character: Lhardy Café has created a collection of cuvées in collaboration with wineries and producers from various wine regions, specifically designed for the establishment. It's clear this isn't just a casual café, but a gastronomic project with substance and a meticulous approach to the product.

From the Carrera de San Jerónimo to Velázquez: the new chapter of a Madrid icon

The opening is not an isolated event: it's part of the expansion being carried out by Grupo Pescaderías Coruñesas, one of the most prominent family-run restaurant groups in the city. In addition to its restaurants O'Pazo, El Pescador, Filandón, and Desde 1911—the latter boasting a Michelin star—this café now joins the group, catering to the street and new generations while maintaining its core essence.

The future is promising: the same family is working on the ambitious Madrid Teatro hotel and restaurant project near Canalejas, slated for completion in 2028, and on the restoration of the historic Pescaderías Coruñesas fish shop on Calle Recoletos, where Evaristo 33, a restaurant developed in collaboration with Sara Aznar and Nacho Ventosa, will open in late 2027. With so much activity, the Salamanca district is solidifying its position as one of Madrid's most exciting culinary areas.

Is it worth it? For this editorial team, yes. Lhardy Café achieves something difficult: preserving the essence of a classic without feeling stuffy. That said, reservations are recommended, except for breakfast, because the fame of their soufflé and consommé is stronger than ever. The menu and prices may vary, so it's best to confirm with the café.

In short, a new must-see in Madrid that's going to generate a lot of buzz.

🍽️ The foodie card

• 🏠 Location / Establishment: Lhardy Café Madrid
• 📍 Location: Calle Velázquez 8, Madrid
• 🍴 Type of food / Specialty: Specialty coffee, pastries and Lhardy classics
• 💰 Average price: Not specified; check at the store