Lhardy is a restaurant and a pastry & deli shop located really close to Puerta del Sol. It was founded in 1839 by a French pastry chef called Emilio Hugenin Lhardy, and it’s considered to be one of the first and oldest restaurants in Madrid.

Even if the restaurant is a bit expensive I truly recommend you visit the shop on the lower level. They have some high tables and stools where you can try the famous “consomé”, a meat and vegetable broth in a cup (self-service from the silver samovar), and the artisan cold cuts sandwiches, called “Pulgas” – the roast beef one is amazing!-. Also if you are daring, try “Callos a la madrileña”, a typical plate in Madrid made with tripe, chorizo and blood sausages.

If the facade automatically takes you back to the nineteenth century, the interior won’t disappoint: the samovar, the old big mirror, the silver trays…, you will feel like part of the history of Madrid.