There are restaurants that serve good food, and then there are restaurants that define a city. Mesón Txistu is one of those. A Madrid classic known for its traditional Basque-inspired dishes and outstanding quality, this place captures the essence of what dining in Spain is all about.
From the moment you step inside, you know you’re somewhere special. The restaurant feels like a time capsule of Spanish gastronomy — stone walls, warm lighting, waiters in crisp white shirts, and photos of famous footballers, actors, and politicians who’ve all eaten here over the years. It’s elegant without being pretentious, traditional but full of life.
I’ve been to Mesón Txistu more than five times now, on different days, at different hours, and in every season. Not once was I disappointed. The quality is consistent, the service impeccable, and the experience always memorable. Before you even order, the magic begins. They bring you two small amuses: gildas (my personal favourite) — those perfect salty bites of anchovy, olive, and pepper — and chistorra, which happens to be my dad’s favourite. From there, you’re in for a feast.
The best way to start a nice dinner.
Mesón Txistu is most famous for its meat selection, especially the Chuletón Txistu for two, which arrives raw and sizzling on a hot stone for you to grill to your liking. Of course, there’s only one right answer — medium-rare. The flavour, texture, and quality of the beef speak for themselves. But it would be a mistake to overlook the rest of the menu.
Their carpaccio is a must. It’s thin, perfectly seasoned, and the kind of dish that literally melts on your tongue. Other starters worth sharing are the gambas a la plancha, gambas al ajillo, and almejas al ajillo. Each dish has that honest, traditional taste that makes Spanish cuisine so special. Naturally, their jamón ibérico is exceptional too.
Carpaccio de Mesón Txistu.
My favourite starter the “Gambas a la Plancha”.
If you’re not a meat person, there are excellent fish options as well — the tartar de atún and merluza are both delicate, fresh, and beautifully prepared. And if you want something deeply Spanish, go for the rabo de toro. It’s a slow-cooked oxtail stew served with soft potatoes and rich gravy, a dish that my mom and sister dream about daily.
To end, they serve a light sorbetto and some chocolates and cookies on the house — small gestures that sum up what this place does so well: care about every detail and the best possible experience for their customers.
Whether you’re visiting Madrid for a few days or living here long-term, Mesón Txistu is one of those restaurants you simply have to experience. It’s perfect for a family dinner, a cozy date night, or when you just want to treat yourself to something truly good.
Practical info
📍 Plaza Ángel de Carbajo 6, Tetuán, 28020 Madrid
🌐 mesontxistu.com
☎️ Reservations highly recommended — especially for dinner.
💡 Tip: if you don’t have time for a full dinner, try their lunch menu instead.
💵 Around €75 per person.
