Picalagartos: the Gran Vía in 360 degrees
A restaurant and a bar on the roof of a historic building
At number 21 Gran Vía, the NH Collection Madrid Gran Vía hotel occupies an old building whose top two levels have been entrusted to Picalagartos, a venue from the Azotea group. A panoramic lift takes you up to the restaurant on the 8th floor, then to the terrace on the 9th, the real rooftop.
Up there, the view sweeps right around the horizon. On one side, Madrid's most famous avenue runs down towards Callao and Plaza de España; on the other, the Metrópolis dome and the massive silhouette of the Telefónica Building seem within arm's reach. At sunset, the terrace fills up quickly, especially in summer.
Food with a hint of embers and Mexican cocktails
In the kitchen, chef Manuel Berganza focuses on produce and clean flavours, with a smoky touch: marinated oysters, bluefin tuna tartare, rice dishes, and grilled fish and meat. At weekends, brunch is served on Saturday and Sunday. On the terrace, a menu of small plates goes with the drinks.
The cocktail list, created by Luca Anastasio, pays tribute to Mexico with tequila and mezcal, mostly priced from €13 to €14. Both floors also host private and corporate events.
Practical information
The restaurant is open every day from 1pm to 1am. The 9th-floor bar welcomes guests Monday to Thursday from 5pm to 1am, on Friday from 5pm to 2am, on Saturday from noon to 2am and on Sunday from noon to 1am; the terrace depends on the weather and opening hours change with the season. Restaurant bookings are made online, while the terrace mostly works without reservations. Gran Vía metro (lines 1 and 5) is right next door.
