Tucked inside the newly opened five-star luxury JW Marriott Madrid, acclaimed Michelin-star Chef Mario Sandoval debuted the hotel’s elevated restaurant experience, Qú by Mario Sandoval, as the next member of Sandoval’s awarded gastronomy experiences (Coque, with 2 Michelin stars, and Coquetto Bar).
An arched doorway at the end of the sophisticated lobby peaks through to the upscale restaurant’s interiors: exposed stone walls, stately columns, and teardrop chandeliers set the scene for this refined dining experience. A gray-and-blue color palette adds a sleek touch to the space as well. Delicate pink peony flowers adorn dining tables, softening the cool, contemporary design.
Using ingredients from the JW Garden and local providers, Qú embraces Madrid’s native flavors with innovative twists to its food and drink. Served on dishes inspired by the beauty of perfume containers, each meal engages all five senses to create a dining experience that captures the essence of Madrid.
Beginning with sharable plates, a medley of seafood, vegetable, and meat-oriented dishes decorate this portion. (We tasted the Artisan Pickled Mussels served with bread and the Seasonal Mushrooms topped with a poached egg and foie gras — which adequately excited our tastebuds for the rest of the meal.)
Segueing into starter dishes, the traditional Scallop Aguachile — a scallop served in a classic aguachile sauce garnished with pomegranate — and Tomato Salmorejo — cold tomato soup dressed with an egg and ham — pairs well with the fresh garden salad (yes, the vegetables are plucked from the on-site garden).
When it comes to the main course, guests can either order “From the Sea” or “From the Land.” It’s a battle between the Bilbao-style Sea Bass and the Roasted Suckling Pork with Crispy Skin — and if you ask us, we’re wholeheartedly devoted to the flavorful pork with its oh-so-perfectly crisped skin. As a side dish, it’d be amiss not to have a bite of the fluffy Truffled Mash Potatoes.
For the sweet-tooth diners, Sandoval didn’t skip on perfecting the dessert menu, of course. There’s a delicious Flan with Whipped Cream and Spanish Cheesecake to satisfy sugar-seekers. However, the Crispy Lemon Pie is the real show-stopper.
Last but not least, the cocktails taste as exquisite as they appear. The zesty Qú Signature libation comprises Roku Gin, Cactus Marmalade, Red Petroni, rose, lavender, lemon, Peychaud bitters, and a magical foam to top it off. While visiting Madrid, it’s mandatory to try the traditional Spanish vermouth, which we just love.
Top Takeaways
Location: Madrid, Spain
Address: C. de Sevilla 2, 28014 Madrid
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Price Point: $$
Takes Reservations: Yes – Reservations
The vibe: An elevated restaurant experience connecting to the root of Spanish flavors in the heart of Madrid.
Our favorite thing on the menu: Without question, it’s the Roasted Suckling Pork with Crispy Skin entrée.
The attire: Smart Casual
Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner: Open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner from 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
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