Saddle opened in 2019 in the Chamberí space that was Jockey, the grand power-lunch institution that fed Madrid's establishment for half a century. It holds a Michelin star and two Repsol Soles, and since autumn 2024 the kitchen has belonged to Pablo Laya. The signature is the table itself: hand-chopped steak tartare, sole meunière and beef shank finished on silver carving trolleys that move through the room. The 'Estaciones' tasting menu is €185, or you can build four or five courses à la carte. The address is Calle de Amador de los Ríos 6.
The Kitchen
Saddle took over the dining room that was Jockey, for decades the address where Madrid's politicians and bankers held court, and reopened it in 2019 as a contemporary classic. It won a Michelin star and two Repsol Soles, and since autumn 2024 the head chef has been Pablo Laya, a Galician who took over from Adolfo Santos.
Laya's cooking pairs precise modern technique with the grand service Jockey was known for. The menu is built to be carved, plated and flambéed at the table: an 'Art of the Table' section sends out hand-chopped steak tartare, grilled sole meunière and slow beef shank with potato purée on silver trolleys, and the room keeps a constant traffic of bread, cheese and spirits carts. Standout plates include the Garrucha red prawn and Mont Royal pigeon with potato gnocchi, and the Grand Marnier soufflé is the dessert to order. The 'Estaciones' tasting menu runs €185; the à la carte format, with half-portions, lets you assemble a four- or five-course meal. The room sits at Calle de Amador de los Ríos 6, in Chamberí near the Paseo de la Castellana.
The Room
The dining room is grand and theatrical, all polished wood, white linen and the silver trolleys that define the place. Lighting is warm and flattering; the noise level stays at confident conversation, helped by generous spacing between tables. The trolley service means waiters are a constant, attentive presence, carving and finishing dishes at your side. Dress is smart, with jackets the norm at dinner, and the room is dressier than most of Madrid. Tables seat couples and business parties comfortably. The setting is built to feel like an occasion before the food arrives.
Best for Impress Clients
Book Saddle to impress a client because the room does the persuading for you. It inherited Jockey's power-lunch pedigree, so a Madrid host will register the address; the tableside trolley service is a quiet piece of theatre that fills any lull in conversation; and the à la carte format lets a guest order light or large without committing to a long tasting menu mid-meeting. Reserve a corner table and let the steak tartare be carved at the side. For more rooms built for hosting, see Best for impressing clients and the Madrid dining guide.
Not for a fast or low-key meal — the trolley service is deliberate and the room runs formal. Skip it if you want somewhere casual or quick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Saddle worth it?
Yes, if you want grand, old-school service rather than a minimalist tasting room. Saddle holds a Michelin star and two Repsol Soles, and its signature is the table itself, with steak tartare and sole carved and finished on silver trolleys. The 'Estaciones' menu is €185, or you can go à la carte. For a client dinner or a celebration where the room matters, it earns the price.
How hard is it to book Saddle?
Moderately hard for prime dinner slots and weekends, easier for a weekday lunch. Book through the restaurant's website or by phone a week or two ahead, more for a Friday or Saturday. Ask for a table with room for the trolleys if you want the full tableside service. For other grand rooms in the city, see the Madrid dining guide.
What should I order at Saddle?
Order from the 'Art of the Table' section to get the tableside theatre: the hand-chopped steak tartare, the grilled sole meunière or the beef shank with potato purée. The Garrucha red prawn and the Mont Royal pigeon with potato gnocchi are the standout plates, and the Grand Marnier soufflé is the dessert to finish on. If you would rather not choose, the 'Estaciones' tasting menu covers the kitchen's range.
What is the dress code at Saddle?
Smart, and dressier than most of Madrid. Jackets are the norm at dinner, and the grand room and trolley service suit dressing up; a sharp shirt and neat dress are the minimum. You will feel right in business or cocktail attire and out of place in trainers and casual wear. Lean formal for a client dinner or a celebration.