The first Armando restaurant, dedicated to Spain's iconic breaded cutlet, opens this weekend in central Madrid. Part of the Familia La Ancha group, it provides an informal dining experience without reservations for under 25 euros per person.
The Familia La Ancha hospitality group, known for venues like La Ancha and Fismuler in Madrid and Barcelona, launches its new Armando spot at Carranza 9, seating 40 diners. This themed space pays tribute to the escalope, a 40 cm long, ultra-thin breaded cutlet that originated at La Ancha in the 1970s, inspired by an Argentine customer named Armando.
Nino Redruello, the fourth generation leading the group, states: "In the family, we're escalope freaks, so opening a restaurant just for this dish was something we'd had in mind for many years. I truly believe in its magic". The menu is concise: four sharing plates like ham croquettes or Velazqueña tortilla, two sandwich options, and five escalope varieties (classic Iberian pork, baby, chicken, swordfish, and eggplant vegetable). All are handmade in a visible kitchen, pounding the meat thin before breading and frying.
The innovation is customization: the escalope arrives plain at the table, topped with seven complements like macaroni with chorizo or truffle low-temp eggs, plus nine garnishes such as french fries or potato salad. Desserts feature ice cream with six creations, like caramelized French toast or Chinese flan with orange jelly, which Redruello calls "a homage to childhood, play, and that unforgettable sweet ending".
No reservations are accepted, with an average bill of 22 euros, promoting turnover in an informal setting with 1970s touches designed by Trench Estudio. It initially operates for lunch and dinner, with plans to extend hours. Executive chef Markel Torres will oversee the standardized kitchen for potential expansion. Redruello notes the project aims to "democratize an emotional connection" in a stressed society, evoking primary emotions through this dish.
Hours: Sunday to Thursday 1-4 pm and 8-11 pm; Friday and Saturday until 11:30 pm.