There are scents that instantly take us back to childhood, and flavors that can turn an ordinary day into a small celebration. Chocolate, without a doubt, tops the list of these magical ingredients. It’s not just a sweet treat; itβs a genuine mood booster, a reason to gather, and the centerpiece of any festivity. This year, on September 13, Madrid fully surrenders to its charms, inviting locals and visitors alike to dive into a gastronomic adventure dedicated to World Chocolate Day. The cityβs venues have prepared a special program where everyone can find a dessert to their tasteβfrom bold, innovative creations to reimagined classics. This is more than a tasting; itβs a full-fledged journey into a world of flavors, textures, and unexpected pairings, promising to leave vivid and warm memories.
Haute cuisine and panoramic views
Start this sweet tour from a bird’s-eye view. On the sixth floor of the Royal Theatre sits Papagena restaurant, offering one of the most breathtaking views of the Spanish capital. Here, guests are invited to try the βBrownie Noirβ with hazelnuts. Its signature touch is the use of buckwheat flour, which adds a pleasant rustic note and makes the pastry incredibly moist and tender. The dessert is served with toffee and a ganache made from 61-percent dark chocolate, dusted with cocoa powder. Crunchy nuts add the finishing touch, creating the perfect balance of textures. This is a place where both your taste buds and your eyes are in for a treat.
Family traditions and bold experiments
The La Lamucca restaurant chain has created its own mini-route as part of the citywide celebration, offering something special at each of its locations. At the branches on Del Carmen, Almagro, Plaza de EspaΓ±a, and Pez, the main star is the ‘Pink Panther’ cakeβa vibrant creation made from fresh raspberries and a special Valrhona raspberry chocolate. For those who prefer timeless classics, you can also find the traditional chocolate-banana cake with a scoop of dulce de leche ice cream. At Lamucca on Prado and Serrano, the team decided to surprise guests with the Spicy Choco dessert: a sponge cake with chocolate mousse and an unexpected spicy note that unfolds with every bite. The Fuencarral location bets on intense flavor, offering a refined chocolate ganache with sea salt crystalsβa simple yet brilliant combination. Ultramarinos del Coso keeps up, presenting two variations on one theme. At the Trafalgar spot, you can cool off with a light and airy chilled mousse, while on San JoaquΓn, you can try its more sophisticated version with crispy meringue pieces and tangy raspberries.
Italian flair and artisanal craft
The Italian restaurant V Modern Italian, located in the prestigious Salamanca district, could not ignore such an event. Their homemade desserts are a true ode to cocoa, infused with a distinctive Italian flair. Highlights include their sourdough pizza with Nutella, fresh strawberries, and mint. Or the homemade chocolate cake with olive oil, served on a bed of orange syrup. Even the classic tiramisu is reimagined here: they add chocolate, mascarpone, and notes of caramel biscuit with lemon. Meanwhile, at the En Bruto bakery, a creative approach to chocolate is evident at first glance. Here, chocolate is celebrated in its most comforting and beloved forms: the classic croissant and incredibly tempting cookies with dark chocolate chunks. And to complete the experience, they offer a refreshing Ice Cacao Latte. Everything is made daily from 100% organic and locally sourced ingredients, guaranteeing pure and intense flavor.
The pinnacle of pastry craftsmanship
The final chord of this chocolate marathon is the Life Desserts line from the Life Gourmet group. Behind this collection is Alejandro Montes, recognized as Spain’s top master chocolatier. His creations are a true ode to the art of haute patisserie. Among the highlights is the mini-cup βtut chocolate,β where creamy namelaka is paired with a mousse prepared according to a grandmotherβs recipe and crunchy cocoa crumble. Each dessert is a work of art, crafted for the most discerning gourmets and the perfect way to celebrate Chocolate Day at the highest level.
