In March, Madrid’s rhythm of life undergoes a noticeable shift: the streets become livelier, and residents seek out new experiences and services. This month, several unique venues and offerings have started attracting the attention of locals. As El Pais reports, these novelties are already influencing the leisure time and habits of the capital’s residents, offering fresh formats for relaxation and self-care.
Three prominent trends have emerged in the capital: a Georgian restaurant, a beauty salon with a personalized approach, and a gastro-bar that focuses on a single product. Each offers its own perspective on familiar things and has already sparked interest among diverse groups of visitors.
Georgian cuisine in the city center
On Calle de San Lucas, 11, K’era has opened—an ambitious new project from Nino Kiltava, known for Nunuka and Persimmon’s. Unlike her previous ventures, this spot embraces an all-day concept reminiscent of a Georgian home. At the center of the hall stands a traditional oven for baking bread and flatbreads, while the menu is built around national dishes. Special focus is given to khachapuri, especially Adjaruli, as well as khinkali and walnut-based sauces. The kitchen is headed by Gio Bakradze, who adapts recipes to suit Madrileños’ tastes without losing authenticity. The average bill ranges from 30 to 40 euros, and the venue is suitable for any time of day—from breakfast to late dinner.
K’era stands out for not restricting itself to the standard kitchen hours. Guests can stop by for breakfast, lunch, or simply enjoy a glass of wine in the evening. This flexible approach has already attracted those seeking new gastronomic experiences in familiar city neighborhoods.
A salon with a personalized touch
In the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu area (Paseo de la Castellana, 107), the Spanish outpost of Dessange International, managed by Alma Corporation, is in operation. The salon opened in the summer of 2021 and immediately drew attention for its unique service. Franchise director Javier Pelayo emphasizes the focus on a personal approach: salon manager Rocío Mayoral evaluates not only the condition of the client’s hair but also their emotional state to recommend the best care. They use a haircutting technique where hair is trimmed while standing, allowing for a more precise length. The price of the service includes coffee and a short conversation, and basic treatments range from 75 to 100 euros. Booking is required in advance, and the chain plans to expand to other cities in the future.
Unlike many other salons, the goal here is not to serve as many clients as possible in a day. Each guest receives personal attention, and many come back again. This approach has become the signature of this place and appeals to those who value individualized service.
Gastro bar with a single dish
Chez Pepito (Calle Cardenal Cisneros, 66) chose a different approach: here, almost the entire menu revolves around a single dish — pepito de ternera. Founder Román Gil explains that he wanted to reinvent the classic Madrid sandwich, preserving its simplicity while upgrading the quality of the meat, bread, and sauces. The bar has kept the familiar high-counter format with vibrant movement, and now also has branches in the Chamberí, Argüelles, and Montecarmelo neighborhoods. The average bill comes to €18–20, but if you order more, the total can reach €30. On weekends, it’s best to reserve a table in advance.
Chez Pepito quickly found its audience: regular customers return to try new versions of a familiar dish. This approach to gastronomy demonstrates that even simple ingredients can form the basis of a successful project if you focus on details and quality.
In recent years, Madrid has become a hotspot for emerging new restaurant and service formats that quickly attract loyal followers. The opening of national cuisine restaurants, unconventional beauty salons, and gastro-bars with specialized menus has become a noticeable trend. For example, last year saw venues launched in the capital that focus exclusively on one type of pasta or offer unique haircare treatments. These changes reflect residents’ growing interest in new experiences and high-quality service, as well as their desire to discover new traditions and flavors.
