Ancestral

The story

Ancestral Madrid: Michelin-Starred Modern Cuisine Rooted in Fire and Tradition

Ancestral

In the quiet suburb of Pozuelo de Alarcón, just a short drive from central Madrid, Ancestral offers a dining experience that is both intimate and ambitious. Chefs Victor Infantes and Saúl González have built a kitchen around a single, powerful element: fire. Their modern cuisine is deeply informed by the traditions of Castile and the Spanish countryside, especially game cookery, but the execution is anything but old-fashioned. Smoke and embers run through every course, lending a primal depth that is balanced by meticulous technique.

The space reflects the same duality. Minimalist in design, it pairs clean lines with warmth. Works by artists Pedrin and Miguel Caravaca are integrated into the setting—on tables and walls—making the meal a dialogue between food and art. The atmosphere is luxurious yet unhurried, with a sense of comfort that invites lingering.

Ancestral earned a Michelin star in 2026, a recognition that speaks to the precision and integrity of the cooking. The menu, titled "Menú Pardo," evolves with the seasons and is built around the grill. Game, smoke, and bold flavors are presented with a lightness that surprises. The wine cellar, too, is carefully selected to complement the kitchen’s smoky, earthy notes.

This is a restaurant that honors memory without being sentimental. Each plate feels like a rediscovery of Castilian flavors, transformed through the lens of contemporary gastronomy. For anyone drawn to the power of fire and the elegance of restraint, Ancestral is a destination worth the journey.