The triple Michelin-starred chef Dabiz Muñoz has confessed in an interview that his favourite bar for eating lobster rice in Madrid is La Paloma II, in the La Elipa neighbourhood. A long-established local spot he visited as a child with his parents.
Chef Dabiz Muñoz, known for his avant-garde cuisine at DiverXO, has revealed what his go-to restaurant in Madrid is when he craves a traditional dish. It is not a temple of haute cuisine, but a local bar in La Elipa: La Paloma II. In an interview on Cadena SER, the chef confessed his fondness for the lobster rice at this establishment, located on Marqués de Corbera street.
A timeless classic
Muñoz explained that his parents used to take him to La Paloma II when he was a child, and since then it has become his reference for soupy rice. “I love this place!” he exclaimed during the interview. The venue, with a capacity of eight tables indoors and two outdoor terraces, maintains the spirit of traditional restaurants, where the quality of the product is what matters.
The star dish, lobster rice, is priced at 25 euros per person, according to the menu consulted. The portions are generous: the chef himself recommends ordering for two if going in a group of three. A quality-price ratio hard to find in the capital, where similar dishes in more central areas can double that cost.
Where it is and how to get there
La Paloma II is located in the Ciudad Lineal district, specifically in La Elipa, a traditional working-class neighbourhood. For residents of the Community of Madrid, getting there is easy: by metro, the nearest stop is La Elipa (Line 2), and by bus, lines 146, 210, and E2 stop just a few metres away. The venue is open from Tuesday to Sunday, with hours from 13:00 to 16:00 and from 20:30 to 23:30.
Dabiz Muñoz is not the only celebrity who has praised this establishment. On social media, regular customers highlight the creamy texture of the rice and the intense flavour of the lobster, cooked just right. “It feels like you’re on the coast of Galicia,” the chef commented, referring to the maritime tradition of the dish.
A local phenomenon that thrives
Muñoz's recommendation has sparked interest in La Paloma II, which was already known among food lovers. On platforms like Google Maps, reviews highlight the friendly and familial service, typical of a long-established business. The venue, which opened its doors over 30 years ago, has managed to stay true to its recipes without falling into passing trends.
For readers in the Community of Madrid, this is an opportunity to try an iconic dish at an affordable price, without the need to book months in advance as is the case in other restaurants in the capital. However, it tends to fill up on weekends, so it is advisable to call to reserve a table.
The chef, who has recently renewed his Michelin star, shows that even the most discerning palates can appreciate traditional cuisine. A nod to tradition that, in the middle of August, invites you to escape to La Elipa to enjoy a rice dish that, according to Muñoz, is “insane”.
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