Madrid's Vegetable-Forward Restaurant Buzz
"Flor" is the buzzworthy new restaurant in Madrid's Legazpi putting vegetables center stage with a hyper-seasonal menu. The plant-based focused spot is redefining modern dining in the Spanish capital and drawing both foodies and Instagrammers. It's being positioned as one of Madrid's most ambitious new openings, emphasizing visual appeal alongside innovative vegetable preparations.
The culinary mind behind Flor is Cadu Gasparini, a 34-year-old chef from São Paulo with a rich background in Italian and Brazilian kitchens. Before opening Flor, Gasparini honed his craft in Piedmont, Italy, an experience he describes as life-changing, and later co-founded Gota, a popular natural wine bar in Madrid. The restaurant's philosophy is rooted in a deep respect for produce and seasonality, with a menu that gives prominence to vegetables. Gasparini's approach is not about moralizing food choices but about exploring the vast potential of vegetables, which he believes offer a wider creative playground than meat. The restaurant's team is constantly seeking out suppliers who share their values of quality and respect for ingredients. Diners at Flor can expect a tasting menu priced at 60 euros, with a shorter three-course option available on Thursday and Friday afternoons for 35 euros. The experience is designed to be a surprise, with the menu changing based on the availability of seasonal ingredients. However, the restaurant notes that it cannot currently accommodate vegan, gluten-free, or lactose-free diets. Located in the up-and-coming Legazpi neighborhood, Flor is part of a growing culinary scene in the Arganzuela district. The restaurant itself boasts a bright, welcoming atmosphere with large windows and an open kitchen, complemented by a soundtrack of vinyl records. This combination of innovative cuisine, natural wines, and a relaxed ambiance is making Flor a destination for food lovers exploring beyond Madrid's traditional dining hubs.
