[Madrid, Spain] Deessa: A Two Michelin-Starred Dining Journey You Won't Forget
Setting the Scene: Belle-Époque Grandeur
During my recent trip to Madrid, Spain, I had the pleasure of dining at Deessa, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant helmed by Chef Quique Dacosta, located within the majestic Mandarin Oriental Ritz.
Nestled in the palatial Alfonso XIII room, with its gilded ceilings, sparkling chandeliers, and sweeping views of the lush garden terrace, the space exudes timeless Belle-Époque elegance. Yet despite the grandeur, the atmosphere remains warm and gracious. Simply a perfect setting for an unforgettable lunch.
The Chronos Menu: A Journey Through Time and Taste
I opted for the Chronos Menu, a tasting menu that reflects the themes of time, memory, and nature.
The journey began with a comforting Pork Broth, poured tableside over delicate shavings of pork loin. Clear and golden, the broth carried deep, savoury notes - the essence of slow-cooked pork, subtly perfumed with herbs. Overall, the broth warmed created a layered first impression that was both refined and deeply comforting.
A Playful Beginning: The Almond Fragile
Next came the star-shaped Almond Fragile - crisp, delicate and lightly sweet, broke apart with a gentle snap. It was really pretty, Instagram-worthy, imaginative amuse-bouche.
Savoury Highlights: A Harmonious Trio
The savoury courses that followed showcased a balance between tradition and innovation:
1) Crème Brûlée with Roasted Onions, Toasted Pork Chops and Seasonal Mushrooms: A savoury take on a classic dessert, this dish offered a caramelised, slightly crisp top layer giving way to a velvety, deeply umami custard. The roasted onions brought a natural sweetness, while the pork and mushrooms grounded the dish with earthiness and a touch of rustic comfort.
2) Sole with Beurre Blanc and Aged Sake: The sole was expertly cooked — tender, moist, and almost translucent in its delicacy. The beurre blanc was smooth and luxurious, with a buttery richness lifted by the faint complexity of the aged sake. It felt like a quiet whisper of the sea, restrained and elegant.
3) Roasted Veal Sweetbread: This course leaned into boldness. The sweetbread was perfectly crisp on the outside, yielding to a creamy interior. Accompanied by a silky purée and a reduction that hinted at Madeira or sherry, it delivered richness without overwhelming — a thoughtful expression of nose-to-tail cooking.
The Crescendo: A Forest-Inspired Dessert
The dessert, The Pine, was the crescendo - both visually and emotionally. Inspired by Mediterranean forests, it arrived as a textured dome, plated with artistic restraint.
Aromas of pine rose gently from the dish, evoking fresh forest air. Within, layers of hazelnut gianduja, smooth chocolate, and herbal undertones unfolded slowly on the palate. Each bite felt like a moment of stillness - earthy, nostalgic, and quietly powerful. It wasn’t just dessert; it was a sensory memory, beautifully told.
A Final Whisper: The Petite Four
To end, a Petite Four trio:
Cheesecake with Pudding: Light and creamy, it had just enough tang to awaken the palate.
Ruby Camembert: Mildly savoury with a gentle fruitiness, it was a cross between a cheese and confection.
Hazelnut Brandy: Smooth and warm, it was like a final toast to the experience.
These closing bites were playful, elegant, and deeply satisfying. A quiet finale that echoed the menu’s sense of grace.
Final Reflections
What lingered wasn’t just the precision of each course, but the way the meal unfolded like a story. From the serene grandeur of the dining room to the pacing, textures, and careful contrasts on each plate, lunch at Deessa felt like much more than a meal. It was an invitation to pause - to taste, to feel, to remember.
If you're in Madrid and want to experience gastronomy that speaks to both the senses and the soul, Deessa is well worth the reservation. A lunch that lingers long after the last bite, and stays with you like a beautiful dream.
Watch My Reel, if You Can't Head There Yet!
Plaza de La Lealtad, 5,
28014, Madrid, Spain
