In the heart of Madrid, where the chill of February often invites a retreat indoors, the city continues to surprise, offering novel ways to break free from winter’s lethargy. This week, three distinct venues have emerged, each inviting a fresh look at leisure and social interaction. From a restaurant designed for intimate encounters to a café where chess pieces mingle with cocktails, and a laundromat-cafe that’s become the neighborhood’s latest sensation, Madrid proves it never stops innovating.
Tonton: The Art of Shared Flavors
Stepping into Tonton (Calle de Jordán, 7) in the Chamberí district, one is immediately enveloped in an atmosphere of understated elegance. With soft lighting and dishes served ‘family style’ for sharing, Tonton eschews grand gestures. Instead, it offers a serene dining experience rooted in seasonal produce, natural wines, and a relaxed ambiance that encourages lingering. It’s the quintessential spot for a romantic date, promising the beginning of an unforgettable evening.
Bosco Suárez de Puga, one of the driving forces behind Tonton, has hospitality in his blood. “I’ve worked in every role in the sector since I was 16, and at 18, I started taking jobs outside of Spain,” he recounts. The vision for his own space crystallized after experiences in cities like Berlin and Paris. “I’ve always had a deep love for what we do here, but after encountering very different contemporary concepts, I knew I could bring something new to the Madrid scene,” Suárez de Puga asserts.
The menu, characterized by seasonal ingredients, draws influences from Mediterranean, French, and Spanish cuisines. “Tonton is, above all, a place to come and share, to enjoy without rushing,” he explains. A unique offering is their ‘carte blanche’ menu, a surprise selection crafted by the kitchen. “It’s not exactly a tasting menu, but a way to surrender control and let yourself be guided through our menu with special dishes that aren’t always available.”
The restaurant champions a low-intervention philosophy, working closely with small producers. In its inaugural year, Tonton has primarily attracted a local clientele. “Our style is still somewhat new to many Madrid customers, so there’s a bit of initial shyness, but overall, we are very happy with the response.” The average bill is 45 euros. After dinner, guests are encouraged to stay for a drink at the bar, concluding the night on a high note.
Gambit Café: Chess, Cocktails, and Conversation
In the vibrant heart of Malasaña, where cultural life and gastronomy intertwine seamlessly, Gambit Café (C. del Barco, 26) has just opened its doors. This restaurant is uniquely centered around the game of chess, offering an unexpected blend of strategy, gastronomy, and mixology. Here, the game transcends its traditional boundaries, becoming a social pretext for connection.
The brainchild of Alexandra Tivoly, a 26-year-old French entrepreneur, Gambit Café aims to democratize chess. “We want to show that chess doesn’t just belong to an elite or to closed clubs. It’s a game that can be fun, social, and open to everyone,” she states. Having grown up playing with her father, and after exploring specialized chess bars across Europe, Tivoly decided to bring this concept to Madrid. “That mix of strategy and sociability really resonated with me.”
For a modest fee of three euros-with no time limit or restrictions on games-patrons can play or simply soak in the atmosphere. “This game develops concentration, creativity, memory, and stress management. But above all, it teaches coexistence, how to lose, and to think before acting. It’s a beautiful metaphor for modern life,” Tivoly reflects.
The spacious, 100-square-meter venue is designed to foster calm and community. It features custom-made tables, curtains that define intimate zones, and a menu curated to complement the game: hummus, gilda, tortilla skewers, cold cuts, cheesecake, and chocolate chip cookies. The drink selection includes classic cocktails like mojitos, negronis, and espresso martinis, alongside more contemporary options such as pornstar martinis and pisco sours. The coffee menu ranges from affogato to frappé. Gambit Café also hosts tournaments, quick lessons, thematic talks, and collaborates with platforms like Chess.com and ChessMood. The average ticket is 10-15 euros.
Wash: Coffee and Laundry with a Cinematic Flair
Wash (Calle Manuela Malasaña 23) offers a captivating blend of operational washing machines, specialty coffee, and an independent film aesthetic. “Raúl, during a trip to New York, fell in love with laundromats; he vividly remembered those iconic scenes from movies and series,” explains Lander, his partner. “From there, the idea arose to blend these two worlds and bring this concept to Madrid.”
The space is functional, featuring shared tables and a distinct neighborhood vibe. “We want it to be their trusted spot: a place where you can enjoy a coffee while doing your laundry, come just to wash, or simply drop by for a coffee,” they elaborate. The cafe operates during weekday mornings and afternoons, and until 7 PM on weekends.
The offering is complemented by an informal agenda suggested by the team: a run through El Retiro, breakfast at Wash, a visit to the Prado Museum, lunch at Batch (Vallehermoso Market), a film at the Filmoteca, and dinner at El Rambal. “The reception has been very positive, and at the same time, we continue to listen closely to the neighborhood. There are still many things to do.” The average ticket is 7.5 euros.
Madrid, ever-evolving, continues to surprise and delight with its innovative approaches to daily life, transforming mundane activities into opportunities for connection and enjoyment.
Source: https://elpais.com/espana/madrid/2026-02-06/madrid-siempre-sorprende-una-cena-sin-pretensiones-partidas-de-ajedrez-con-copa-y-cafe-entre-lavadoras.html
