Taberna Flamenca El Cortijo
Taberna Flamenca El Cortijo
4.5
7:00 PM - 12:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 PM - 12:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 PM - 12:00 PM
Friday
7:00 PM - 12:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 PM - 12:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 PM - 12:00 PM
About
Taberna Flamenca el Cortijo is perfect for a cultural night out. At only 15 minutes from the heart of Madrid, its typical Andalusian ambiance transports its guests to a romantic Spain where the sun always shines and where gypsies dance in colourful dresses to the rythms of the flamenco guitar. El Cortijo welcomes both locals and visitors to Madrid. Watch our top class flamenco show while dining on traditional Spanish dishes made with the freshest ingredients, washed down with the finest Spanish wines and beers.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Numancia
How to get there
- Portazgo • 2 min walk
- Buenos Aires • 5 min walk
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4.5
441 reviews
Excellent
315
Very good
80
Average
16
Poor
17
Terrible
13
jason m
Horsham, UK4 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
Had a fantastic night of authentic flamenco and atmosphere with really friendly hosts! Easy enough to find from the Metro. The locals all know it so we practiced our very poor Spanish to find it and they were lovely. Brilliant dancing and really good value. Would definitely recommend 😊
Written 18 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. We hope to welcome you again one day!
Written 19 October 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
BOSHRA76
Cairo, Egypt44 contributions
Jun 2013 • Friends
What a wonderful experience we had at this extremely unique place;this place has two secrets:
The first is that it offers the real warm and passionate essence of the spanish soul,not the false and expensive touristic shell you find in the fancy places in city center.
The second and more important secret is that wonderful lady who stands behind all of this,MELODY NICHOLS,that very special english lady who seems to be totally melted in the warm spanish pot to become finally a genuine part of its texture,you can feel how deeply and truely she enjoys what she is doing.her real secret as I can see is that she loves life and has the talent to transfer this feeling to you.
Finally I just want to say thank you MELODY for making us happy,we would certainly come back again to see you.
DR. BOSHRA AL BERMAWY-EGYPT
The first is that it offers the real warm and passionate essence of the spanish soul,not the false and expensive touristic shell you find in the fancy places in city center.
The second and more important secret is that wonderful lady who stands behind all of this,MELODY NICHOLS,that very special english lady who seems to be totally melted in the warm spanish pot to become finally a genuine part of its texture,you can feel how deeply and truely she enjoys what she is doing.her real secret as I can see is that she loves life and has the talent to transfer this feeling to you.
Finally I just want to say thank you MELODY for making us happy,we would certainly come back again to see you.
DR. BOSHRA AL BERMAWY-EGYPT
Written 7 July 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Dr Boshra, Thank you so much for your carefully chosen words. You are so right, I am really lucky to love every thing I do! We look forward to your next visit. Please let me take this opportunity to wish you and your people well and that your country finds peace very soon. Best regards, Melody
Written 10 July 2013
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
gordon h
Siggiewi, Malta27 contributions
Jan 2013 • Couples
On a short city-break holiday in the beautiful city of MADRID, coming from Malta, we definitely wanted to view a FLAMENCO show, with a meal. The astronomic prices asked for by the "tourist traps" for Flamenco nights & the thought of the lousy mass-produced food offered there, put us off...............UNTIL....we read the glowing recommendations here, on TRIPADVISOR, for "TABERNA FLAMENCA EL CORTIJO," in down town Madrid.
WHAT A FANTASTIC EVENING WE HAD - all for 15 euros - the show, for well over an hour, was breathtaking & highly Professional. The food never stopped coming - the Rioja was just as good.
Above all, was the super-friendliness of our hostess, the lovely MELODY - surely the BEST FLAMENCO dancer to come out of Guildford in Surrey!
Thanks, Melody, for the best evening & best experience of our Holiday.
Never to be forgotten!!
WHAT A FANTASTIC EVENING WE HAD - all for 15 euros - the show, for well over an hour, was breathtaking & highly Professional. The food never stopped coming - the Rioja was just as good.
Above all, was the super-friendliness of our hostess, the lovely MELODY - surely the BEST FLAMENCO dancer to come out of Guildford in Surrey!
Thanks, Melody, for the best evening & best experience of our Holiday.
Never to be forgotten!!
Written 26 January 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DawnandSteveinLeeds
Leeds, UK157 contributions
Dec 2012 • Couples
Excellent dancing, singing and flamenco guitar playing with beautiful dresses in a very pleasant environment. There were only 4 non Spanish visitors in the whole place. Melody is the perfect hostess, extremely well organised, fluent in both Spanish and English and gives a personal welcome to everyone as they enter. The food is good quality and very good value for money (15 euros for a 3-course meal including wine) and the menu is translated into English. These live flamenco shows are on on Friday and Saturday evenings. A really enjoyable show and evening in a wonderful atmosphere. Much more authentic than the touristy flamenco shows right in the city centre. No wonder it is rated at number 31 out of 247 attractions in Madrid, higher than some of the more well-known sights. Highly recommended to Spanish people and visitors alike.
Written 22 December 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jason m
Horsham, UK4 contributions
May 2012 • Couples
I took my other half to Madrid for a surprise weekend away with the aim of soaking in some real spanish culture. Rather than just going to the popular tourist spots I wanted to take her off the beaten track a bit and opt for something a little different. With this in mind we asked the taxi driver if he knew of a really good flamenco bar where locals tend to go. He said we should go to Taberna Flamenca El Cortijo (his local bar) because the dancers and musicians there really passionate about flamenco, the food is good and it will be busy. We arrived on Saturday night without a booking and were greeted by Melody who much to our surprise was English and very charming. She said they were really busy but that since we had made the effort to go along she would find a space for us. She very quickly got us settled and with her help we ordered a good selection of Tapas and a bottle of wine which went down a treat and it wasn't expensive in comparison to bars nearer the tourist hot spots.
Then came the show! All I can say is that we were mesmerised by it. There was a good mixture of fast and slow numbers, the dancers gave it everything they had and the musicians were fabulous. We really sensed that they had a love for the art of flamenco and were keen to share thier talents. In addition to being a freindly face and excellent host, Melody was also a terrific dancer. She made a point of coming over and asking if we had enjoyed ourselves which was a really nice touch. The place was packed out and we seemed to be the only tourists on that night- says something about the place if the locals are filling it!
Next time we are in Madrid we will go back for sure. Great night out.
Then came the show! All I can say is that we were mesmerised by it. There was a good mixture of fast and slow numbers, the dancers gave it everything they had and the musicians were fabulous. We really sensed that they had a love for the art of flamenco and were keen to share thier talents. In addition to being a freindly face and excellent host, Melody was also a terrific dancer. She made a point of coming over and asking if we had enjoyed ourselves which was a really nice touch. The place was packed out and we seemed to be the only tourists on that night- says something about the place if the locals are filling it!
Next time we are in Madrid we will go back for sure. Great night out.
Written 28 May 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
19_Amac_88
Wollongong, Australia2 contributions
May 2012 • Couples
Good points:
- the performers were very talented
- very cheap meal / no cover charge
- friendly staff
- complimentary plate of fresh prawns/shrimps/gamba
- a genuine experience
- good food
Bad points (each individually not an issue, but combined with everything - it turned out not to the night we expected)
- couldnt find the Taberna Flamenca El Cortijo until we realised it was downstairs of a Tapas place in a slightly 'dodgy' area
- when we arrived, there was no greeting / inquiry about reservation, it was slightly confusing as we didnt know if we were in the right place. After we caught the waiter who had run past us 3-4 times, we were seated under an air conditioner BLASTING cold air. It was freezing.
- we asked 3 times to move to be waved 'wait', the waiter mistook this for us wanting to order (which was a bonus - we ordered early). We were eventually moved after motioning to the other waiter that we were cold.
- when we did order, there were no english options and the waiter could not understand us nor us him. I do not expect people in Spain to know english - but we had specifically heard that Taberna Flamenca El Cortijo was "english-friendly' providing menus in English. So we didnt know what we ordered, or whether it was tapas style, or full meals. As a result we ordered way too much food.
- there were no menus on the tables, so we could not look at what/ try and figure out there was to offer before being approached to order.
- We watched as people tried to get the attention of the waiters for over an hour - it was obvious that they were run off their feet.. perhaps they were understaffed with only 2 waitstaff on. The waitstaff were extremely apologetic and we felt terribly sorry for them (especially the one who got into trouble once one couple left - probably due to the disorganisation of the whole thing - not his lack of politeness). Drink orders were forgotten, and meals left on the serving table for up to 20 minutes waiting for the staff to be able to return and deliver them to the relevant tables.
- we could not see the feet of the dancers :( even if we stood up, as we were positioned 2 rows from the front... the tables at the front would of had a great view...
- The show did not start until about 11 and we left at 12am (due to my partner being sick - unrelated to the food!!) after waiting 30 mins for the dancers to return from a 5-10 min break.
My partner and I booked this venue based on nothing but good reviews, unfortunately we cannot agree that we had a fantastic experience.
I would recommend attending knowing these things beforehand:
- it is downstairs of the restaurant on the corner
- order a jug of sangria / beer to avoid having to try and get the attention of the wait staff over and over again (I gave up ordering drinks... especially since the show/ night was supposed to start at 9:30... and it was not finished by 12)
- the meals are large... order to share
- TRY AND GET A TABLE AT THE FRONT
- be prepared for a language barrier
- the performers were very talented
- very cheap meal / no cover charge
- friendly staff
- complimentary plate of fresh prawns/shrimps/gamba
- a genuine experience
- good food
Bad points (each individually not an issue, but combined with everything - it turned out not to the night we expected)
- couldnt find the Taberna Flamenca El Cortijo until we realised it was downstairs of a Tapas place in a slightly 'dodgy' area
- when we arrived, there was no greeting / inquiry about reservation, it was slightly confusing as we didnt know if we were in the right place. After we caught the waiter who had run past us 3-4 times, we were seated under an air conditioner BLASTING cold air. It was freezing.
- we asked 3 times to move to be waved 'wait', the waiter mistook this for us wanting to order (which was a bonus - we ordered early). We were eventually moved after motioning to the other waiter that we were cold.
- when we did order, there were no english options and the waiter could not understand us nor us him. I do not expect people in Spain to know english - but we had specifically heard that Taberna Flamenca El Cortijo was "english-friendly' providing menus in English. So we didnt know what we ordered, or whether it was tapas style, or full meals. As a result we ordered way too much food.
- there were no menus on the tables, so we could not look at what/ try and figure out there was to offer before being approached to order.
- We watched as people tried to get the attention of the waiters for over an hour - it was obvious that they were run off their feet.. perhaps they were understaffed with only 2 waitstaff on. The waitstaff were extremely apologetic and we felt terribly sorry for them (especially the one who got into trouble once one couple left - probably due to the disorganisation of the whole thing - not his lack of politeness). Drink orders were forgotten, and meals left on the serving table for up to 20 minutes waiting for the staff to be able to return and deliver them to the relevant tables.
- we could not see the feet of the dancers :( even if we stood up, as we were positioned 2 rows from the front... the tables at the front would of had a great view...
- The show did not start until about 11 and we left at 12am (due to my partner being sick - unrelated to the food!!) after waiting 30 mins for the dancers to return from a 5-10 min break.
My partner and I booked this venue based on nothing but good reviews, unfortunately we cannot agree that we had a fantastic experience.
I would recommend attending knowing these things beforehand:
- it is downstairs of the restaurant on the corner
- order a jug of sangria / beer to avoid having to try and get the attention of the wait staff over and over again (I gave up ordering drinks... especially since the show/ night was supposed to start at 9:30... and it was not finished by 12)
- the meals are large... order to share
- TRY AND GET A TABLE AT THE FRONT
- be prepared for a language barrier
Written 19 May 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Guest,
First of all I would like to offer you my most sincere apologies. We have always tried to provide the best service and attention and I agree that on the night you visited we did not hit the mark. As I imagine you were visiting while on holiday I can't invite you to come again and live a much better experience so I can only offer an apology and some explanation.
You are absolutely right, the waiters were run off their feet as they had not expected that the summer would finally start and that the restaurant would be full and the outside terrace and bar completely packed. In addition, as they had changed the menu it had not yet been printed in English. As El Cortijo mostly receives local guests the menu in English had slipped down the list of priorities.
I can assure you that your comments have been taken very seriously and measures have already been taken to solve the problems.
As far as seeing the dancers' feet is concerned, I agree it is hard if you are not in the front row. This is inevitable in many smaller flamenco venues. We are considering installing cameras focussing on the dancers' feet and projecting them on screens on the walls.
I hope my words can offer some consolation.
Sincerest regards,
Melody Nicholls
Written 21 May 2012
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
00ladyk
37 contributions
We decided to visit following finding the reviews on tripadvisor, google maps led us to the wrong street but some locals pointed us in the right direction and it was only the next street along. Food was great 1/2 bottle of wine on table and a plate of meats and bread to start followed by salad and cooked meat and a little seafood, then we were asked what we'd like for main course no one spoke English my Spanish is limited to about 15 words luckily this seemed to get us by and we managed to order meat and a fish main, meat main was lovely friend said not much fish on the fish a plate of cake for dessert then followed by which time we were stuffed and couldn't manage them! Then out came the entertainment a lady with a fantastic voice singing in Spanish with a lot of passion and a flamenco dancer who also showed her passion for dance you could really tell they enjoyed doing it, was a lovely evening and worth hopping on the metro to have a meal in a place not directed towards tourists, it is only 5 mins from closest metro. A good evening out
Written 31 December 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gillcweb
Dundee, UK69 contributions
Live flamenco show on Friday and Saturday nights, we went for our anniversary on Saturday (28th April) and will definately be a night we will remember! I emailed in advance to book a table as had read it can be very busy, Melody replied and said if we had any special requests to let her know.
Very easy to get to by metro then 2 minute walk to restaurant from there. We were sat close to the stage with an excellent view, the show was brilliant both dancers and musicians. Food was also excellent and so cheap, we had a meal each and shared 2 dishes and 2 drinks each all for 40 euros!!
Want to thanks Melody for helping us read the entire menu as our spanish is very poor, such good service and made us feel very welcome. Other staff very helpful too rushing around to get everyone served.
Dont write many reviews but really wanted to rave how good this place was, made our holiday!!
Very easy to get to by metro then 2 minute walk to restaurant from there. We were sat close to the stage with an excellent view, the show was brilliant both dancers and musicians. Food was also excellent and so cheap, we had a meal each and shared 2 dishes and 2 drinks each all for 40 euros!!
Want to thanks Melody for helping us read the entire menu as our spanish is very poor, such good service and made us feel very welcome. Other staff very helpful too rushing around to get everyone served.
Dont write many reviews but really wanted to rave how good this place was, made our holiday!!
Written 30 April 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jonathan M
London, UK6 contributions
Oct 2011 • Friends
Unlike the usual tourist spots who usually feature the same tired act every night, El Cortijo features a variety young professionals and semi-professionals who give it their all providing a very good experience and environment.
Also there is no entry charge, the food is very good and not expensive (completely in contrast to some of the tourist spots).
Also there is no entry charge, the food is very good and not expensive (completely in contrast to some of the tourist spots).
Written 18 November 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Melody N
Thank you very much for your appreciation. We hope to see you again soon!
Written 22 November 2011
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
hnhansen03
Arlington, TX2 contributions
Nov 2012 • Couples
Once we found the place (Google maps took us to another restaurant around the corner) we had a fantastic time. For 15 Euro, we got a choice from 3 appetizers, a choice from 3 entrees, bread, wine, and water plus a wonderful show. The food was great, as was the dancing. It was very authentic...I think we were the only English speakers there besides our fabulous host, Melody. There were 3 different people there celebrating their birthdays with friends and everyone sang Happy Birthday to them in Spanish. But don't let the language barrier deter you. You don't have to speak Spanish to feel the spirit and energy of this interesting tradition.
Written 21 November 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hola quisieramos ir mañana con una amiga y queríamos saber si hay alguna opción para personas veganas! uno de nosotros lo es.. con unas verduritas o un gazpachito será feliz sin duda.. es más de vinos que de comidas!
Written 28 May 2019
Te seré sincera, todo lo que comimos no era para veganos pero de seguro algo hay. Una ensalada o aceitunas. Tranquilo disfrutaran mucho.
Written 29 May 2019
Hi Melody can I just go as a walk-in or I have to buy the Viator package on either 3/1 or 3/2? If you accept both, what's the difference between them?
We shall stay at Acta Madfor in Madrid. How to get to your place by metro?
Ciao, Alan from Hong Kong
Written 23 February 2017
Is it ok /appropriate to bring our 12 &14 year olds to watch the show & eat with us?
What time does the show finish?
Thank you.
Written 13 February 2017
Hello!
Youngsters are very welcome and enjoy the show. We finish at about 11 pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday nights and at about midnight on Friday and Saturday.
Best regards,
Melody
Written 13 February 2017
A Tripadvisor member
Si comienza en horario
Written 12 October 2016
Hola Javier. Veo que has puesto la misma critica en otro sitio: El Cortijo Restaurante Peruano.La critica es sobre el restaurante Peruano, El Cortijo de Bayron o Taberna Flamenca El Cortijo? Son tres restaurantes con el nombre muy parecido y los tres se encuentran en Vallecas.
Gracias
Written 3 December 2015
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