Maison Mélie: The Restaurant That Takes You to Paris Without Leaving Madrid

Maison Mélie greets us with a facade that defines the essence of the place. Its indigo awnings, golden fixtures, retro-inspired spherical lamps, and Art Deco-style showcases and windows create a prelude to the heart of this boutique restaurant, which introduces a special gastronomic concept that combines a bakery and a pastry shop: we are in Madrid, yes; but it could be any street in Paris.

Located in the very center of Madrid, Maison Mélie opens its doors to bring genuine French gastronomy to the capital. Inspired by the history and tradition of baker Mélie Denancé, who founded his own bakery in 1894 in Honfleur, France, Maison Mélie stands out for representing the perfect union of traditional cooking and the most contemporary culinary techniques. While savoring its cuisine, one can easily feel transported to any elegant Parisian neighborhood, thanks to a style created from tradition but with a sharp air of modernity. This accent is graphically evident in the implementation of toile de Jouy, which adorns much of the walls of the establishment, an eminently French fabric representing pastoral scene patterns in monochromatic tones over gradient colors.

Divided into two levels, Maison Mélie features two large dining rooms, one on each floor, organized along its two bars made of wood by master craftsmen, with their stools upholstered in blue velvet. While the basement boasts vaulted ceilings with exposed brick, the first floor is clad in white wooden panels, which pair well with its black and white checkered ceramic floors.

But there is no Parisian chic without details; this is where the strength of this style lies. It's impossible not to get lost in Maison Mélie while admiring the numerous gilded-framed mirrors hanging on the walls that set the vintage tone throughout the establishment. Also evident is the selection of artworks dominating the staircase, evoking portraits of French nobility and bourgeoisie from the 19th century.

In this new French corner of Madrid, the decor allows us to enjoy a collection of special menus inspired by the most traditional products and recipes of France. Although its specialty is bread, Maison Mélie does not lack foie gras, macarons, and chouquettes, but they also offer artisanal coffees, cream and butter sourced from AOP Isigny, organic and bio eggs, and French-designated flour made as in the 19th century. For those with gluten intolerance, Maison Mélie offers a delicious cake made with chocolate from São Tomé.