In our DSTAgE review, we explore a dining experience in Madrid that blends old-world grandeur with modern creativity. Madrid is a city that feels like a time capsule of old-world grandeur and modern vibrance. Walking through its wide boulevards and historic plazas, we found ourselves constantly shifting between past and present—admiring the regal architecture of the Royal Palace one moment and stumbling upon an avant-garde art installation the next. It’s a city that effortlessly balances its classical roots with an ever-evolving, boundary-pushing creative spirit.
That spirit was precisely what we experienced at DSTAgE, a two Michelin-starred restaurant in the heart of Madrid’s Salesas district. It wasn’t just a dinner—it was an exploration of flavors, techniques, and ideas that pushed the boundaries of gastronomy.
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An Industrial-Chic Space That Sets the Mood
From the moment we stepped into DSTAgE, we knew we were in for something different. Unlike the grand, opulent dining rooms that often accompany Michelin-starred restaurants, DSTAgE is housed in an industrial-style loft, complete with exposed brick walls, warm wood tones, and an open kitchen that allows guests to watch the culinary magic unfold. The space feels contemporary and relaxed—almost like an artist’s studio where creativity flows freely.
The open kitchen design allows you to see the entire team at work, plating each dish with precision and care. At one point during the evening, Chef Guerrero came out to visit our table and other diners, expressing his gratitude and excitement for us to experience his culinary vision. That level of personal engagement made the night feel even more special.
DSTAgE Tasting Menu: A Playful Exploration of Flavor
The menu at DSTAgE isn’t just about food—it’s about storytelling. Each course is an expression, a fusion of global influences, and a demonstration of bold techniques like fermentation, maturation, and lyophilization (which we learned is freeze-drying).
We opted for their signature 18 course tasting menu, a carefully curated selection of dishes that showcased Chef’s experimental approach. The dishes weren’t just visually stunning; they were a playful, sometimes surprising, balance of flavors and textures.
Highlights from Our Meal
Here are some of the dishes that truly stood out during our evening at DSTAgE:
Tuna Heart with Blueberry and Coconut
This was a dish that immediately challenged our expectations. The tuna heart, fermented over a long period, had a deep umami intensity, with a rich, almost smoky depth of flavor. The addition of blueberries and coconut created a contrast that was both unexpected and delightful—the tart sweetness of the berries softened the fishiness of the tuna, making for a truly unique bite.
Tongue Pâté – A Striking Presentation
This dish was as much about the experience as it was about the flavor. The presentation? A full cow tongue, served tableside, from which delicate portions of rich, creamy pâté were carved. It was a dish that dared you to confront the reality of where your food comes from while simultaneously indulging in its incredible texture and flavor.
Anchovy Lasagna – Surprise Favorite
We’ll admit—we were skeptical when we saw anchovy lasagna on the menu. Anchovies are notorious for their strong, briny bite, and the idea of layering them into a lasagna seemed strange. But this dish turned out to be one of the most incredible things we tasted all night. The anchovies were balanced beautifully within delicate, silky layers, creating a dish that was both intensely flavorful and surprisingly refined.
What’s Left of the Shrimp
One of the recurring themes at DSTAgE is sustainability and zero waste. Many dishes incorporate by-products and leftovers in creative ways, and this dish exemplified that philosophy. Shrimp shells and parts that are typically discarded were transformed into a delicate, flavorful creation that made us think differently about what we consider “waste” in cooking.
Flan with Meat – A Sweet and Savory Twist
When we saw “Flan – Meat” on the dessert menu, we had to do a double-take. But, just like everything else, this dish was all about unexpected harmony. The silky, caramelized flan was infused with a savory note from the meat, creating a balance of richness and sweetness that worked surprisingly well.
The Wine Pairings: Elevating the Experience
Of course, no fine dining experience is complete without a carefully curated wine pairing. We enjoyed an effervescent L’Origan Brut Nature (DO Cava) to start, a fresh and aromatic Martín Códax Vindel 2021 (DO Rías Baixas) to complement the seafood courses, and finished with a decadent Disznòkó 5 Puttonyos 2007 (Tokaji), a legendary Hungarian dessert wine that was the perfect way to close the meal.
Service: A Small Disappointment in an Otherwise Stellar Night
For all the creativity and excitement of the food, we were a little let down by the service. At a two Michelin-star restaurant, you expect flawless attentiveness, but throughout the evening, we found ourselves waiting too long for simple things like water refills. At one point, we even had to flag down a waiter just to order a second bottle of wine, which felt surprising for a place of this caliber.
That being said, the service missteps didn’t overshadow the culinary artistry of the meal. It was a reminder that even in the world of fine dining, experiences can be imperfect—but that doesn’t mean they’re not memorable.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Visit for Adventurous Food Lovers
DSTAgE isn’t for those looking for a traditional fine dining experience—it’s for those who want to be surprised, challenged, and delighted in equal measure. The food pushes boundaries, the atmosphere is creative yet inviting, and the philosophy behind the restaurant—sustainability, experimentation, and breaking the mold of fine dining—is something we deeply appreciate.
While the service wasn’t quite at the level we expected, the culinary experience more than made up for it. If you find yourself in Madrid and want to experience a Michelin-starred meal that’s anything but conventional, DSTAgE should be at the top of your list.
Would We Go Back?
Maybe, with hope that the service improves. The unique ingredients, flavors and presentation makes DSTAgE a standout restaurant, but we’d love to see the overall dining experience elevated to truly match the exceptional creativity coming from the kitchen.
Plan Your Visit
📍 DSTAgE
📍 Calle de Regueros, 8, 28004 Madrid, Spain
🌟 Michelin Stars: ⭐⭐
🍽 Tasting Menus Available
Have you ever dined at DSTAgE or experienced a Michelin-starred meal that surprised you? We’d love to hear about your favorite fine dining adventures! Let us know in the comments. 🍷✨