Pink Monkey is one of the most talked-about restaurants in Madrid right now, and the combination of food, atmosphere and design explains why. The kitchen plays with bold flavours, fresh ingredients and a clear creative approach that makes most dishes feel familiar but with something extra.
The concept. Pink Monkey Madrid works as a fusion restaurant with strong Asian influences (Thai, Japanese, Chinese) mixed with Mediterranean techniques. The menu is built around small dishes and shared plates, which makes it particularly well suited for a dinner with friends or a long lunch. The signature dishes change with the season, but the core of the menu (dim sum, gyozas, ceviches, grilled meats and a strong selection of cocktails) stays consistent.
What we tried. We started with the truffle dim sum, which is one of the dishes that justifies the trip on its own. The tuna tartare with crispy rice followed: a textural contrast that worked well. From the larger plates, the grilled corvina and the Iberian pork dumplings were the standouts. The presentation across all dishes is well thought-out without being theatrical, which is the right balance.
The atmosphere. The dining room is elegant with a slight retro touch: warm lighting, dark wood, pops of pink (yes, the name does deliver visually), and a soundtrack that sits between lounge and house without taking over the conversation. The crowd is mixed: locals, expats, food enthusiasts, and the occasional well-dressed group celebrating something. Pink Monkey is the kind of restaurant where you stay longer than expected, and the staff lets you do exactly that.
The cocktails. The cocktail programme is genuinely good. The bar uses unusual ingredients (yuzu, sansho pepper, hibiscus) and the result is a list that is more interesting than the average Madrid restaurant cocktail menu. We particularly liked the spicy mezcal-based drink, which paired well with the Asian-influenced starters.
Service and pricing. The service is attentive without being intrusive, and the team knows the menu well enough to give honest recommendations. Pricing sits in the mid-to-high range: not cheap, but reasonable for the quality and creativity. A typical dinner for two with cocktails will land somewhere around 80-100€ per person, depending on the wine choice.
Recommendation. If you are visiting Madrid and want to try one of the more interesting restaurants in the current scene, Pink Monkey delivers. It works particularly well for dinner with friends or for a date night with a bit of energy. Book in advance, especially on Friday and Saturday: the place is consistently full and walk-ins are nearly impossible.
