In the heart of Spain’s capital, Bao Li Madrid elevates the city’s appetite for refinement with an opulent, oriental-inspired dining room and a precise, imperial lens on Cantonese cuisine. For discerning travelers seeking Bao Li + Madrid, this address stands apart: chef Felipe Bao channels the philosophy of imperial Chinese gastronomy—ceremonial, exacting, exquisitely balanced—into a contemporary Madrid fine dining context where service is silk-smooth and detail-forward.

The Story & Heritage
Founder-chef Felipe Bao anchors Bao Li with a vision to dignify and modernize traditional Chinese dining in Spain. His culinary philosophy revolves around the elegance of Cantonese techniques—clarity of flavor, purity of texture, and restraint—filtered through the grandeur of imperial banquets. Drawing on years refining wok mastery, roasting, and dim sum craft, Bao honors heritage while calibrating the experience for Madrid’s cosmopolitan palate. Recognized by the Michelin Guide for its luxury ethos and superlative service, the restaurant has become a romantic, destination-worthy table that reframes expectations of Chinese fine dining in Europe.

The Cuisine & Menu
Cantonese at its core, the menu celebrates precision and nuance. Expect lacquered “Imperial Peking Duck” carved tableside; “Crystal Shrimp Har Gao” with gossamer skins; “Steamed Sea Bass with Ginger Scallion” in delicate balance; and “Wok-Tossed Australian Wagyu with Black Pepper” for plush intensity. Menus lean seasonal, with a refined à la carte anchored by signature preparations and a chef’s tasting menu for purists seeking a prix fixe progression. Sourcing prioritizes the best of Spain—Galician seafood, Iberian pork—alongside select Asian imports, integrating sustainability where possible. Vegetarian paths can be arranged with advance notice, and the kitchen accommodates dietary preferences while preserving the cuisine’s integrity. Price positioning is assuredly fine dining.

Experience & Atmosphere
Think lacquered woods, jade accents, and warm lighting that flatters conversation—an intimate, urbane cocoon ideal for couples and discreet business dinners. Service is polished and anticipatory, the kind that remembers preferences and choreographs tableside rituals with quiet theater. A dedicated sommelier curates a wine program bridging Old World classics with aromatic whites and elegant reds that flatter Cantonese subtleties, alongside premium teas and crafted cocktails scented with yuzu, jasmine, or Sichuan pepper. Private dining and a potential chef’s table experience invite deeper immersion. Smart elegant attire is recommended; reservations are essential and can be competitive for weekend evenings. The bar offers a refined pre-dinner perch with small bites and tea-led pairings.

Closing & Call-to-Action
Choose Bao Li for Madrid’s most polished expression of imperial Cantonese finesse, where ceremony meets sensuality. Reserve two to three weeks ahead—longer for peak nights—and consider the tasting menu with tea or sommelier-led wine pairings for the most complete expression. For special occasions, book the duck carving ritual or a private dining room and surrender to an evening of poised, modern luxury.