The history of Botín is loosely tied to the history of Spain itself. The restaurant's building dates to 1590, a mere 30 years after King Philip II ordered his court to move to Madrid. The transition prompted a population explosion, which led to restaurants and inns popping up throughout the new capital. In 1725, Casa Botín was established by French-born chef Jean Botín. Later, his nephew took over the business, and Casa Botín became Sobrino de Botín (Nephew of Botín) in the restaurant's current building. Sobrino de Botín went through several renovations over the centuries, until it fell into the hands of its current owners in the early 1900s. Today, the establishment continues to serve traditional Spanish fare — including delicacies such as roast suckling pig — and tours are available for those interested in the building's unique history.
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