La Trucha began in 1953, when two waiters, Mariano and Pepe, decided to start their own business.
Both worked at the Gayango bar, located at 6 Núñez de Arce Street, and, as was common at the time, many waiters went on to open their own establishments after gaining experience in the trade. Noticing that the bar’s manager was rarely present, Mariano and Pepe seized the opportunity and opened their own restaurant, La Trucha, just a few steps from the Teatro Español.
Interestingly, two other waiters from the same bar also decided to pursue their own projects: José Luis founded the restaurant Viña P, and Luis opened El Bocaito. Unlike La Trucha, however, these restaurants eventually closed their doors. La Trucha, by contrast, has endured.
Mariano and Pepe created an iconic spot that became a cornerstone of Madrid life. With its freshly prepared smoked specialties served from the roaster, Andalusian-style pescaíto frito, and battered eggplant drizzled with honey, La Trucha attracted thousands of visitors—even from distant countries—seeking those unique flavors found nowhere else. In an effort to expand their success, they opened a second La Trucha location on Núñez de Arce Street, but it did not share the same fate and eventually closed. The original, however, remains the favorite and has endured as the true La Trucha.
After Pepe’s passing, the business came under the management of Mariano’s family. Due to circumstances such as a fire in the building, they ultimately decided to close the restaurant.
Today, in 2024, La Trucha is reborn with the same passion and dedication as its founders. Although the former owners are no longer involved, the name and essence of this iconic place remain intact. The time has come to continue its legacy, adapting to modern times without losing its unique identity.
The new custodians—interestingly, those who are beginning the fifth generation of La Casa del Abuelo—have taken on this challenge with a deep commitment to preserving Madrid’s history and this much-loved establishment. Their effort to keep the spirit of La Trucha alive is both a tribute to its creators and a promise that its tradition will continue.
