Chef Coco Montes opened a new restaurant in the capital, where he combines modern vegetable-focused cuisine with the more traditional elegance of French-inspired cooking. In a world where gastronomy is often associated with extravagance and sophistication, Pabú emerges as an oasis of authenticity and familiarity in the heart of Madrid. It is not simply a restaurant, but a culinary sanctuary where every dish is infused with the passion and commitment to make every diner feel at home.
This commitment to exceptional ingredients, precise technique and a deeply personal culinary philosophy has earned Pabú recognition with one Michelin star and one Repsol Sun, firmly establishing it among Madrid’s most exciting dining destinations.
The soul of Pabú lies in the passion and dedication of chef Ignacio Montes, better known as Coco Montes. With a career that has taken him through kitchens around the world, Coco has found his true home at Pabú, where his family roots and love of cooking come together in every dish. His cuisine is also defined by the concept of micro-seasonality, with seasonal ingredients forming the backbone of each creation and a particular emphasis on the changing seasons throughout the year.
A Restaurant Built Around Micro-Seasonality
Pabú is not simply a restaurant; it is a culinary journey that celebrates the very essence of home cooking. From comforting stews to delicate desserts, every dish is infused with the love and attention to detail found in a true home kitchen. To give the ingredients even greater importance, the selection of each product depends on the time of year.
In a world where seasonality is often overlooked in favour of convenience, Pabú embarks on a unique culinary journey in which every ingredient is celebrated during its own “micro-season.” Imagine a place where freshness is more than a concept: it is a philosophy of life. At Pabú, ingredient selection is dictated by market availability and the precise moment when products reach their peak, allowing them to become the stars of each dish.
From juicy summer fruits to robust winter vegetables, every ingredient is treated with the respect and attention it deserves. At Pabú, the produce is the hero and is given a prominent role in every culinary creation.
Montes’ cuisine is a tribute to the land and to the small producers who care for it with dedication. Working closely with artisan farmers, most of them local, each ingredient is meticulously selected to ensure freshness and quality in every bite.
Chef Coco Montes
Coming from a completely different world, Coco spent three years immersed in the corporate sector as a consultant at IBM, but he always knew that his destiny lay in the kitchen.
His thirst for knowledge led him around the world, where he immersed himself in the kitchens of some of the most influential restaurants on the planet. From the streets of Paris to the kitchens of New York, Montes absorbed the essence of cooking in every corner of the world.
His training at Le Cordon Bleu in Madrid and Paris marked the beginning of his journey towards culinary excellence. He earned the Grand Diplôme in cuisine, pastry and baking. However, it was his experience at L’Arpège in Paris, under the guidance of renowned chef Alain Passard,
that left an indelible mark on his culinary style. For six years, Coco perfected his craft in the kitchens of L’Arpège, coordinating international events and bringing the magic of French cuisine to cities around the world.
Coco also made his mark at emblematic restaurants such as Azurmendi and Zalacaín before deciding that it was time to forge his own path: opening his own restaurant in Madrid.
“Why Madrid?” you might ask. For him, the Spanish capital was not only home, but also a global epicentre of gastronomic innovation. For this reason, and driven by his central mission of making diners feel at home, he decided to open his first restaurant in the city.
The Restaurant and Its Space
Stepping into Coco Montes’ world feels like coming home, where hospitality and transparency are the foundations of a unique gastronomic experience. In this culinary sanctuary, diners are not only made to feel welcome, but are also invited to witness every moment taking place in the kitchen.
With a limited capacity of just 30 guests, the restaurant offers an intimate and welcoming experience in which every detail is carefully considered. The open kitchen, visible from every angle, invites diners to witness the culinary ballet in action: the hiss of pans, the enticing aromas of simmering dishes and the meticulous attention given to every detail. At Pabú, transparency is not simply a value; it is a way of life.
Cuisine Based on the Moment
Pabú’s cuisine is based on the present moment, transforming the kitchen into a stage where every ingredient tells a story and every dish becomes an ephemeral work of art. With a menu that changes daily according to the micro-seasons, every visit to Pabú is a new culinary adventure. The rules governing Montes’ kitchen are those of nature, with products arriving and disappearing according to their availability, giving rise to cuisine that is fresh, natural and constantly surprising.
The menu is a celebration of freshness and variety, with daily creations that reflect the chef’s passion and commitment. Stews, prepared with carefully selected ingredients, are at the heart of his cuisine, while homemade products such as bread, ice cream and pastry doughs elevate each dish to new heights of flavour and texture.
Although the influence of French cuisine is evident in many of his dishes, at the heart of his culinary philosophy is a respect for daily preparation and the freshness of the ingredients. At Pabú, every bite becomes a meeting point between flavours and traditions, reflecting the best of both worlds.
Pabú’s Exceptional Wine Cellar
With more than 200 carefully selected references chosen for their quality and environmental commitment, Pabú’s wine list is a celebration of quality and diversity. Each sip tells a story, from effervescent bubbles to golden wines reminiscent of the sun. Particularly noteworthy are the more than 50 Champagne references from the AOC Champagne appellation, selected for their authenticity.
Beyond wine, the restaurant offers a wide range of distinctive spirits, fresh and constantly changing cocktails, as well as a selection of specialty coffee, tea and infusions. At Pabú, food and drink come together to create an unforgettable gastronomic experience.
Immerse yourself in the exceptional quality of Pabú and experience a culinary journey designed to make you feel at home.
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