Corral de la Moreria is the grand name of Madrid flamenco. It opened in 1956, founded by Manuel del Rey, on Calle de la Moreria in Las Vistillas, the old La Latina quarter just below the Royal Palace and the Almudena Cathedral, and it has been a stage for the art ever since. Its reputation rests on the names who have passed through: Paco de Lucia debuted Entre Dos Aguas here, Camaron sang here as a boy of thirteen, and dancers such as Antonio Gades and singers such as Pastora Imperio also appear in its history. It is now run by the founder's family, with Blanca del Rey as artistic director, and the combination of serious flamenco and serious food is its trademark: the restaurant holds a Michelin star, and one restaurant profile calls it the only flamenco venue in the world with one. The show is a classic tablao programme with dancers, a singer and guitar, performed at close range. The operator lists an experience of about three hours if you add dinner, in the form of a three-, four- or five-course menu, while the show is included either way. A minimum age of seven is listed, and gratuities are included in the ticket. Compared with a more casual tablao, this is the dressy, destination version of the evening.
Why choose it
If you will see only one flamenco performance in Madrid and you want the one with the deepest history, this is the strongest candidate. The artists are of a high standard, the room is intimate, and the setting just below the Palace puts the evening in one of the oldest corners of the city.
The food element makes it a complete night out rather than a short show, which suits special occasions, celebrations and couples. The cost reflects that, so it sits at the upper end of Madrid's flamenco options, particularly with dinner.
What to expect
Arrive on time, as seating is arranged on arrival, and the operator notes that sitting with friends is not guaranteed unless you note your booking reference in the special-requirements box. Dietary requirements should be raised when you book. The venue is wheelchair accessible, though the restrooms are not adapted, according to the booking page. Expect to keep phones down during the performance, since flamenco at this proximity depends on silence between the guitar and the singer, and you will hear the dancers' heels as much as the music.
Making it work
Book well ahead for weekends and holidays, as the operator reports bookings averaging weeks in advance. Walk down from the Plaza de Oriente or the Almudena Cathedral through the Vistillas gardens before the show for the best evening views over the Casa de Campo and the Sierra. If you want a cheaper, shorter evening, the more central tablao at Torres Bermejas is an easier fit, but if you want the legend, Corral is the one.
Dress smartly but comfortably, and plan a late finish with a short walk or taxi back to your hotel. One more tip: if the dinner option appeals, remember it is a long evening, so avoid a heavy lunch and keep the next morning free. If you are watching your budget, choose the show alone and eat tapas elsewhere before, then compare the experience with a more casual tablao on another night.
What to expect
The experience
A live flamenco tablao show with dancers, a singer and guitar, in a venue founded in 1956, bookable with or without a three-, four- or five-course dinner.
Best time
Evenings; book weeks ahead for weekends and holidays and arrive on time for seating.
How long
About three hours with dinner; the show alone is shorter.
Tips
Raise dietary needs when you book. Add your booking reference in the special-requirements box if you want to sit with friends, though seating together is not guaranteed.
Quick picks
- Best for
- The most storied flamenco venue in Madrid, ideal for a special night out.
- Families
- A minimum age of seven is listed; teenagers who like music and dance will enjoy it most.
- Couples
- One of the great romantic evenings in the city, especially with dinner.
- Pair with
- A sunset walk through the Vistillas gardens and past the Almudena Cathedral first.
- Time needed
- One full evening.
Good questions
When was Corral de la Moreria founded?+
In 1956, by Manuel del Rey. It remains in the founder's family.
Is dinner included?+
The show is included either way. The operator lists a three-, four- or five-course dinner as an option, with drinks included in the dinner option.
Is there a minimum age?+
The operator lists a minimum age of seven. Reviewers describe it as better for teenagers than for small children.
Where is it?+
On Calle de la Moreria in Las Vistillas, in the La Latina area just below the Royal Palace and the Almudena Cathedral.
Is it accessible?+
The booking page says the venue and its surfaces are wheelchair accessible, though the restrooms are not adapted for wheelchairs.
