Madrid is preparing to say goodbye to one of its most iconic Cuban restaurants. Zara, a family-owned establishment founded in 1964 by a couple who emigrated from Havana, will permanently close its doors on Saturday, October 17, 2026, following the lunchtime service. This closure marks the end of 62 years of serving Cuban cuisine, daiquiris, and hosting gatherings in the Chueca neighborhood.
The current owners, Inés, the founders' daughter, and her husband Jorge, have chosen to retire without passing the business on, as they explained to journalist Pedro Zuazua Gil in an original report published by El País on October 2. The final service will take place at Barbieri 8, the restaurant's current location since 2014, after moving from its original spot on Calle Infantas.
The Cuban Roots of Zara
Zara's story begins in Old Havana. According to the restaurant's own history, Inés Llanos Braña's grandparents, Asturian immigrants, founded the bakery and sweet shop El León de Oro in Old Havana. Inés was born on the island, where she met José Alberto Martínez Alonso, better known as Pepe, an Asturian who worked as a traveling salesman.
They met at the Centro Asturiano de La Habana and married in 1958. Following the 1959 Revolution, the couple left Cuba with their young daughter, hoping to return someday. In 1964, along with Inés's brother Santiago and his wife Mariuca, they took over a small café and fry shop at Infantas 5 in Madrid.
The establishment already bore the name Zara, derived from an abbreviation of Zaragoza, the previous owner's hometown. Over the years, the Cuban dishes the family prepared for themselves began attracting customers, turning the café into a renowned Cuban-Spanish restaurant.
Zara's Culinary Legacy: Ropa Vieja and Daiquiris
The official menu features recipes like ropa vieja with white rice, picadillo with fried plantains, roast chicken with congrí, yuca, tostones, and black beans. Desserts include guava with cheese, rice pudding, and flan. Pepe's daiquiris became famous among patrons.
For decades, Zara served as a meeting place for Cuban immigrants, artists, and Madrileños seeking homemade food. A unique menu item is "Alaska's Favorite," a dish combining half portions of ropa vieja and picadillo with white rice, in homage to the singer.
Beyond the food, the family made the restaurant a recognizable spot with its personal touch, checkered tablecloths, and dining room ambiance that kept customers returning for years.
The End of an Era and Reasons for Closure
After five decades on Infantas, Zara relocated to nearby Calle Barbieri in 2014 due to changes in the original location's lease conditions. The founders retired then, passing the torch to their daughter Inés and son-in-law Jorge, accompanied by other family members, including Cristina and Adriana.
Inés and Pepe passed away in 2021 due to COVID-19, a loss detailed in a family testimonial report by El País. Their successors continued the restaurant in subsequent years but have now decided to step back.
According to the family, retirement, changes in post-pandemic habits, and the absence of the founders influenced their decision. It is not documented that Zara is closing due to bankruptcy or recent rent hikes. The family has chosen not to transfer ownership, so the restaurant will not continue under new management.
This farewell coincides with a period when other businesses in the Cuban diaspora keep Cuban gastronomy alive in Spain. CiberCuba, for instance, has shared the story of entrepreneur Elder Alonso and his Locco Pizza project in Madrid. Zara represents another era—of families who left Cuba decades ago and created gathering places in their new homes.
Visiting Zara Before Its Final Goodbye
The current address is Calle Barbieri 8, 28004 Madrid, in Chueca. The contact number is 91 532 20 74, and the establishment maintains an official reservations page. Regular information states lunch service from Tuesday to Saturday and dinner service, but it is advisable to call to confirm hours and table availability during the last days.
On Saturday, October 17, only a midday service has been announced as the farewell, not a final dinner. With that last lunch, Zara will close a journey that began with a family arriving from Havana and ended as a part of Madrid's culinary and emotional history.
Frequently Asked Questions About Zara's Closure
Why is Zara restaurant closing?
Zara is closing due to the owners' decision to retire, influenced by changes in habits post-pandemic and the absence of the founding members. The family has chosen not to pass the business on to new owners.
When is the last day to visit Zara?
The restaurant will close permanently after the lunchtime service on Saturday, October 17, 2026.
What are some of Zara's signature dishes?
Some of Zara's popular dishes include ropa vieja with white rice, picadillo with fried plantains, roast chicken with congrí, and Pepe's famous daiquiris.