The Madrid: Opera and Zarzuela Show and Dinner offers a charming evening immersed in Spanish musical tradition. For $67 per person, this 3-hour experience combines live performances by professional waiters, a delicious selection of tapas, and a spectacular ambiance in the heart of Madrid. The event takes place at La Castafiore, a restaurant established in 1996 with the mission of promoting young artists and the classic lyric art of opera and zarzuela.

We like how this tour blends dining and entertainment seamlessly, making it ideal for those wanting a cultural night out without the need for separate tickets or venues. The performing waiters, who sing operettas and zarzuela lyric songs, add a lively, interactive element to the evening, with some reviews mentioning that the singers are highly talented and that the atmosphere is both relaxed and festive.

One notable aspect is the menu of traditional Spanish tapas that accompanies the show. The night begins with a Spanish omelet served alongside the overture of Il Barbieri di Siviglia, followed by marinated salmon rolls in garlic sauce during Die Zauberflöte. For the main course, diners can choose from grilled entrecote with herb butter, hake with parsley, gulas (baby eels), and clams, or La Traviata. For dessert, a milk mousse of El Gato Montés offers a sweet finish. The price includes wine, beer, soft drinks, and coffee, but liquors are not included.

This experience is highly praised for its professionalism, with friendly and skilled staff and excellent food quality. Guests frequently mention the good value for money, especially considering the quality of the performances, which are described as brilliant and moving. The interactive nature of the show, with waiters engaging with diners and even inviting some to dance at the end, adds to the festive vibe.

La Castafiore: The Venue for a Unique Madrid Night

La Castafiore stands out as a distinctive restaurant in Madrid. Opened in 1996, it has built a reputation for supporting young artists and maintaining the tradition of lyric art. Its interior fosters an elegant yet inviting atmosphere, where the performance feels intimate despite the sizable audience. The stage area, where the waiters sing, allows guests to enjoy the show from every angle.

The location at C/ Marqués de Monasterio, 5 makes it easy to access in Madrid’s city center. The setting enhances the overall experience, with the sound of live singing blending naturally with the bustling restaurant ambiance. Guests often comment on how the staff’s dual role as servers and performers adds a special touch, making guests feel like part of a celebration of Spanish culture.

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The Talent and Style of the Performing Waiters

A major highlight of this tour is the performance quality of the waiters, who double as singers of opera and zarzuela. According to reviews, the singers are highly talented—some describing their voices as brilliant and beautiful. The interaction with the audience creates an engaging atmosphere, with performers moving around the tables, singing well-known arias, and inviting guests to join in or dance.

Guests note the professionalism of the cast, praising their ability to entertain while also delivering delicious food. The musical selections, including “La Traviata” and others, are performed with passion and skill, making for an unexpectedly high-quality show at a restaurant setting.

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The Menu: Spanish Tapas Paired with Opera

The dinner menu is designed to highlight authentic Spanish flavors. The evening begins with a Spanish omelet, paired with the overture of Il Barbieri di Siviglia. The second act features a marinated salmon roll filled with baby broad beans in garlic sauce. For the main course, diners choose between grilled entrecote with herb butter, hake with parsley, gulas, and clams, or La Traviata.

The dessert, a milk mousse inspired by El Gato Montés, provides a sweet conclusion to the meal. The drinks included—wine, beer, soft drinks, and coffee—complement the flavors perfectly. Guests often praise the quality and presentation of the food, emphasizing that it’s well-prepared and flavorful. The portion sizes are generous, making this a full and satisfying experience.

Pacing, Timing, and Audience Experience

The duration of 3 hours allows enough time to enjoy the meal, music, and interaction without feeling rushed. The show typically starts at a time that guests should confirm in advance, with some reviews noting the importance of arriving on time to avoid missing the beginning. The performance begins with an overture, then progresses through each act with smooth transitions.

The atmosphere is described as laid-back and fun, with guests encouraged to participate. The friendly staff contribute to a warm environment, which often results in guests dancing and celebrating at the end of the evening. The pacing is generally praised for balancing music, dining, and interaction, making it suitable for those who prefer a relaxed yet lively experience.

Accessibility and Practicalities

This tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for a range of guests with mobility needs. The meeting point at La Castafiore is convenient, and the duration of 3 hours is manageable for most guests. It’s recommended to advise of any dietary restrictions when booking, as the menu includes traditional Spanish dishes.

Guests should arrive promptly to fully enjoy the experience, especially since some reviews highlight that arriving late may cause missing part of the show. The venue’s setup and staff support a comfortable and engaging environment, enhancing both the dining and entertainment aspects.

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The Value for Money and Overall Experience

With a price of $67 per person, this tour offers excellent value, considering the quality of the food, live performances, and unique setting. The positive reviews reflect high satisfaction, emphasizing the talented singers, delicious tapas, and friendly service. Many describe this as one of the best dinner shows in Madrid, with remarkable talent and an authentic cultural flavor.

While some may find the timing slightly variable, the overall experience is highly praised for its entertainment, food, and atmosphere. This tour is especially well-suited for those wanting a cultural night out that combines music and cuisine in a festive, intimate setting.

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Madrid: Opera and Zarzuela Show and Dinner – Final Thoughts

Madrid’s Opera and Zarzuela Dinner at La Castafiore offers a memorable evening filled with beautiful singing, tasty Spanish tapas, and a warm, engaging environment. The talented performers, who are also the wait staff, bring a personal touch that elevates the experience beyond a typical restaurant dinner. Guests can expect a relaxing pace, ample opportunities for interaction, and the chance to raise a toast to La Traviata at the end.

This tour delivers high-quality entertainment at a fair price, making it a top choice for anyone wanting to experience Madrid’s musical traditions in a friendly, lively setting. The positive reviews confirm that it’s a highlight for many visitors seeking a fun and authentic night in the Spanish capital.

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Madrid: Opera and Zarzuela Show and Dinner

4.8

(440)

“The food was tasty interesting hot and lots of choices. The singing was awesome. I had to call the owner on the night to say a big thank you to all…”

— Denise, April 4, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for dietary restrictions?
Yes, guests should advise of any dietary restrictions when booking, as the menu features traditional Spanish dishes.

What is included in the price?
The price covers dinner, drinks (wine, beer, soft drinks, coffee), and the opera and zarzuela show.

How long does the experience last?
The entire experience lasts approximately 3 hours, starting at a time that should be confirmed in advance.

Can I arrive late without missing part of the show?
Arriving late may cause missing the beginning of the performance, so prompt arrival is recommended.

Is the venue accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, La Castafiore is wheelchair accessible.

What types of performances should I expect?
Guests enjoy live singing of operettas and zarzuela lyric songs, performed by the waiters, with a mix of famous arias and traditional Spanish songs.