La Maruca de López de Hoyos

An unusual ship is moored in the heart of Madrid, with functions closer to the palate than to naval purposes. Inspired by a rationalist aesthetic, Zooco Estudio studio was tasked with designing the La Maruca, a restaurant guided by exterior-interior dualism, where maritime environments are recreated to evoke the grandeur of the ocean, although the presence of water only exists at the time it is served in a glass. The vibrant city meets coastal charm here in the La Maruca - López De Hoyos, which has emerged as a tribute to Santander architecture. 
Those who look at it imagine it may have been close to its end in the cliffside, before being saved by a cove. Or, at least, that seems to be what has planted it there. As if it had been reconstituted from carved wood, the boat sails through time, having cast its eyes so far out to sea. Endowed with seafarer credentials, the space materialises the brief illusion that the days taste like sea air, bringing about a taste for wandering. The moment we notice it, we are enveloped by a plot that propels us into a game of seduction, thanks to the volume outlined by the curves, inside. The details include nautical teak wood, light micro terrazzo, polished white cement, teak wood slats and smooth white ceilings with high acoustic absorption. 

Suitable to all palates

The curtains are in charge of shaping the interior volumetry, generating multiple enigmatic façades, capable of making the visitor «lift the veil» and look for the differences between the rooms. The horizontal lines are responsible for establishing a clear order of the spaces, making it easier to understand the restaurant. Speaking of rooms, it is the bathrooms that make the «ship» concept even more authentic. Raised on a structure that transcends the limits of the premises, the toilets open outwards like a pier opens out to the sea. The fittings themselves, such as the bathtubs, are built from teak wood slats and from semicircular ceramic pieces, like a... That’s right... like a ship. The integral door system provides flexibility in the level of privacy, depending on preference, and the entry of the sun’s rays can be controlled. One of the restaurant’s most distinctive aspects is the kitchen, open and exposed to the public, right in the centre of the building. A pledge of confidence and transparency, taken seriously by many. 
Once your eyes have been satiated, you should know that the restaurant’s à la carte service is suitable for all palates. 

Offering pasta, fish and meat, La Maruca covers a wide range of gastronomic styles. But if you’re looking for a more Spanish experience, go for the Anchoas del Cantábrico con Pimientos Asados and the Ensalada de Langostinos en Tempura con salsa rosa as starters, a fresh choice that does justice to the sea’s potential. For the main course, you won’t regret choosing the Merluza en salsa verde, a hake fillet to die for. To accompany this, we suggest the sautéed vegetable stew with ham and egg. And to finish, indulge in a rice pudding, whose recipe dates back almost half a century. As well as this combination, there are many others, including options for coeliacs and allergy sufferers. 
Embark on this gastronomic journey, with a fixed port in Madrid.