Casa Modesto

Updated July 2026

UPDATE: This one hurts. After more than sixty years the Del Toro family have made the very difficult decision to close their doors and move on. I think I’m feeling particularly bereaved because I found out after the fact and didn’t get a chance to say goodbye. So many memories, dating back to 1993, of sitting at the bar with cheeky Manuel serving us both great food and bad jokes. So I leave this here as a tribute, though it’s hard looking at the photos here knowing I’ll never see any of this again. My sincerest best wishes for Mariola and the rest of the family in their next chapter, along with my heartfelt thanks for so many wonderful and delicious times.

First published here in 2007 (!!) this was one of my first favourite neighbourhood go-to bars back when I lived in the Barrio Santa Cruz. This is the original location that was opened by the Modesto Group in 1971. Founded by the parents of Manuel Del Toro (who sadly passed away in 2025) it is now run his daughter Mariola and other family members. The Modesto empire once included another bar and restaurant in Santa Cruz as well as a restaurant in the Gran Plaza, then more recently a tapas bar across from the original Modesto. These days they are back to basics with this one location and continue to maintain a top quality classic kitchen.

Boasting one of the best terrazas in the city with views of the Murillo Gardens, inside you will find a cosy bar and dining area as you enter and a charming dining room upstairs. The traditional menu offers media and full raciones, though some items are available by the “unit”.

An absolute must have is their famous Fritura Modesto, a mountain of “calamares del campo” (crispy fried strips of onion, red and green peppers) topped with plump breaded prawns. I’ve had to remove all the older pics here, many of which included bar staff either now retired or no longer with us, because they really were old and not the best quality, but all those memories remain in my heart. It’s really hard to go wrong here… we have loved always everything we’ve tried. Excellent wine list and great friendly service.

Bread/Service Charge: 1.60€ per basket