Pepito Grillo

Agree with Alex S on this one…(and on most things, I suppose!)
It wasn’t great. The scallops (pictured) reminded me of the cheap versions of dishes they serve at all-​inclusive vacation resorts when they are trying to cut corners and save money. They were also chewy. Never a good sign. For 16.95 euro, one expects more.
The location of Pepito Grill is good (for them) because you approach it directly after passing through security. Unsuspecting passengers don’t realize the Madrid airport actually boasts plenty of nice eating options, though more in the cafeteria type setting (but still good!) rather than a full sit down affair like this.
My advice to you is to keep moving and you’ll find something better. Grumpy waiters and bad food? No thanks.

I don’t know why I keep having a high expectation for airline food, but I do. And you know what, I’m not going to apologise. Yes, you’re in an airport but dammit, you serve food, you have waiters, you should be held to the same standards as everyone else.
And so I’m holding Pepito Grillo to the same standards. And by god, they were not met.
It’s a cute place and the atmosphere is lovely. Everything is IKEA-​esq with bookshelves and dark wood and simple but elegant design. You do sort of forget you’re in an airport, as long as you don’t look at all the people eating alone with baggage. That’s nice.
However, this is where everything falls apart.
We were sat and the grumpiest waiter of all time came and took our order. He spoke almost no English, which didn’t hurt any one in order («This sounds good» points to item on menu, everyone nods) but the abundance of sour looks and angrily huffing and puffing as he took our order or brought us food or water was just weird.
And then the food was ok. It was well presented but kind of terrible. I got a hamburger, which came deconstructed and without a bun for no reason (unless I really misread the menu). It also had HUGE chunks of salt all over it, which was disgusting and I had to literally scrape them off before eating.
At least I enjoyed the company of the person I was sitting with, which was nice. But if I was alone, terrible. Hold yourself to higher standards Pepito Grillo, despite where your location is. I know I do.