Bar-Vi: natural wines and author’s cuisine in Madrid’s Barrio de las Letras
In a city like Madrid, constantly setting trends and reinventing itself gastronomically each week, some proposals choose a different path: to pause, savour, and return to the roots of the pleasure of eating well — slowly, and among friends. In the heart of the Literary Quarter, Bar-Vi opens its doors: a new restaurant and natural wine bar for lovers of honest cooking.
A natural wine bar that avoids pretence and embraces authenticity
Behind the project are chef Carlos Gremone and Débora Schneider, known for their work at the successful Bar Centro in Barcelona. Now, they arrive in the capital with a more personal, more mature proposal. Joining them is Luis Miguel Castaño, a self-taught cook and new partner, completing a triangle that perfectly defines Bar-Vi’s philosophy: collaborative work, ongoing learning, and a contagious passion for flavours that tell stories.
“Their cuisine is an invitation to travel through Italy from a unique and creative perspective.”
A sharing menu with Italian soul and Caribbean flair
Bar-Vi’s kitchen invites diners on a journey through Italy — where Carlos’ roots lie — with a Caribbean twist, always viewed through a distinct and creative lens.
Their menu is crafted with rhythm and intelligence: light starters to awaken the appetite, main courses full of flavour and technique, and desserts that close the experience with coherence and sweetness.
Highlights include sourdough bread with citrus whipped butter, Cetara anchovies on brioche with ricotta and herbs, roast beef tonnato, charred carrots with cannellini hummus, almond cream and chimichurri, sweet chilli pulled pork on brioche with Figueres onion, mint and coriander, or the autumnal potato gnocchi with ragù and fennel sausage. The desserts avoid excess, offering delights like brownie with vanilla ice cream or a smooth mascarpone cream with blackberry jam and PX.
The menu is short but as finely tuned as a great album — each dish feels designed to accompany conversation, without stealing the moment’s spotlight.
Natural, organic, small-batch: the wine at Bar-Vi
Natural wine is one of the project’s core pillars. Bar-Vi isn’t following trends; it’s championing winemakers who respect the land, vinify with minimal intervention, and tell their story through every bottle.
“The menu is short, but as finely tuned as a great album.”
Thanks to Débora and Carlos’ personal connections with winemakers, small-scale vineyards, and craft brewers across Europe, the wine list is alive, constantly evolving, and made up of limited, biodynamic and sustainable productions.
You won’t find classic labels or grand appellations here — just bottles that invite discovery, conversation and curiosity. It’s a list that demands attention but rewards those willing to explore.
A space made for pleasure
The interior design reflects the philosophy of relaxed enjoyment. With a warm, homely atmosphere, Bar-Vi invites you to linger, order another round, and lose track of time — aided by small tables and an intimate, friendly service.
A new chapter with the taste of experience
What makes Bar-Vi truly special is its way of combining craft, sensitivity, and everyday pleasure. A space where every choice — from produce to tableware, menu to wine — responds to a clear philosophy: to enjoy without pretence, to share without hurry, and to celebrate simplicity as something extraordinary.
“What makes Bar-Vi special is its way of combining craft, sensitivity, and everyday pleasure.”
(*) Photos courtesy of Bar-Vi.
