In-Pulso

The story

In-Pulso Madrid – Bib Gourmand Contemporary Castizo Cuisine by Alex de la Fuente

In-Pulso: A Heartfelt Return to Madrid’s Culinary Roots

In-Pulso is the project of chef Alex de la Fuente, a cook who trained under Santi Santamaría, Fernando P. Arellano, and Ramón Freixa. After years as head chef at Freixa’s two-Michelin-starred Madrid kitchen, de la Fuente opened his own restaurant in the city’s vibrant south. The name — “In-Pulso” — translates to “in pulse,” and the team aims to cook with emotion, transmitting the same passion they feel for their craft.

The restaurant earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2026, a recognition of its good-quality, good-value cooking. That award aligns perfectly with de la Fuente’s mission: to make the rich, traditional recipes of Madrid accessible to a new generation, updated with contemporary techniques and a personal vision.

Castizo Cuisine, Reimagined

In-Pulso’s inspiration comes from the recetario tradicional castizo — the classic repertoire of Madrid’s historic taverns and home kitchens. The menu revives dishes once enjoyed by the city’s old aristocracy and commoners alike, from the favourite plate of King Philip III to a breakfast from the Spanish Golden Age. These are not museum pieces; they are reinterpreted with a light, modern hand, respecting the original flavours while adding a sense of balance and surprise.

The restaurant offers a “Menú Castizo” — a six-course tasting menu that guides diners through the hidden corners of Madrid’s gastronomic history. Priced at €60 (or €80 with a four-glass wine pairing), it is a direct, affordable way to experience the city’s culinary heritage. The menu changes with the seasons, but always draws on the same foundational idea: to honour the past while cooking for the present.

The Team and the Space

De la Fuente leads a small, cohesive team that “laten como un solo corazón” — beats as one heart. The dining room is welcoming, with a wine cellar and areas for private events, and the restaurant is wheelchair accessible. The atmosphere is relaxed but purposeful, echoing the chef’s belief that food should make you feel alive.

Press coverage has been swift: El País, Guía Repsol, and Gastroactitud have all noted the restaurant’s role in bringing forgotten Madrid recipes back to the table. In-Pulso is not a nostalgic exercise; it is a living, breathing kitchen that uses contemporary cooking to reconnect people with the flavours of their city.