Four Seasons Madrid’s Isa Restaurant Launches Botanical Laboratory with New Asian Flavours and Cocktails

Isa Restaurant & Cocktail Bar, which is based at Four Seasons Hotel Madrid, has re-launched itself with a brand new seasonal concept that revolves around experimentation in mixology, botany, and Asian influences. Located at the first floor of Four Seasons Hotel Madrid, the latest season at Isa highlights cocktails as the main attraction with the exploration of the potential offered by plant-based, leaf, tea, and fermented ingredients through advanced preparation techniques.

The new concept features a research-based approach whereby mixologists will be experimenting with different techniques such as infusions, clarification, fermentation, and redistillation in order to produce unique cocktails with rich flavors and textures. Instead of just treating cocktails as drinks, the new season at Isa will treat mixology as a form of culinary art where ingredients will be studied, transformed, and used to create unique experiences.

Botanical Laboratory Concept Explores Asian Ingredients and Modern Techniques

The new menu at Isa is inspired by the idea of a botanical laboratory, where natural ingredients become the foundation for innovative cocktail creations. The team has researched different raw materials, flavour combinations and preparation methods to understand how each ingredient can be transformed.

Key elements explored during the season include:

• Asian roots
• Fresh leaves
• Traditional teas
• Fermented products
• Botanical extracts

Through careful experimentation, Isa’s team develops new flavour profiles while maintaining a strong connection with traditional preparation methods. The philosophy extends beyond drinks and influences the restaurant’s culinary approach, where technical precision and ingredient-focused techniques remain central to the dining experience. The result is a menu designed for guests who want to discover new interpretations of flavour rather than simply enjoy conventional cocktails.

Isa Introduces Signature Cocktail Concepts Built Around Nature and Flavour

The new cocktail menu is organised around different botanical concepts, each representing a unique interpretation of ingredients and techniques. Among the highlights are Calm, Umami and Flow, three creations that showcase different approaches to modern mixology. Calm focuses on balance and smooth textures, using perilla frutescens as a key botanical ingredient. The cocktail combines redistilled Roku Gin, red shiso and cold brew white tea, finished with sesame oil for added depth. The drink demonstrates Isa’s approach of combining unexpected ingredients while maintaining harmony between flavours.

Umami explores savoury profiles through Japanese-inspired ingredients. The creation uses Japanese sake kasu, clarified tomato water and white miso, resulting in a rich and complex flavour experience. The cocktail highlights the growing influence of culinary techniques within modern beverage creation. Flow represents movement and fluidity, combining Southeast Asian ingredients such as pandan and lemongrass with bourbon, apricot and ginger. Finished directly at the table, the preparation adds an interactive element that turns the cocktail into part of the entertainment experience.

Advanced Preparation Methods Create New Cocktail Experiences

Isa’s new season also features creations developed through more advanced techniques designed to transform traditional ingredients. The cocktail Saku combines strawberry, shiso and sake using processes including:

• Redistillation
• Cordialisation
• Centrifugation

The result is a drink that explores new textures and flavour combinations. Another creation, Breathe, focuses on mineral and deep flavour characteristics through techniques such as clarification, redistillation and nitro preparation. Each cocktail begins with a different approach to ingredient preparation, allowing the team to discover new expressions of taste. The menu also includes non-alcoholic and low-alcohol options, ensuring that the botanical laboratory concept is accessible to a wider range of guests.

Asian Inspired Cuisine Complements Isa’s Experimental Beverage Philosophy

The culinary experience at Isa continues to follow the restaurant’s Asian-inspired identity, with a focus on preparation methods and ingredient quality. The menu explores different cooking techniques, including:

• Raw preparations
• Nigiri
• Steamed dishes
• Japanese-style sandwiches

One of the standout dishes is the Korean steak tartare, served with Parmesan cheese and tempura-fried shiso leaves. The restaurant’s signature Japanese sandwiches remain central to the menu, including: Iberian Pork Katsu Sando, combining Japanese preparation techniques with premium Spanish ingredients. Tori Hotate Sando, featuring panko-crusted chicken, scallop tartare and yuzu tamago.

Fire-based cooking also plays an important role, highlighted by the whole sea bass Cantonese-style, grilled and served with Guangdong sauce. The dishes demonstrate Isa’s approach of combining Asian culinary traditions with contemporary techniques and international influences.

Menú Origen Offers Guests a Complete Isa Culinary Journey

For visitors seeking a more immersive dining experience, Isa presents the Menú Origen, a curated selection showcasing the restaurant’s key ingredients and techniques. The menu begins with edamame, followed by:

• A trio of nigiri
• Wakame seaweed and cucumber salad
• Gyoza selection

Guests can choose between main courses including:

• Iberian pork belly prepared char siu-style
• Aburi croaker fish with mango

The experience concludes with Matchamisú, combining Japanese-inspired flavours with a classic dessert concept. Additional sweet creations include dark chocolate with umeshu and tart raspberries, featuring chocolate crème, umeshu caviar, raspberry jelly and sorbet.

Isa Continues to Define Madrid’s Luxury Nightlife Scene

Since opening at Four Seasons Hotel Madrid, Isa has developed a distinctive identity within the city’s luxury dining and entertainment landscape. Designed by New York-based studio AvroKO, the restaurant combines the atmosphere of an oriental speakeasy with contemporary luxury design. The interior features:

• Rich textures
• Atmospheric lighting
• Artistic details
• Circular bar design
• The private Himiko bar space

Beyond dining, Isa has established itself as a destination for nightlife experiences through music, entertainment and curated events. The venue attracts guests looking for an environment that combines gastronomy, creativity and social experiences.

Four Seasons Madrid Strengthens Culinary Innovation Through Isa’s New Season

The new stage in the development of Isa Restaurant & Cocktail Bar is marked by an increased interest in experimenting with ingredients, methods and techniques. By establishing the art of mixing cocktails on par with the art of preparing food, Isa gives an innovative definition of the luxury restaurant experience in Madrid.

The idea of botanical laboratory responds to the new trends in the expectations of guests, who are looking for the unique experience of discovery, storytelling and craftsmanship. By incorporating exotic tastes, modern techniques and unique hospitality, Isa continues building its reputation as a one-of-a-kind venue among the other places to eat and relax in Madrid.

Image Source: Four Seasons