Restaurant in Madrid, Spain
Los 33
610ptsBook for atmosphere. The fire delivers.
About Los 33
Los 33 is one of Madrid's most atmospheric fire-led restaurants, earning a Michelin Plate in 2025 and a 4.2 Google rating across 1,725 reviews. Chef Oswaldo González Herce runs an open parrilla focused on dry-aged Spanish beef with Uruguayan influences. Book the dining room for a special occasion; the bar takes walk-ins for tapas and wine.
The Verdict
Los 33 is worth booking if you want a fire-led dining experience with genuine atmosphere in one of Madrid's most animated neighbourhoods. At the €€€ price point, it delivers very good food, a thoughtful wine list, and one of the more energetic rooms in the city. It is not trying to compete with the technical ambition of DiverXO (Progressive - Asian, Creative) or the tasting-menu precision of DSTAgE — and that is not a flaw. For a special occasion that should feel alive rather than ceremonial, this is a strong choice. Google reviewers agree: 4.2 across 1,725 ratings is a reliable signal at this category level.
The Room
The spatial identity of Los 33 is what you notice first. The dining room in the Salesas district — at Pl. de las Salesas, 9 , uses earthy tones, raw textures, and soft light anchored by oak pillars. The open parrilla is visible behind the long bar counter, and the movement of the grill gives the room a warmth that feels earned rather than designed. There are two distinct sections: a bar area for tapas and drinks (no reservations required) and the main dining room, which requires an online booking. That split is worth knowing before you arrive, because the two experiences are genuinely different in pace and formality.
For a date or celebratory dinner, the dining room is the right choice. The layout is intimate enough to feel considered without being stiff, and the energy from the open grill provides the kind of ambient drama that makes an occasion feel special. Compared to a more subdued room like Smoked Room, Los 33 skews livelier , choose accordingly based on whether you want contemplation or energy.
The Food and the Fire
Chef Oswaldo González Herce anchors the menu in parrilla culture, working mainly with dry-aged Spanish beef over a wood and charcoal open-fire grill. The beef programme draws primarily from Spanish producers, with cuts handled over open embers. Sourced data from the awards record confirms a signature Galician Rubia steak dry-aged for 60 days, and the grilled Bikini sandwich has been specifically noted across multiple independent assessments as a dish to order. Veal sweetbreads also appear with consistent praise in verified award commentary. The menu runs alongside contemporary dishes and more traditional Uruguayan recipes , a pairing that reflects the South American thread running through the kitchen's identity.
The Michelin Plate recognition in 2025 positions Los 33 as a restaurant with cooking that meets a credible international standard, without the full star weight that would push it into a different price bracket. That is, practically, good news: you get recognisable culinary craft at a price that does not require the commitment of a tasting menu. For a comparable fire-led experience in Madrid, Leña Madrid and Rubaiyat Madrid are the obvious adjacent choices; Los 33 tends to read as more characterful and less polished than either, which will suit some diners more than others.
The Wine List
The wine programme at Los 33 is built on a strong Spanish spine , Ribera del Duero features prominently given its natural affinity with grilled beef , and extends into Latin American and broader Old World references. The inclusion of Tannat, the bold Uruguayan red that has real structural weight, is a smart and deliberate nod to the South American identity of the kitchen. This is not a wine list assembled for prestige optics; it is chosen with a logic that connects to what the kitchen is actually doing. Staff are described across verified sources as genuinely engaged with the list and able to make pairing recommendations with confidence. For a wine-forward special occasion dinner, that service depth matters as much as the list itself. If Iberian wine depth at the leading end is your priority, Coque has one of Madrid's most serious cellars , but at a considerably higher price and formality level.
Booking and Practical Details
Reservations: Required for the dining room; book online. The bar area accepts walk-ins. Booking difficulty is rated easy by current availability data, but the restaurant is noted as one of Madrid's harder tables to secure given its profile , book as far ahead as your plans allow. Dress: No formal dress code confirmed, but the Salesas neighbourhood and the room's aesthetic suggest smart-casual is appropriate. Budget: €€€ , expect a mid-to-upper spend for the full dining room experience with wine. Location: Pl. de las Salesas, 9, Centro, 28004 Madrid.
Who Should Book
Los 33 works leading for a date night or small group celebration where atmosphere and food quality both matter but neither needs to be the singular obsession of the evening. It is less suited to diners seeking a structured tasting menu format , the à la carte approach gives you more flexibility but less narrative arc. Solo diners can eat well at the bar without a reservation, which makes it a practical option for a traveller wanting a genuinely good meal without planning friction. For wider context on the Madrid dining scene, see our full Madrid restaurants guide, and for planning around the visit, our full Madrid hotels guide, our full Madrid bars guide, and our full Madrid experiences guide cover the surrounding neighbourhood well.
If you are building a wider Spanish food trip, the fire-led category is well represented beyond Madrid: Quique Dacosta in Dénia, El Celler de Can Roca in Girona, and Arzak in San Sebastián each operate at a different level of ambition. For international comparisons in the meats and grills category specifically, Damini Macelleria & Affini in Arzignano and Carcasse in Sint-Idesbald are useful reference points. Also worth considering in Madrid's own fire category: Rural and Sua.
Compare Los 33
| Venue | Cuisine | Price | Awards | Booking Difficulty | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los 33 | Meats and Grills | €€€ | Atmosphere, fire and one of Madrid’s great to go places In the elegant yet restless streets of Madrid’s Salesas district, Los 33 has become something genuinely rare - a restaurant whose atmosphere, energy and sense of identity resonate far beyond the city itself. More than simply one of Madrid’s most talked-about dining rooms, it stands as a place of real magnetism, where Spanish tradition and South American spirit come together in a setting defined by fire, rhythm and unmistakable personality. Few restaurants today create such an immediate feeling of presence. That distinctive character begins with the room itself. Earthy tones, raw textures, soft light and the glow of the open parrilla combine to create an atmosphere that feels intimate, stylish and entirely alive. The scent of wood smoke, the movement of the room and the effortless interplay between counter, grill and dining space give Los 33 a pulse that is difficult to replicate. It is precisely this atmosphere and vibe that make the restaurant so compelling - not only in Madrid, but in a much wider context. At the centre of the concept lies a philosophy rooted in parrilla culture. Chef Oswaldo González Herce works with a clear respect for fire, ingredient and emotion, balancing Iberian refinement with Latin American warmth in a way that feels natural rather than forced. The beef programme, built mainly around Spanish meat and supported by dry-ageing, is handled with confidence over a wood and charcoal parrilla, producing dishes that are honest, flavourful and satisfying. Fire here remains the essential language of the house, giving the food depth, warmth and identity. And yet, when viewed against a global field of steak and fire-led restaurants that continues to improve at remarkable speed, the culinary side does not always keep quite the same pace as the atmosphere. The cooking is good, often very enjoyable, and entirely in keeping with the spirit of the place - but it does not consistently place Los 33 in the absolute top league of the international competition. In that sense, the restaurant’s greatest strength lies less in pure culinary dominance than in the completeness of its experience as a place people genuinely want to be. This is not a criticism of the restaurant’s appeal - quite the opposite. If the priority is a highly fashionable restaurant with outstanding atmosphere, real energy and very good food, Los 33 is exactly the kind of address one hopes to find. It understands how to create pleasure, momentum and emotional connection, and that alone is no small achievement. Too many restaurants chase technical perfection while forgetting the importance of mood, warmth and life. Los 33 never makes that mistake. The wine list reinforces the same spirit. Built on strong Spanish foundations, it extends naturally into Latin American and broader Old World references, always chosen with a sense of character rather than mere prestige. Service, too, reflects the wider identity of the restaurant - polished, warm and dynamic, helping to sustain the sense that this is not simply a meal, but an occasion. Los 33 deserves its place in the ranking for being a truly exceptional restaurant of atmosphere and vibe - one whose appeal extends well beyond Madrid and whose identity is as memorable as any in the category. While the culinary expertise may not currently place it among the absolute global elite, it remains a restaurant that gives great pleasure and to which our testers return with genuine joy. For those seeking a vibrant, stylish and highly enjoyable fire-led dining experience rather than a temple of technical absolutism, Los 33 is exactly the place.; Trends come and go and as such there are some restaurants, such as this one in the Salesas district of the city, that everyone is talking about and where you’ll find it difficult to book a table. The couple in charge, Nacho and Sara, have created a space that is particularly welcoming, with two highly distinct sections: a bar with tables for tapas, or enjoying a glass of wine or cocktail (no bookings are taken for these); and the dining room itself (you’ll need to book online) with its sturdy oak pillars, and an open grill visible behind the long bar counter. The enticing à la carte features contemporary dishes alongside more traditional recipes from Uruguay, all of which are prepared with top-quality meats. Make sure you try the bikini sandwich of grilled prosciutto.; Michelin Plate (2025); Los 33 – Where Fire, Heritage and clear Visions Ignite Tucked into the lively streets of the Salesas district, Los 33 is a culinary gem that seamlessly fuses Spanish tradition with South American fire, under the confident and creative direction of Chef Oswaldo. With its warm yet contemporary atmosphere, the restaurant has quickly become a reference point for those seeking bold, soulful flavours delivered with finesse. Chef Oswaldo’s culinary identity is rooted in the parrilla tradition, but his menu is far more than just grilled meat—it’s a refined celebration of both Iberian and Latin American influences, crafted with precision and an eye for detail. His signature Galician Rubia steak, dry-aged for 60 days, is a showstopper: rich, earthy and deeply satisfying. Cooked over open embers, it captures the essence of wood-fired perfection. Equally impressive are the starters and small bites, where Oswaldo’s technique shines in more delicate expressions. The veal sweetbreads, crisp on the outside and melting within, are among the best in the world. Ham croquettes and the grilled Bikini sandwich deliver comfort and nostalgia with gourmet precision—each bite layered with texture and intent. The menu flows with purpose, honouring Spanish produce and South American soul. The sides and accompaniments—think charred seasonal vegetables, piquant chimichurri, or silky purées—provide both balance and elevation, making the meal feel complete yet never overworked. The wine list at Los 33 is as thoughtful as the food. Predominantly Spanish in its structure, it also ventures into Latin American and Old World territories with intention. The staff are not only attentive and gracious but clearly passionate—ready to suggest a Ribera del Duero or a bold Tannat to accompany the heat and complexity of the grill. Service is polished yet personal, with a team that moves fluidly between professionalism and warmth. Whether you’re seated at the bar for a quick bite or settling in for a long evening around the fire, you’re in capable, confident hands. In 2025, Los 33 continues to distinguish itself—not only as one of Madrid’s most engaging dining experiences, but as a place where the vision of the owner and power couple Nacho Ventosa and Sara Aznar turns tradition into something both exciting and enduring. It’s a restaurant where every plate tells a story of fire, craft and cultural convergence. Age Method: The best cuts from Spain and beyond Beef Type: Mainly dry aged beef Grill Type: Open fire grill | Easy | — |
| DiverXO | Progressive - Asian, Creative | €€€€ | Michelin 3 Star, World's 50 Best | Unknown | — |
| DSTAgE | Modern Spanish, Creative | €€€€ | Michelin 2 Star | Unknown | — |
| Smoked Room | Progressive Asador, Contemporary | €€€€ | Michelin 2 Star | Unknown | — |
| Paco Roncero | Creative | €€€€ | Michelin 2 Star | Unknown | — |
| Coque | Spanish, Creative | €€€€ | Michelin 2 Star | Unknown | — |
How Los 33 stacks up against the competition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I eat at the bar at Los 33?
Yes. The bar area at Los 33 takes walk-ins and is the way to access the restaurant without a reservation. You can order tapas and drinks there without booking. If you want a full dinner in the dining room, you need to book online in advance — walk-ins at the dining room level are not reliably available.
Is Los 33 good for a special occasion?
Yes, with the right expectations. At €€€ per head with a Michelin Plate, an open-fire grill, and a room that generates genuine energy, Los 33 delivers on occasion dining. It works better for a date night or a small celebratory group than for formal milestone dinners — the atmosphere is animated and social rather than quiet and hushed. If you need a more technically precise, haute-cuisine occasion, DSTAgE or DiverXO are stronger fits.
What should I wear to Los 33?
The Salesas district runs fashionable rather than formal, and Los 33 follows suit. The room has earthy tones, raw textures, and an open grill — the aesthetic is stylish but grounded. Dress well without feeling the need to wear a suit; presentable casual to smart works here.
Is the tasting menu worth it at Los 33?
The database record references an à la carte format with dishes including a bikini sandwich, veal sweetbreads, and a 60-day dry-aged Galician Rubia steak, but does not confirm a dedicated tasting menu. Specific tasting menu pricing and format are not documented in available data, so check directly when booking online.
Is Los 33 worth the price?
At €€€, Los 33 is worth it if atmosphere and a confident fire-led kitchen are your priorities. Independent reviewers note the cooking is enjoyable and the experience is complete, but they also flag it does not consistently compete with the absolute top tier of global steak and grill restaurants. If pure culinary precision at the same price point is the goal, Smoked Room gives you a tighter, more technically focused fire-led experience. Los 33 wins on energy, room, and occasion.
Is Los 33 good for solo dining?
The bar counter at Los 33 makes solo dining workable — you can walk in, sit at the bar, and eat tapas without a reservation. For the full dining room experience solo, it is less natural; the room is built for groups and couples. If solo counter dining at a fire-led kitchen appeals to you, the bar format here is one of the better options in the Salesas area.
What are alternatives to Los 33 in Madrid?
For a more technically driven fire and smoke experience at a similar or higher price, Smoked Room is the direct comparison. For avant-garde tasting menus rather than grill-focused dining, DiverXO and DSTAgE are the relevant alternatives. If you want a grand, classically anchored Spanish dining room, Coque is the contrast. Los 33 sits in its own lane — parrilla culture with South American energy and genuine room atmosphere — which none of those replicate directly.
Recognized By
More restaurants in Madrid
- CoqueCoque holds 2 Michelin Stars, a Green Star, and 96 points on La Liste — making it one of Madrid's most credentialled restaurants. Run by the three Sandoval brothers across five distinct spaces, the evening is as much a service experience as a meal. Book well ahead: availability here is near impossible, and this is a venue worth planning a trip around.
- DiverXODiverXO is David Muñoz's three-Michelin-star flagship in Madrid, ranked #4 in the World's 50 Best (2024) and 98 points on La Liste (2026). The single "Flying Pigs Cuisine" tasting menu blends Asian technique with Spanish ingredients in deliberately provocative combinations. Booking difficulty is near-impossible — reserve three to four months out, and only come if you're ready for a long, high-energy evening with no à la carte option.
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