99 Sushi Bar Hermosilla
Madrid, Spain · Salamanca
Insider Compass
An expert assessment built on data, context and gastronomic judgement.
RECOGNITIONS
About 99 Sushi Bar Hermosilla
Tucked into a quiet stretch of Salamanca, 99 Sushi Bar Hermosilla has been a benchmark for Japanese-Spanish fusion since 2009. The room runs on the rhythm of a working sushi counter, where chefs slice, torch, and plate in full view of the room. It's a favorite for those chasing top-tier raw fish—toro, butterfish, and seasonal specials—paired with a serious wine list. Expect a polished, special-occasion crowd rather than a casual drop-in spot.
Good to know
Ask for seating at the sushi bar counter—watching the itamae work is half the experience and yields real-time recommendations.
The chef
David Arauz
David Arauz built his craft across some of Madrid's most respected Japanese kitchens, training at Kabuki, Suntory, and Miyama before taking the helm at 99 Sushi Bar Hermosilla. That lineage shows in his commitment to edomae technique—precise rice seasoning, exacting knife work, and restraint with raw fish—balanced against a willingness to fold in Spanish ingredients and flavors. His approach favors quality over spectacle, letting a well-sourced piece of toro or a warm nigiri speak for itself.
The Insider Compass
Four dimensions, each assessed independently against the same criteria everywhere we rate.
Plate
The kitchen's strength lies in its edomae fundamentals—perfectly tempered rice, precise knife work, and fish sourced with real intent, especially the toro and butterfish nigiri that regulars keep coming back for. Fusion plates lean more adventurous, folding in foie, truffle, and Spanish touches like tigre-style shrimp tempura, with results that land well more often than not. Warm nigiri and seasonal specials reward those who sit at the counter and let the itamae guide the meal.
Vibe
LivelyThe atmosphere is elegant and restrained—soft lighting, minimalist lines, and a hum rather than a roar, making it well suited to couples and intimate dinners. It can feel formal on quieter nights and lively when the counter fills with regulars trading orders with the chefs. This is a place for savoring courses, not rushing through a quick bite.
Service
At its best, service here is attentive, discreet, and old-school, with staff who know the menu and the rhythm of a multi-course sushi meal. On busier nights, some diners have noted a shift toward a more generalized floor structure, which can slow response times for water or wine. Booking ahead and requesting counter seating tends to yield the sharpest, most personal experience.
Setting
The Salamanca townhouse setting feels understated from the street, opening into a sober, dark-toned dining room built around an open sushi counter. Design choices favor quiet sophistication over spectacle—clean lines, low light, and a clear sightline to the chefs at work. It reads as a serious Japanese dining room rather than a trend-driven space.
These four dimensions are a handful of the attributes we review. The Insider Rating also draws on research the compass does not display — among them the wine programme, the size and quality of the cellar, the location, and how long the house has operated. It is not an average of the scores above.
Go for
- Exceptional toro and butterfish nigiri
- An open sushi counter with real theater
- A deep, well-curated wine and champagne list
Don't go for
- A casual, budget-friendly meal
- A fast, no-frills lunch on a tight schedule
Details
C. de Hermosilla, 4, Salamanca, 28001 Madrid, Spain
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