Insider Compass
An expert assessment built on data, context and gastronomic judgement.
About Hundred
In Chamberí, Alex González-Urbón and Ezequiel Maldjian have turned burger fanaticism into a calling, crafting what's been crowned the Best Burger in the World two years running. Their hand-minced dry-aged Galician beef and house-baked demi-brioche buns elevate a simple format into something genuinely extraordinary—the kind of precision-driven cooking that has burger purists making pilgrimages across continents. Since opening in 2020, Hundred has built a devoted following among locals and travelers who understand that great technique transcends category, whether it's a three-Michelin-star tasting menu or a perfectly composed cheeseburger. Reservations book out weeks in advance, so plan accordingly.
Good to know
Book at least three weeks ahead for indoor seating at lunch or dinner—walk-ins are nearly impossible, and the outdoor terrace, while available, sits on a loud, busy street that diminishes the experience.
The chef
Alex González-Urbón and Ezequiel Maldjian
Alex González-Urbón and Ezequiel Maldjian are self-taught burger obsessives who turned a personal quest into professional mastery, traveling to New York and across 22 countries to taste over 300 burgers before opening Hundred in 2020. Their approach is less about formal culinary training and more about relentless research, refinement, and an almost fanatical focus on ingredient quality—hand-mincing dry-aged Galician beef daily and baking brioche in-house to control every variable. Their 'Singular' burger earned the Best Burger in the World title in both 2024 and 2025, validating their philosophy that simplicity executed with precision beats complexity every time. What drives them is a deep respect for the burger as a format worthy of the same technique and sourcing standards applied to fine dining.
The Insider Compass
Four dimensions, each assessed independently against the same criteria everywhere we rate.
Plate
The dry-aged Galician beef is the star here—hand-minced daily with a fat ratio that delivers deep, funky umami and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that defies the usual burger experience. The 'Singular' burger, their world-champion creation, balances crispy bacon, melted cheese, and perfectly seared beef with restraint and precision, while the 'Paul Finch' (limited to ten portions daily) pushes into more adventurous territory. Every element, from the house-baked brioche to the rosemary-dusted sweet potato fries, shows meticulous attention to sourcing and technique.
Vibe
LivelyThe warm, thoughtfully styled interior ditches the usual neon-lit burger joint aesthetic for something more refined—cozy lighting, quality finishes, and a relaxed neighborhood energy that feels equally comfortable for solo diners and groups. The downstairs space adds breathing room during peak hours, though the outdoor terrace on Calle Eloy Gonzalo sits directly on a busy street with all the accompanying noise. Inside tables are the prize, offering a more intimate setting where you can focus on the food without distraction.
Service
The bilingual brigade brings genuine warmth and product knowledge, guiding first-timers through the menu with confidence and accommodating spontaneous walk-ins when humanly possible. Staff check in frequently—perhaps a touch too frequently during peak service—but the attentiveness comes from a place of genuine hospitality rather than script-following. Pacing can feel rushed when the house is packed, with fries sometimes arriving well before burgers, though the team generally corrects timing issues when flagged.
Setting
The Chamberí location occupies a neighborhood corner with understated street presence, the kind of spot locals pass daily without realizing it holds a world-champion burger. Inside, the refined-casual design balances exposed brick, warm wood tones, and carefully curated lighting that creates intimacy without feeling precious. The two-level layout helps manage the crowds, with the downstairs area offering a quieter alternative when the main floor reaches full buzz.
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
- Experiencing what many consider the world's finest burger, executed with genuine culinary craft
- House-baked brioche buns and hand-minced dry-aged Galician beef that show obsessive attention to sourcing
- A refined take on burger culture that respects the format without dumbing it down
Don't go for
- A quick, casual burger fix without advance planning—this requires reservations weeks out
- Traditional Spanish cuisine or local Madrileño specialties—this is burger-focused territory
Details
C. de Eloy Gonzalo, 12, Chamberí, 28010 Madrid, Spain
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