MADRID, SPAIN. In old French, “brasser” meant “to malt, brew.” A brasserie, in turn, is defined as “a restaurant serving alcohol beverages, especially beer, as well as food.”

Luzi Bombón, one of the latest hotspots in Madrid’s dining landscape, describes itself as a “modern brasserie.” Taking the old French concept to new heights, it serves more than just beer.

Luzi Bombón is the second in line of two establishments that the owner, the Grupo Tragaluz, has opened here in Madrid. And it follows right in the footsteps of the first: the all-too successful Bar Tomate.

The full-length glass windows make Luzi Bombón an ideal place for those who want to “ver y ser visto”; see and be seen, that is. (If you want to gaze out at the main avenue, the Castellana, you can do that, too, of course).

Inside, you’ll find a modern interior designed by Sandra Tarruella. There’s space to lounge on couches, and to sit upright on chairs. If you prefer to stand at the bar, they’ll serve you there, too.

In fact, the bar is what gets popular as time goes by – a distinguishing factor of Luzi Bombón is that it’s non-stop. You can dine and keep dining, or drink and keep drinking. Until midnight from Sunday through Wednesday and three a.m. from Thursday to Saturday.

As for the food, the restaurant’s core is occupied by an Oyster Bar called FISHHH! Obviously, there’s oysters to be had, yet don’t overlook the Tuna tartar – it’s sprinkled with pepper and cut into cubes, absolutely delicious (7.20 Euros).

The main menu specializes in charcoal-grilled dishes, including meat, fish and rice. A lot of people appear to order the arroces al carbón (diverse rice dishes served in a paella pan), but pescado al horno is what’s really fresh every day (25 Euros). Baked in the oven, today’s selection, rodaballo (turbot) came with thinly sliced potatoes, tomatoes and onions. Be sure to inquire about the fish of the day when you go.

While you’re waiting, try some of the appetizers. The alcachofas fritas (fried artichoke chips; 8 Euros) were already popular at Bar Tomate and have taken their seat here, too. New on the menu is a tasty ceviche; it’ll arrive sprinkled with a citric sauce, and you’re free to sprinkle it with more (16 Euros).

For dessert, you can top it off with a cheesecake, which itself will be topped with raspberries (7 Euros).

All in all, the food is fresh and so is the décor. The service, however, might be lacking at times. The Oyster Bar waiter, for example, failed to inform us of the full range of dishes he had available. We only ordered the tuna tartar after seeing it on our neighbor’s table. Luzi Bombón is sexy and knows it. That’ll come through in how it treats its clients.

LUZI BOMBÓN

Paseo de la Castellana 35 (Entrance on Rafael Calvo)

28046 Madrid

Tel. +34 91 702 27 36

Metro: Ruben Darío (L5)

Mon-Sun: 1.30 p.m.-4 p.m. 8.30 p.m.-midnight

Thurs, Fri, Sat: until 3 a.m.

Reservations: Mon-Sun, 10 a.m.- 7 p.m.

Menu: click here.

Editor’s Note: like what you eat? Check out BAR TOMATE, run by the same owners.