Guillermo Lorenzo is a small-scale worker of miracles. Guillermo is the chef and proprietor at De Locos Tapas, and what he does at this tiny spot is difficult to believe until you experience it. He is the owner, chef, front-of-the-house guy, and server, all at the same time. How a guy who wears so many hats manages to conceive of and produce such a large variety of small-scale gourmet items at prices this low is beyond me. Our first encounter with Mr. Lorenzo actually wasn't too great. I'd earlier attempted to reserve a table through De Locos's website, but never received a response (we were in Spain without phone service, so I couldn't call ahead, and we'd just arrived at our hotel). So we trekked over to the restaurant without a reservation and waited around for the place to open at 7:30 pm in order to try our luck. When we walked in and explained our situation, Mr. Lorenzo frankly was not very friendly or welcoming, even though no other diners were present at the time. But he led us upstairs to a table nonetheless, explaining that he would need our table by 9:30. As soon as we were seated, though, the rather surly version of Mr. Lorenzo switched off like a light, and the excellent, gregarious impresario version of Mr. Lorenzo switched on. What happened over the next couple of hours was just about the best dining experiences we'd ever had at prices this low. He brought us plate after plate of wonderfully composed and almost uniformly delicious, mostly non-traditional tapas, which we ordered off of a handwritten-in-English menu (see the attached photos). While simultaneously perfectly pacing everything and playing the consummate cosmopolitan, hospitable, charming restaurant host. (A native of Bilbao with a globe-trotting resume and excellent English, he told us former New Orleans residents that his grandmother was born in New Orleans.) I've attached photos of the menu from that night, and, frankly, at this late date, I can't remember everything we had. But the ox cheeks, lamb tagine, smoked duck, oyster Bloody Mary, seabass ceviche, and red tuna tataki stood out. Everything was terrific, though, with the possible exception of the piquillo pepper stuffed with crab, which was just kind of mushy. We're not the biggest dessert eaters, but the Bailey's ice cream was terrific as well. All of this beautiful stuff, plus a couple of drinks each, set us back less than 40 euro, which just seems like an impossibly good deal. P.S. De Locos isn't all that easy to find if you're staying in the main, touristy part of Ronda. You've got to head south down the main road from the old town toward the Barrio San Francisco. Just before the road bends right as you're looking at the rather imposing Iglesia del Espiritu Santo, drop down the "ramp" on the left to the Calle Espiritu Santo, which leads to a little triangular square just inside the wall. When you get to the square, hang a left. De Locos is a the end of the row of buildings, facing the wall and square. (We went on All Saints Day, missed the "ramp," and ended up in the big square in San Francisco, where masses of locals were assembled for festivities. That got us totally turned around...) read more

See all

I had a lovely meal here, large part of it which was due to the friendliness of the owner. I was able to grab the last open table (outside) as a solo diner, but would definitely recommend making a reservation as I saw multiple parties get turned away. The menu seems to have not changed much over the years, so many of the older reviews hold true. I started with a drink of sangria which I would skip if doing it again (it's a large drink and on the more liquor heavy side). I got (from most to least favorite): Foie gras - Don't miss this. Yes you can get foie gras everywhere but the one here is stellar. Perfectly seared, juicy and sprinkled with a few grains of salt, and paired with a passion fruit sorbet (tbh could have done without the sorbet). I was skeptical about ordering this but wow it was so good. Smoked duck carpaccio - The smoked duck on its own was good but not stunning, but when eaten as it's meant to be eaten (on top of toast and sweet jam), it's delicious. Recommended. Truffle eggs - I like soft boiled eggs and tbh this was just a good soft boiled egg. Didn't taste much truffle but did taste the jamon on top. Yummy but not a must get. Beef cheek - Conflicted about this one, the beef was very tender and very good, but it had an odd flavor that I didn't love. Also on the heavier end, and by the time I got to this dish, I was pretty stuffed so couldn't eat much of it. Quail's nest - I got this more for the novelty as I saw many photos of it. Pretty but not super flavorful, and hard to eat. Finished with the chocolate truffles, which are covered with dried mangos. They were good (rich and chocolately) but not something mind blowing as some reviews led me to believe. All in all, I enjoyed my meal here, and prices are quite affordable given what they're trying to do. In general, felt like they were trying to do a twist on each dish, which was appreciated, even if they didn't always work. But it's a refreshing find to find something like this in a small town like Ronda. read more

Excellent food! The owners are very nice and fun. One of the best restaurants we ate in all of Spain. The foie gras was delectable, the ox cheek in a bowl that looked like bread was melt-in-your mouth delicious. The White Chocolate with raspberry dessert was to die for. Tuna was sushi-grade fresh and the sauces for each dish were unique and nothig short of amazing. It's a small family run place; husband is the waiter, wife in the kitchen, so make reservations in advance if possible. Once you smile at the owner, who looks like a mixture of Robert Downer Jr and Sylvester Stallone, he'll make your face smile as well as your stomach. Enjoy. read more

See all

The food here was superb, the best meal I had in Andalucia for sure. I tried the beef cheeks, the smoked duck (with some fig jam), and the artichokes with beef ham - all were delicious. The sangria was tasty as well, and sitting outdoors on a beautiful day facing the ancient stone gate was perfection. On top of all that, the owner/chef was extremely friendly and entertaining. Prices were also very reasonable for the quality of the food - less than 20 euros for 3 tapas and a drink. If I ever find myself in Ronda again, I will definitely come back. read more

I was given a reservation by a traveler that wasn't going to be able to use it. I had not heard of the place until I was asked if I wanted to use it. So, my roommate and I went to see what all the fuss was about. We were greeted rather rudely and we mentioned that we had a reservation for 8:30 and their response was .... I don't think so, but if you can eat and be gone by 9 we may be able to seat you. I was pissed that we were treated like that. Come to find out, it's standard to be told to leave by a certain time, they said that to everyone. We were seated outdoors and it had a view of the wall. The food was okay, but not deserving of all the hype! Perhaps it's only the "exclusiveness" of the place that makes it appealing. I had much better tapas at other places and treated with respect. I do not recommend this establishment to anyone read more

One of my favorite tapas places! Everything was excellent from the hamburgers to the foie gras toast (best dish). Make reservations! read more

De Locos - Tapas Bars Near Me - Ronda, Massachusetts

See all

What a gem in Ronda, Spain! Had lunch here on the fly and boy were we taken aback by the phenomenal food! Service was prompt and flawless. Run to De Locos and order one of everything, if not two! Fair prices are the cherry on top! read more

See all

This is the best restaurant I've been to, ever. It has everything - amazing taste, both local and global flavors, beautiful presentation, entertaining service, and the rawness of a simple, no-frills experience. Our group loved the eggplant fries, ceviche, tuna, and goat cheese, but really, everything is good. Would love to go back some day! read more

This little kitchen/restaurant is situated at the outskirts of the tourist area of the magically pretty, old town section of Rhonda, in a slightly dodgy corner of the town. We were dubious on our way there but once we arrived, we were charmed. Not instantly, but quickly enough. The place is tiny! Only one table and a counter downstairs, plus the kitchen, and just four tables upstairs. Spain is just amazing like this. So intimate. Just two out of four tables occupied and now ourselves in table #3. The owner, Guillermo, turned out to speak English fluently, with a charming Castillian accent, and was an entertaining showman. He had attended high school in LA, it turned out, but returned to Spain shortly thereafter to make a life here. The house serves only unusual, gourmet tapas, of his own invention, and they are like nothing I have ever had before. Despite having thought that the lunch we had enjoyed earlier that day, at Casa Maria, might have been the best meal of this vacation so far, Guillermo not only topped it but banged it straight out of the park! We're talking braised Foie Gras (the actual liver piece, not a paste) with passion fruit sorbet combined, Raw Oyster with a Bloody Mary Shot, Smoked Sardines with Fruit Compote, Pork Belly Teriyaki, a nest of crispy rice noodles containing four Quail eggs, Oxtail with melted Brie, etc... Each dish a flavor sensation and presented uniquely on it's own plate and in its own style. Thankfully, it was all small portions and fairly light. It really was all about flavors, textures, smells and presentation. And good wine, of course. We had a blast, and left happy. Highly recommended. The setting is humble, the neighborhood unprepossessing, but the presentations of each dish, the intimacy of the place, the delightful character of of the owner and, of course, the food itself made this a transporting dining experience. read more

Nice place, tapas are 2 - 5 euro. Small in size but made with fantasy! Great service! We can recommend this place to everybody visiting Ronda! read more

De Locos - Tapas Bars Near Me - Ronda, Massachusetts

A Ronda must visit! Everything we had here was delicious , especially the Oxtail Briewart! Sangria was the best I've ever had and O-M-G the Gin and Tonic sorbet is one of a kind! Also get the Truffles!!! If I lived in Ronda, I would be a regular. Guillermo the owner was an excellent host, it was as if he were hosting a dinner party ! Make sure to stop by ahead and make reservations as there are only 5 tables and the place is literally always booked full! read more

See all

This spot is hidden away literally behind a cathedral wall. Only found it because of yelp. Believe the hype! Everything from this non-assuming little place is delicious, amazing presentation, as advertised by previous yelp users. I was very lucky they did not turn me away. I saw multiple families with no reservations get turned away. Do yourself a favor and make a reservation. You do not want to miss out! read more

De Locos completely exceeded all expectations. We stopped by on a chilly Ronda night after having been turned away by a couple of places which had 30-40 minute waits. We were able to be seated at De Locos in about 10-15 minutes, at a cute table upstairs. The menu (in English, which was a treat given our terrible Spanish skills) was extremely well priced given the quality and intricacy of the dishes. Our favorites were the lamb tagine, Moroccan chicken skewers, sea bass ceviche, and crispy quail egg nest. Let me just say that the quail egg nest is a work of art -- it's adorned with tiny flowers and shavings of cheese (Parmesan?), and served on a small cross-section of a tree. For three moderately hungry people, the bill was just over 30 euro, which is a small price to pay for perfection! read more

De Locos - Tapas Bars Near Me - Ronda, Massachusetts

Best tapas of the trip so far -- in Ronda -- on the recommendation of our friendly hotel owner. Just four tables, plus two outside, with incredible food coming from an impossibly small kitchen and an owner/host who will have you laughing (and eating and drinking) all night. The kitchen is run by his wife who is an absolute master of preparation. If you go to Ronda, try De Locos! You will not be disappointed. read more

Holy ****. Everything we ate nearly reduced me to tears - the crunchy quails nest, oxtail pastelas with some godly potato mash, HEAVENLY foie gras, pork belly teriyaki, sea bass ceviche, chocolate truffles.... We weren't even sure if it was open but when we poked our heads in the door we were told to head on upstairs - a surprise since we know how strongly reservations are recommended. The owner was definitively cool, showing us each dish as he served tables around us so we could snoop openly on our fellow diners and their selections. Come here hungry, and rest assured you will be pleasantly surprised by how little you spend. Guillermo - you are a gift to Ronda and the world!! read more

This meal made me giddy it was so good. Amazing flavors, every plate unique. I could shed a tear just thinking about those chocolate truffles. The host is a breath of fresh air. The cook is a genius. And it's all very affordable! read more

The food is just AMAZING! A tiny place with 6 tables you wouldn't believe the kind of food experience they offer. We had read on reviews it was really good so we just had the tapas coming, we let the chef of whoever was back there surprise us. And they didn't disappoint! Every bit was a pleasant surprise! But I think the artichoke and the octopus were my favorites. And if you can't decide just order them all! The prices are so affordable that you don't have to worry about the check! read more

One of the best meal experiences of my life. Myself and three dinner partners went through four rounds of tapas with anywhere from 3-5 dishes per round. We were guided by the husband of the dynamic duo who run the place by themselves. He reminded me of a Spanish Craig Ferguson; incredibly charming and ridiculously charismatic. He made numerous recommendations to help guide us through the menu that changes nightly, and also helped us through the wine list while giving us a brief tutorial on the different local producing regions. The food itself was fantastic. Squid, duck breast, foie gras, pork belly, and oxtail were some of the standouts. This was by far the best meal of our 9 day adventure through Spain, and also the greatest value. The four of us ate until we were ready to burst while going through three excellent bottles of Rioja for only 150EU This place is a must if you visit Ronda and can reserve a table far enough ahead of time (only four tables). read more

De Locos - Roasted Octopus - Tapas Bars Near Me - Ronda, Massachusetts

This was our favorite place in Ronda. Dishes were reasonably priced and the food was fantastic. Oxtail and artichokes are a must. Would highly recommend to everyone. read more

One of my favorite meals in Spain. Sweet hostess/server who's command of English made the night perfect (along with an English menu). Thai king prawns, ox tail pastels (a favorite), skewers of beef and Moroccan chicken (lightly curried with couscous), grilled asparagus, beef carpaccio, mini burger with shoes string potatoes, Mexican taco (one of the best things on the menu and tasted like home/California), and not to miss...ox cheeks. Started with their homemade sangria perhaps made with vermouth? Different, but definitely tasty with tangy diced green apple bits, as well as a bottle of the local tinto...delicious. Followed with desserts (frozen variety) of a lemon sorbet with cava, brown sugar ice cream (that had a touch of Baileys in it), as well as Baileys ice cream. Lovely location behind the arches of an old fortress/Church. As we spent the night in Ronda proper, and took cabs both ways and saw absolutely stunning views of the cliffs of Ronda all light up at night. A definite go to establishment for fine dining tapas at great prices. Loved this restaurant! read more

This place lives up to the hype. Every bite was to savor. The tacos are a must. The chicken skewer was the best I have ever had. I am a beer drinker from Portland and I thought the sangria was amazing. The chocolate truffles were to die for. Make sure you make reservations online or you might get turned away. What the chef does in her kitchen is simply genius. This place is a must when in Ronda. read more

Came upon this place on a hotel employee suggestion. We arrived at 1930, only to be advised by the owner that it would open at 2000, since he had to change! So we waited for a half hour, and out he comes in a clean getup waving us in. Small charming restaurant with some of the best tapas we have ever had. There are no written menus, since the selection varies daily. For each table, the owner would walk by and list out the 20 or so items for the day. If the pork cheeks ever come up during your visit - get them! Also had the salmon (just like lox, but better), bacalao, and many, many, others. We really wish we had stayed in Ronda for longer, so we can try more the next day. read more

Had a great meal. Cozy place. Loved everything, but highlights were artichokes and ham, ox cheeks, octopus, and grilled veggies. We were hungry after a big bike ride and for 45€, including a bottle of Rioja, we were full and happy. read more

Completely exceeded my expectations. Believe me, this tapas place is worth the hype. Everything is good, especially the seabass ceviche and pork loin. read more

This has to be one of the best meals of my life! Everything on the menu is wonderful. Who would ever think that foi gras would pair well with pineapple sorbet. Ox cheeks to die for, peppers stuffed with crab, octopus with potato foam, OMG I couldn't stop eating! read more

Worth going to Ronda just to eat at this place. Absolutely one of the best restaurants I have ever been to. The owner is an absolute genius with food and the presentation is phenomenal. You should definitely make a reservation as this place is tiny and very popular. You can make a reservation online at their website and they respond fairly quickly. read more

You have one day in Ronda? This place is the must for tapas. Call ahead and speak to the Owner Guillermo who is a gentleman and a real foodie that loves to make you feel at home. The place is small and the locals all frequent the place -- it sells out if you don't call ahead. The location is perfect and is an experience that you won't forget. read more

This place is amazing! The tagine and chicken skewers are the best I've ever had. Amazing prices too - definitely come here if you're in Ronda! read more

Great, mostly non-traditionally prepared tapas. Many excellent options and very fair pricing. Guillermo, the owner, is fantastic. Highly recommended. read more