The Greatest Meals Markets in Madrid

On the subject of tapas, cañas, and vermú in Spain, there’s one setting that instantly involves thoughts: meals markets. Meals markets in Spain are particular—not solely locations to buy however locations to seize a snack or sit for a meal. And Madrid has so a lot of them; completely different markets in numerous barrios. Whereas some are frequently flooded with vacationers, lots of the finest meals markets are hidden gems tucked among the many capital’s labyrinthine streets.

Scan the Web and it’s seemingly each respected “high 5 locations to eat in Madrid” piece will embody the well-known Mercado de San Miguel, an icon of gastronomy and design strategically situated within the metropolis’s historic cent er. Inside you’ll discover luxurious French and Galician oysters, crispy golden ham croquetas … and 1000’s of vacationers who lunch, snack, and dine there each single day. Even within the lowest of seasons, the Mercado de San Miguel is never empty, and you will have to combat your method via the aisles to seize a chew.

We’re not saying you shouldn’t go to Mercado de San Miguel (ideally, simply go throughout off-peak hours). However there are a lot of different improbable meals markets in Madrid that gained’t have you ever in queues for hours, and may grow to be your new favourite spot. Listed below are 5 different important meals markets in Madrid you shouldn’t miss, each to browse and to eat in. Since Madrid’s markets are sometimes unbelievable locations to eat each Spanish meals and worldwide cuisines, we’ve beneficial some favourite eateries for each.

Mercado de San Fernando 

Often known as Mercado Municipal de Embajadores, this (initially supply-oriented) market has been a traditional because the Forties and it’s nonetheless going sturdy. Situated within the Lavapiés neighborhood, roughly 10 blocks away from Puerta del Sol, Mercado de San Fernando has a full of life ambiance and a terrific collection of meals stalls providing a few of the finest conventional Spanish delicacies in Madrid. 

You may also discover a good number of native merchandise like Iberian ham, cheeses, and wines from completely different areas of Spain, in addition to a broad providing of worldwide meals resembling Cuban, Japanese, Venezuelan, Mexican, and German. 

Locals don’t solely come right here to eat and store: Mercado de San Fernando boasts a full of life cultural scene with common occasions like live shows, exhibitions, and workshops. The market’s inside design is noteworthy too, with its excessive ceilings, colourful tiles, and modernist structure that transport guests to a bygone period of Spanish gastronomy.

Don’t miss these meals at Mercado de San Fernando:

The standard Spanish tapas at Bar Mochuelo: This small nook of the market is the place to go when you’re on the lookout for scrumptious Spanish tapas to heat you up earlier than heading again out into town. Bar Mochuelo takes delight in providing a few of the finest toasts (or tostas) loaded with sardines, Iberian ham, and tomato, in addition to pollo al ajillo (garlic rooster), rabbit, and the well-known caldo gallego. It’s  particularly nice for winter guests! 

Greek delicacies and German beer at Hamburg Exargia: This tavern gives a spread of conventional Greek dishes, from moussaka to souvlaki, and European beers, however two gadgets you shouldn’t miss are the spanakopita (spinach and feta cheese pie) and the tiropita (cheese pie). Situated on the backside of the market, Hamburg Exargia a pleasant quiet place to take a seat and eat earlier than persevering with to discover the market. 

 

Mercado de Antón Martín 

The Mercado de Antón Martín is one other traditional market situated within the metropolis heart, only a brief stroll away from Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, and Plaza de Atocha. It’s situated in Plaza Antón Martín (therefore its identify), and its strategic location means it provides vibrant neighborhoods resembling Barrio de Las Letras and Lavapiés.

The market has three flooring; between the primary two, there are 65 gastronomic stalls, some just for purchasing and others the place you’ll be able to sit and eat. The third flooring has been rented since 2002 to the Spanish dance faculty Amor de Dios, which additionally makes it a spot carefully linked to town’s creative profile.

Having gone via an financial disaster within the Nineteen Eighties, just like the overwhelming majority of Madrid’s markets, the Mercado de Antón Martín resurged due to the world’s inhabitants progress and the rising presence of vacationers within the neighboring districts. All of its produce is contemporary and high-quality, however the massive variety of carnicerias, or butcher outlets, make it the proper spot to purchase meat.

Don’t miss these meals at Mercado de Antón Martín:

Spanish classics at Caracola: An iconic restaurant with a brief however very Spanish menu, Caracola is great place to get into some tortilla de patatas and tarta de queso, or cheesecake. It combines conventional flavors with unique innovations that make it very particular. If you happen to’re craving one thing candy, one of many creamy, decadent cheesecakes on provide listed here are an absolute should: From the spectacular unique one to cheesecakes made with pistachios, yuzu, Belgian chocolate, and Lotus Biscoff, you gained’t know the place to start out (or the place to cease!). Observe: You could find Caracola’s brand-new store situated in Chueca (Plaza de Chueca, 4, map), in case you end up wandering round different components in Madrid.

Japanese delicacies at Yokaloka: This Japanese meals stall within the coronary heart of the market is claimed to be among the finest locations for sushi in Madrid. Yokaloka is normally crowded, so it’s finest to make a reservation if you wish to dine in and keep away from a protracted wait. Apart from the sushi and sashimi, the ramen is standard, as is the smoked eel flambéed on the spot.

Mercado de Vallehermoso 

This market is among the many oldest on our record, a traditional within the metropolis and important to its historical past. The Mercado de Vallehermoso first opened its doorways within the Chamberí neighborhood in 1933: It was initially a produce market that, given its massive measurement, was capable of serve many individuals in Madrid. Whereas its vast number of merchandise might maybe be discovered elsewhere, the market was most popular by many, as a lot could possibly be bought in a single journey there.

After Spain’s financial disaster of the ’80s, the Mercado de Vallehermoso fell into disrepair and abandonment. However in 2015 it reinvented itself, due to a change in administration and a few authorities assist. Younger entrepreneurs had been invited in to showcase their companies, infusing contemporary life and unique concepts into the market whereas preserving its conventional spirit. As we speak, it hosts greater than 60 stalls and operates at full capability. It’s particularly identified for its superior contemporary fish and seafood, in addition to its everlasting farmers market. 

Don’t miss these meals at Mercado de Vallehermoso:

Empanadas gallega at Empanadas de Gloria: Spanish empanadas are considerably just like their extra extensively identified Latin American counterparts … there’s flakey dough and there’s a (normally) savory filling. However they’re nearer to a pie than a handheld moon-shaped pastry, and positively an even bigger snack. If you happen to’ve by no means tried them earlier than, Empanadas de Gloria is the place to go.

Straight out of Galicia, Gloria made her approach to Madrid to open up her store and promote a few of the finest conventional empanadas you’ll discover within the metropolis, and he or she positive is aware of what she’s doing: Since 2009, the proprietor has spent her days making these artisanal 10-inch empanadas that weigh nearly two kilos and have probably the most unbelievable fillings: black pudding with apples, tuna, cod, chorizo and bacon, mussels, rooster, even some candy flavors. It’s actually a celebration of Northwest Spain in a single stall. 

Korean BBQ ribs at Kitchen 154: Kitchen 154 (affectionately often called “El Kitchen” by locals) is without doubt one of the finest choices for spicy Asian fusion fare and contemporary beer in Madrid. Within the phrases of its house owners, “the market is big, however the stall isn’t,” so it’s suggested to make a reservation to make sure your spot at a desk or the bar. If you happen to’ve been craving spice in Madrid, right here’s your spot. Some favourite dishes embody purple curry with prawns, Sichuan eggplants with white rice, and Korean BBQ ribs, served with kimchi—all of which works completely with its unique beer, La Virgen. Observe: You may also discover a Kitchen 154 restaurant in Malasaña, at Calle del Acuerdo, 3 (map).

 

Mercado de Maravillas

The Mercado de Maravillas is probably one of many best-kept secrets and techniques within the metropolis. Situated farther from the vacationer heart, on the well-known Calle de Bravo Murillo, it’s the place of selection for locals to top off their fridges and pantries. This market, which opened its doorways within the early Forties, options dozens of stalls promoting high-quality contemporary produce throughout two flooring.

At Maravillas, yow will discover spices, cheese, fish, meat, charcuterie, fruits, greens, and even flower and watch outlets. Most necessary for the customer, there are a number of hidden meals stalls, together with one well-known for its saucy tapa de oreja (grilled pig’s ear)—a traditional Madrileño dish—and a few excellent tortilla española for simply €2 a slice.

Don’t miss these meals at Mercado de Maravillas: 

Spanish tapas at Bar Javi: It’s undoubtedly an excellent concept to open a tapas place in a produce market—who doesn’t get just a little peckish whereas purchasing? Bar Javi has traditionally been often called the place for fried eggs, and that’s exactly its specialty: egg-based dishes. At all times crowded, it’s the proper pit cease to take pleasure in one thing scrumptious with or with out a drink (it is a bar, in any case) earlier than persevering with your store. Undoubtedly attempt the oreja and the Spanish tortilla, which is served right here with a beneficiant piece of bread—not a minor element, as bread is a separate cost in every single place in Madrid.

Recent vegatables and fruits: Mercado de Maravillas is the among the finest locations to buy contemporary, natural produce, and maybe take an opportunity on one thing you’ve by no means tried earlier than. There are greater than 10 stalls peddling all kinds of vegatables and fruits, with our favourite being the Japanese stalls with Asian fruits and leafy greens and people devoted to wild mushrooms, like Frutas Laura, the place you’ll be able to simply discover boletus and enoki.

Mercado de La Paz

This can be a fancy market comfortably situated within the fanciest a part of city. The long-standing Mercado de La Paz proudly lives in Salamanca, an expensive neighborhood of high-fashion manufacturers, connoisseur eating places, and costly vehicles. This market first opened its doorways in 1879, when it hosted 120 produce stalls that had been adequate to feed practically the entire metropolis. 

The destruction of the Spanish Civil Warfare within the late Nineteen Thirties prompted the Mercado de La Paz to renovate for the primary time through the Forties. A 3rd renovation occurred within the Nineteen Eighties, giving the market the form and look it holds in the present day. 

Given the excessive visitors of the world, this market boasts a clear, glossy look that makes it appear extra elegant than others within the metropolis. Throughout the weekends, when locals and vacationers are likely to collide whereas purchasing, it will get fairly crowded. There are nonetheless many alternative produce stalls to discover, however right here is an efficient place to attain contemporary, high-quality rooster (and different poultry) and eggs within the so-called pollerias, in addition to unique spices from across the globe.

Don’t miss these meals at Mercado de La Paz:

Conventional Spanish meals at Casa Dani: Casa Dani—whose stall takes a giant portion of the market, permitting for plenty of tables—is the place foodies run to get a style of its well-known, runny tortilla de patata (aka tortilla española, aka Spanish egg and potato omelet), because it’s gained prizes, together with one in 2019 for finest tortilla in Spain. In response to the restaurant, they serve greater than 100K tortillas a yr, so that is actually one thing you’ll be able to’t miss.

Casa Dani not strictly a traditional-Spanish-foods restaurant, however different iconic dishes on that entrance are oxtail, served with a wine-based sauce and potatoes, and torreznos, completely poppable crispy pork stomach bites. 

Italian meals at Matteo Cucina Italiana: This can be a excellent spot not solely to eat but additionally to purchase high quality Italian merchandise, together with dry pasta, canned tomatoes, and numerous forms of preserves. Matteo, its proprietor and head chef, introduced all of the secrets and techniques of Italy to the center of Madrid with this restaurant, providing high quality pasta dishes utilizing the very best components of the market. It’s finest to order a desk when you plan to eat in. Some high dishes are the tonnarelli carbonara, ravioli di zucca with pesto di salvia, and the unbelievable tiramisu. Professional tip, when you’re staying in an residence rental: Along with wonderful takeout, Matteo has contemporary pasta, assembled raw pizzas, and housemade pesto that you could put together within the consolation of your Spanish kitchen.

Concerning the creator:  Sabrina Palmieri is an Argentinian journalist presently dwelling in Madrid.