The Mercado de Chamberí has been around in its current form since 1943.  I’m a huge fan of Spanish covered markets – each one has its own flavour; Chamberí I would define as high quality and traditional but also as one that has adapted successfully to the times. It enjoyed a facelift some years ago, which saw the introduction of a food court at the back. You buy your food and drinks from a variety of small restaurants around a central eating area – visit the website for a virtual tour. So now you can do your food shopping (there are greengrocers, delis, butchers, bakers, fishmongers…) then have a bite right there!

Check out the surrounding shops too; this is a very village-y corner of Madrid. El Toboso, to the left of the market’s main entrance, is an old school restaurant still offering a menu del día (three course lunch with bread, a drink and a shot of liqueur) for the almost unbelievable price of €10! It’s not fine dining, but who cares!