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!
Find your way with 258 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Autocine Madrid" is the largest drive-in cinema in Europe! My recommendation: grab a snack before the movie at any of the foodtrucks or at the diner.
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Hidden in Madrid’s Salamanca district, Brownie’s café offers a Parisian-style courtyard, specialty coffee by Hola Coffee, and a cozy mix of fashion and flavors.
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"Microteatro por dinero" in Madrid is simple: 15m² - 15-minute plays - 15 spectators. It's a new way to to go the theater. What a thrilling experience!
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"La Pentola Mágica" in Madrid makes the best Italian food I ever had. The chef's a character, the food's amazing... I can't stress it enough. Just go.
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Madrid in the 1980s was certainly rocking and she became a fixture in the city’s music scene, always going out in her famous leather jacket and cap.
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Misión Café serves top-tier coffee and flaky pastries in a cozy, modern space — perfect for a quick fix or a slow, dreamy breakfast in Madrid.
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This fantastic wine shop, "Vino y Compañía" is the place to discover the fantastic variety and quality of wine on offer in Spain. Come with an open mind!
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Although it’s a Galician restaurant, they do an excellent paella mixta (chicken and seafood) and arroz negro, flavoured and coloured with squid ink.
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The apartment block this cafe sits under is an ugly beauty and I love it, not least for the exuberant planters that are an integral part of the building.
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I didn’t think Madrid was lacking anything but now I’ve found "Mazál Bagels and Café" I’m wondering how I survived without its bagels all these years!
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What sets this bar apart is its exceptional handling of ingredients, creating dishes that sing with Andalusian flair—a nod to Manu's roots.
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258 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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