Madrid has many diverse and active markets that are not mere marketplaces to buy food for you household. Markets have had to modernize into social centers in order to not disappear in the last decades, as supermarkets have eliminated the need for them. Even so, Spanish people have a strong culture of buying household food at the market -- the better quality and personalized service is what attracts the locals. Meanwhile, markets have adapted by becoming ecosystems of bars and places to try fresh food.
El mercado de San Fernando is one of the many markets in Madrid. Then there's Mercado de la Paz, Mercado de Maravillas, Mercado San Antón, Mercado San Ildefonso, Mercado de la Cebada, among many others. El mercado de San Fernando is my favourite due to its atmosphere. Since it's located in the emblematic neighbourhood of Embajadores / Lavapies, the market has inherited the alternative and informal attitude that's characteristic of the neighbourhood.
El mercado de San Fernando is a mixture of traditional establishments and modern spots. Therefore you can find classic old school tapas, sushi, Peruvian or ramen. You may get lost in their corridors full of spots with different specialities. My favourite place is the center, where there is an open space where the action is. Youngsters sit on the floor and kids run around. On weekends there is more life.
A tip would be to drink and snack during the day and finish off the evening in La Tabacalera.
Calle de Embajadores 41
Ceviche:
€
8
915272512
Explore Madrid like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Madrid guide.
VETA is the biggest contemporary art gallery in the city, so once you’ve had your fill of the Old Masters at the Prado, why not get off the beaten track?
By
Don’t worry about collecting and counting plates - there’s an “all you can eat” lunchtime menu, you can fill your boots for a very reasonable fixed price.
By
Each covered market has its own flavour; Chamberí I would say is high quality and traditional but also one that has adapted successfully to the times.
By
His favourite time seemed to be that magic hour when the sun is sinking low in the West and turns everything a golden pinky hue.
By
"Casa Dani" in my opinion makes the best Spanish omelette in Madrid, and this is coming from a passionate Spaniard himself!
By
"La Hummuseria" is a vegetarian restaurant in Madrid made for hummus fans like me! My favourite's the one with mushrooms. Protip: say yes to the egg...
By
"Konnichiwa" is a Japanese street food restaurant in Madrid. Their specialty is the ramen with the egg, which they cook with a blowtorch at your table!
By
"Sala de Despiece" Madrid defines itself as "a bar with a kitchen and a great tasting of raw materials". Once I was there I understood.
By
"Harvey's Cocktail Bar" in Madrid makes me feel as if I've entered an American vintage speakeasy. Unlike new hip retro chains, this one feels authentic...
By
"Bosco de Lobos" in Madrid is 'a bar that serves Italian food in a garden. It's a brunch and meeting place...' My favorite though, is their 'library'...
By
"Quesería Cultivo" is a cheese shop in Madrid where you can find a wide artisanal selection. My protip: do get some bread from two numbers down the street.
By
"Tapería La Pequeña Graná" in Madrid is still holding on to the proper tradition of tapas -- more and more difficult to find. Also, they have great beer!
By
241 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌
✓ 241 Insider Tips from our local Spotters