Mercato Italiano’s delicious smell hits you as you walk in. If you are hungry you will literally salivate. Madrid has a tiny little Italy in the Rios Rosas area and this very authentic deli/eatery is one of the newer additions to the shops and restaurants to be found there.

They sell cured meats and cheese as well as fresh bread, focaccia and prepared dishes such as lasagne and pizza – everything is 100% Italian. There’s also wines, pasta and sauces, breadsticks and cookies and many more Italian gourmet products to choose from.

I like the space a lot – it’s big and airy and there’s lots of room if you have a pram or stroller with you, so this is a great place for a family meal or meet up. There is outdoor seating too. You can take away or eat in – choose from the menu or anything they sell – the bruschetta are great, as are the salads. As you would expect they have fantastic coffee too. You can choose a bottle of Italian wine and pay 4 euros corkage or have a beer, a spritz, and Campari…

Top tip!! Wednesday night is aperitivo night. For 10 euros you get a drink, a board of cheese and charcuterie, focaccia and a plate of pasta! I go there with my female friends, and must say, that night is popular with the ladies which may or may not be because of the handsome Italian servers’ attentions – just sayin…!