MADRID EATERIES
Matilda Café Barrio de Las Letras: Great for breakfast, this small neighborhood restaurant serves a perfect, traditional breakfast sandwich with a toasted croissant, eggs, cheese and a delectable Iberico ham.
Cafelito: Another fantastic breakfast spot. Their signature Bonbon Cafelito was fantastic (espresso, condensed milk and cream). They’re also close to where El Rastro takes place so it’s a great place to get breakfast and start your day before shopping the day away.
Chocolatería San Ginés: I’m going to start by saying that I ended every single night at this restaurant, switching between the churros and parros option to dip in their creamy and luxuriously decadent chocolate sauce. It helps that they’re open 24 hours! They have a few locations right next to each other for dining. They also have a take away section around the corner, but for the best, I always went to the original location.
El Minibar: Known for its laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff, this bar offers a great selection of cocktails, but the sangria really stands out. It strikes a perfect balance between fruity and tangy, making it a favorite for locals and tourists alike.
La Musa Latina: They have great sangria and food. Known mostly for a tapas tasting menu, this restaurant packs flavorful bites into the small dishes.
Taberna El Schotis: A fun restaurant along Cava Baja that serve delicious Pintxos. I had their octopus tapas which was tender and tasty.
MERCADOS
Madrid’s mercado culture is an essential part of the city’s vibrant food scene and a fantastic way to experience local flavors in a lively, communal atmosphere. The city’s markets, like the famous Mercado de San Miguel or Mercado de San Antón, are much more than traditional places to shop for groceries—they’ve become social hubs where friends and families gather to enjoy a variety of cuisines under one roof.
One of the best things about these markets is their diversity. If you can’t decide on a restaurant, a mercado is the perfect solution! Each market is filled with food stalls offering everything from traditional Spanish tapas to international cuisines, so everyone in your group can find something they love.
In Madrid, going to the mercado is not just about eating—it’s about experiencing the heart of the city’s food culture in a fun and welcoming environment.
Mercado de San Miguel: Mercado de San Miguel is one of Madrid’s most iconic food markets, located just a stone’s throw from Plaza Mayor. Housed in a beautiful glass and iron building, this bustling market is a haven for food lovers, offering an array of stalls serving everything from traditional Spanish tapas to fresh seafood, gourmet cheeses, and irresistible sweets. The market's lively atmosphere makes it a perfect spot to socialize, snack, and indulge in the city’s culinary delights. Order a glass of cava and let your nose follow you around the mercado to what you want to eat.
Mercado San Antón: Mercado de San Antón in the heart of Madrid’s trendy Chueca neighborhood is a vibrant, multi-level market with a modern, youthful vibe. Spread across three floors, it offers a mix of gourmet food stalls, a fresh produce market, and a rooftop terrace where you can dine al fresco with city views. The top floor even features a sit-down restaurant, making it a great spot for everything from casual bites to more leisurely meals.
Mercado de la Cebada: Located in La Latina, this mercado is one of the largest and more traditional markets in Madrid. It has a lively, authentic atmosphere where locals shop for fresh produce, meat, and seafood, and it’s a great place to get a feel for the city’s daily life.
Mercado Gastronómico en Madrid: Housed in the city’s Plaza Mayor, this mercado is a relatively new addition to the mercado scene, offering a modern spin on traditional Spanish gastronomy. It’s a more upscale market with gourmet food stalls that showcase the best of local ingredients and culinary craftsmanship.
Mercado de San Ildefonso: Mercado de San Ildefonso, in the hip Malasaña district, is designed to resemble street food markets from around the world. Its urban, industrial-chic setting is perfect for those looking to try a wide variety of international cuisines and cocktails in a relaxed, communal environment. Spread across three floors, this mercado has a cool, laid-back atmosphere and is a favorite among locals for its street food vibe, eclectic offerings, and buzzing social scene.