Madrid for Foodies: The Best Food Markets
March 12, 2018
Among our favorite places to grab a bite in Madrid are food markets. We love to take guests to see them when we are showing them the city as well. The great thing about food markets is that there's something for everyone and it's all in one place. Whether you are going with friends, family or your partner, you can all grab different things at different stands and eat together at the tables provided.
These are our favorites:
- Mercado de San Miguel
- Mercado de San Anton
- Mercado de San Ildefonso
For some reason all of them are named after saints. I have done some research to find out why but I haven't been successful.
San Miguel's Market is the best known gourmet market in Madrid. Built in the beginning of the 19th century, this unique building (best example of iron architecture in Madrid) has always served the purpose of a market, only the food stands have changed. Nowadays, you can find the widest range of elaborate tapas, delicatessen and gourmet products. From the best Iberian ham to fresh seafood brought from Galicia each day. It's one of the trendiest places to eat in Madrid and it's always packed with tourists and locals alike. It has 10 million visitors a year! If you are like me and don't like crowds, better to avoid going on weekends.

This market consists of three floors of delicious food. The first floor focuses on perishable food, the second one on take-away food and on the third floor you'll find Cocina de San Anton, a restaurant where customers can eat their goods bought on the first floor, cooked for a supplement of 4€. The restaurant also offers a vast menu based upon seasonal fresh and natural produce, with dishes inspired by traditional Spanish cuisine with international touches. On this floor there is also a rooftop terrace where you can have cocktails at the lounge area. As you can see it has all the things a true foodie needs.
SAN ILDEFONSO
On Fuencarral street there is a street food market that offers dishes from all around the world and of course Spanish food too! If you've been to Candem Market in London, you'll find this place to be similar. A great place to meet up after work or for a pre-dinner drink. There are 20 stands with food that you can either take away or eat in situ. There are two indoor terraces and on the third floor is the cocktail bar where soft rock & roll is always playing.

Images speak for themselves, don't they?
Do you like food markets? Tell me all about your favorite one on the comments below.
xo Cristina