TOP 5 Madrid Food Markets | Taste the Tapas

Discover the TOP 5 Madrid food markets! From hipster to posh, traditional to contemporary, this city has a spot to match any vibe.

I love a good food market! It's a fun way to try an assortment of regional and international cuisines at a great price. The fast service is especially convenient for tourists looking for a quick meal between sights.

After 5+ visits to Spain's capital, these are my picks for the best food markets in Madrid.

From hipster to posh, traditional to contemporary, produce-focused to ready-to-eat tapas, Madrid has a food market to match any vibe.

The most popular (and liveliest) food market in Madrid, Spain

The wrought-iron-and-glass façade lures both tourists and locals alike.

Be prepared for crowds because Mercado San Miguel is packed all day, every day. And for good reason. The authentic Spanish food and lively atmosphere put San Miguel market at the top of the list. 

Mercado San Miguel is more of a ready-to-eat tapas spot.

You'll find counters offering every tapas you could think of: croquettes, paella, fried calamari, paper cones filled with jamon and manchego, and little toasts loaded with an assortment of toppings. Sangria, beer, and cocktails are readily available as well.

You'll find locals grabbing a quick bite on their lunch break alongside groups of friends chatting over pitchers of sangria and tapas-filled plates.

Mercado San Miguel seems to be the most crowded in the afternoon and early evening. I prefer to visit around 11:00 am or later in the evening, 9:00 pm or so. 

THE HYBRID FOOD MARKET for both eat-in and picnic/grocery items

Located in the shopping and nightlife district of Chueca, Mercado San Anton is more of a hybrid market. It's the perfect choice when you need either a takeaway picnic, grocery items, or a quick bite since it's a mix between a traditional food market and a tapas food hall. 

There are 22 stalls. The ground floor is dedicated to takeaway and grocery items, the second floor is ready-to-eat foods, and the third floor houses the market restaurant, La Cocina de San Anton.

The restaurant is divided into several spaces. An indoor traditional restaurant, a bar area called the "chill" spot that serves drinks and snacks, and an outdoor rooftop. The rooftop terrace serves drinks and bites and is popular with locals and tourists alike for a gin and tonic with a view.

Mercado San Anton has everything to make a picnic or meal at home with fresh produce, cheese and charcuterie, poultry and beef, exotic meat like ostrich and crocodile, salted and fresh fish, and healthy juices.

There are also many mouth-watering ready-to-eat food stalls with items like fresh empanadas, croquettes, patatas bravas, tortilla de patatas, hamburgers, calamari, ramen, and a wine bar with over 100 wines. 

The best FOOD MARKET IN MADRID for a hipster vibe

If you’re looking for a food market with a hipster vibe, head on over to Mercado de San Ildefonso in the trendy Malasana neighborhood.

This recently opened food hall was inspired by the street markets of London and New York and has an edgy industrial look with exposed brick and pipes.

20 international food stalls and 3 bars give visitors plenty of options to choose from.

If the weather is nice, grab a seat at the outdoor beer garden.

One of the MOST TRADITIONAL Madrid Food Markets

Mercado de la Paz is the most local and traditional food market. Located in the chic Salamanca neighborhood, Mercado de la Paz hosts stalls filled with fresh produce, cheese, meat, and seafood.

A few ready-to-eat tapas are available for those who come hungry.

If you're looking for a food market filled with locals buying fresh ingredients for tonight's dinner versus tourists snacking on tapas, Mercado de la Paz is your spot!

The atmosphere is less glamorous than the above markets, but in exchange, you'll get a better look at what a traditional food market in Madrid feels like.

The prices are great, and you'll find no shortage of quality picnic supplies.

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TOP 5 Madrid Food Markets | Taste the Tapas