TOP 5 Madrid Food Markets | Taste the Tapas

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

If you're a foodie on the hunt for the best Madrid food markets, look no further! This city is packed with markets and there is no short supply of options to choose from. I've been to few places that have as many food markets as in Madrid.

From hipster to posh, traditional to contemporary, produce focused to ready to eat tapas, this city has a spot to match any vibe. After researching the most popular food markets in Madrid I took to the busy streets and visited each one. After exploring and eating my way through the city, I came up with these TOP Madrid food markets. 

One of the LIVELIEST Madrid food markets

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 make San Miguel market one of the best food markets in Madrid. The croquettes from the Croquetas Cart were some of the tastiest from our trip!

Mercado San Miguel is more of a tapas ready to eat spot. You will find counters and stalls filled with small toasts loaded with more topping combinations than you could ever dream of, fried calamari, traditional Spanish sangria, and paper cones filled with jamon and manchego cheese. You will find locals grabbing a quick bite on their lunch break alongside groups of friends chatting over pitchers of sangria and tapas filled plates.

I prefer to visit this Madrid food market earlier in the day around 11:00 am or later around 9:00 pm. Mercado San Miguel seems to be the most crowded in the afternoon and early evening.

One of the Poshest food markets in Madrid

This theater turned market is a posh take on the food market consisting of 2 floors and 3 balconies. If you’re lucky, free entertainment such as Flamenco dancing or live music will accompany your meal of tapas and wine. Stick to the ground floor (El Patio) for the traditional food hall set-up.  

Like Mercado San Miguel, Platea food market is more of a tapas market versus a place where you will see locals shopping for groceries. Out of all the food markets in Madrid, this one feels the most upscale and almost like a place to see and be seen.

It's less crowded and hectic than the San Miguel market and is a better option if you want to sit awhile and watch the action around you or chat with friends. The noise level here is substantially less than Mercado San Miguel, though it is still busy.

The prices at Platea are a bit on the high-end compared to other food markets in Madrid, but the atmosphere is worth it. Especially if you make sure to go when there is free entertainment.

THE HYBRID MADRID FOOD MARKET

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

There are 22 stalls at this Madrid food market. 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 de 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 HIPSTER FOOD MARKET IN MADRID

If you’re looking for a Madrid food market with a hipster vibe then head on over to Mercado de San Ildefonso in the trendy Malasaña 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. Out of all the food markets in Madrid, this is the spot to ask for samples. The vendors are more than happy to give you a taste. If the weather is nice take a seat in the outdoor beer garden.

One of the MOST TRADITIONAL Madrid Food Markets

From all the Madrid food markets Mercado de la Paz is the most local and traditional. 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 as well for those who come hungry.

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

The atmosphere is less glamorous than the above markets but in exchange, you will get a better look at what a traditional food market in Madrid feels like. The prices are good and you will find no shortage of quality picnic supplies.

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