Mercado de San Miguel, Madrid - A Market for the 21st Century

Staying near the Opera in Madrid, my friend Tracey and I stumbled across the gloriously restored Mercado de San Miguel. It would seem that Madrid had a number of covered markets and the Mercado de San Miguel is amongst the oldest. As the only remaining iron built market in the city (built in 1916) it was already quite special, but the beautiful restoration that has been undertaken makes it even more special. With it's soaring wooden roof and glass walls, this is a place to go and buy food but more than that....it's a place you can go to enjoy a taste of great quality local foods whilst sipping a glass of rioja.....

There are 33 "stalls" selling the best of produce. You stand at each counter where you can  buy taster sized portions...... then wander over to one of the many small tables dotted around the market to drink your wine and taste the gourmet delights you purchased - we tried bacalao, croquetas, stuffed olives, cheese, paella, octopus, wine, ice cream .....oh and the mini burgers in mini buns.

It's open from 10am everyday to midnight (2am at the weekends) with it taking on the appearance of a wine bar after 10 when the food stalls close. It seemed very popular with locals and tourists alike - and we were hardly surprised - we were there 3 times in 3 days. If you want to eat outwith the usual Spanish hours it seems a good place to go.