I have done quite a bit of going out eating over the years as always went along first with my Mom , then as a single guy , then with my Wife and kids, and finally with my young men. I am a good taster and love to eat and drink good stuff, but, also, enjoy bargains and good quality/price ratio restaurants. Therefore, I am condensing several posts into one on the foodie in Madrid !!! Hope you enjoy it as I.
One of the thrills of coming to my Madrid is that I find myself with familiar goodies that have come down from grandparents and parents generations and could not get it. At that moment, we look for the best and buy , take home and do it ourselves!
This is the place I like to tell you in this post. Supermercados Sanchez Romero; remember the name. This is a chain of not so long back but a must when in Madrid. Glad to be able to visit every year at least once lol The above has been our experiences too since 1990 coming here for our needs in Madrid, simply the best, and the cafetería is tops. I am taking you up north along Paseo de la Castellana to lovely Plaza de Castilla (Castile square) in the Chamartin district. This is a huge local transport hub for Madrid and the province as well. It is one of my hangouts in Madrid ,and we love to shop by it, especially the gourmet grocery store of Sanchez Romero (many branches in Madrid) at Paseo de la Castellana 196 not far on right hand side to Plaza de Castilla. Closest metro Plaza de Castilla lines 1,9, and 10 or Cuzco line 10. From Cuzco stay on the right hand side of Castellana and from Plaza de Castilla cross over to your left side and walk down. They were born as a small specialized store in Paseo de La Castellana, which opened, in 1954, by Eduardo Sanchez Romero. The Supermarkets Sanchez Romero has everything you need for special days from exclusive gourmet products, high-end, national and international, which you will only find in their establishments. Last info as of 2023 they are owned by El Corte Inglés group. webpage: https://www.sanchez-romero.com/tiendas/castellana/
Let me bring you into the markets of Madrid, the ones many times overlook for the other famous one. Well been in the city I have been to several of them and love them all. It is the vibrant life of any city and these are tops.
The Mercado de Antón Martín (officially named Mercado Municipal de Antón Martín) is a food market located in the center of Madrid between Calle de Atocha (next to the parish Church of San Salvador and San Nicolás) and Calle de Santa Isabel (next to Cine Doré ). Close to the Plaza de Antón Martín. The project is not executed until after the Spanish Civil War and was inaugurated in 1941. In the 1950’s, after the remodeling of the area is built the building that it is currently shown. The Mercado de Anton Martin has three floors, in the first two almost fifty different sales posts are distributed: fishmongers, bakeries, butchers, etc. Being the third one dedicated to private activities, since the beginning of the 21C by the flamenco dance school of Amor de Dios (love of God) The exits of the market building unleash in the Calle de Santa Isabel and in the Pasaje Doré passage. Some of the market stalls are distributed along the Calle de Santa Isabel. Webpage: https://www.mercadoantonmartin.com/
The Mercado de La Cebada (Barley market) is one of the largest supply markets in Madrid. It is located in the Plaza de la Cebada no. 15, in the neighborhood of La Latina. In the location of the market there were since the 16C a set of outdoor stalls located in what is the Plaza de la Cebada. At this time the Puerta de Toledo was one of the entrance gates to the city and through it came the products that came from the provinces. The use of iron in its structures was a notorious feature. The works began in 1870 and finally it was inaugurated on June 11, 1875 by King Alfonso XII. Due to hygienic problems, the building was demolished in 1956, and a more functional-looking market was built in 1958. The current Mercado de La Cebada market has two effective commercial floors with an area of more than 6000 square meters. To the two mentioned floors , another one was added that acts as a warehouse and another one for parking (392 parking spaces). It is worth noting the six red domed roofs that close the building. As well as the large mural on the main monuments of Madrid made in 1962. Webpage: https://www.mercadodelacebada.com/
How about a brief intro to Spanish customs at the eating places, my take. First,the cheapest and quickest way to eat in Madrid or Spain for that matter, is at the bars and cafés that serve tapas. You have to check that some bars more of the pubs style do not serve food. Family runs places like Ventas, Posadas, Mesones, and Fondas all old words for different types of inn serve inexpensive sit down food so look for their names. Second, eating habits are way different than anywhere else I have notice in my travels outside , the breakfast is two (desayunos) ,the first is light meal of biscuits toasts,coffee with milk or cafe con leche, butter or jam ; then the second is more substantial between 10h to 11h,there you may have a bocadillo (sandwich) with sausage,ham or chorizo or cheese or a tortilla de patatas (potato omelette),fruit juice, coffee or beer. Then by around 13h some will start to have a drink at a bar then by 14h you sit down for the Almuerzo or lunch which is the main meal of the day. The Merienda follows by 17h30 to 18h with some pastries ,sandwiches or cakes with coffee,tea,or juice as well as snacks like churros (fried batter sticks). By 19h bars are crowded with folks having tapas with sherry, beer or wine. The dinner or la Cena begins by 21h ,and sometimes later. Spanish families tend to eat even later, I have had dinner as late as 23h30 start time! Some bargains can be had by choosing the platos combinados or mix dish or the menu del dia, menu of the day. The platos are given in less expensive places as the menu of the day is more formal. Some expensier places offered nowdays a menu de degustacion or tasting sampler menu. The menu in Spanish is call the la Carta. All places welcome children who are the king/queen there,and if ask will offered smaller portions for them. For paying you say La Cuenta por favor or the bill please. Tipping is not obligatory and the service charge is enough included in the bill, however, I always tip a small amount and if one of my regular places as much as 5% extra.
Then , a list of additional restaurants patronise over the years, mind you not check lately if still open so check before you might want to go ok. Now let’s get to name other wonderful eateries over the years, for the memories of always and the good companies.
Cafe Gijon, Paseo de Recoletos, 21 ;One of the classic for literary discussions and a light meal over a drink talk with friends, one of my meeting places in Madrid. tel +34 915 215 425; Metro Colon line 4. https://www.cafegijon.com/
Marisqueria Ribeira do Miño, Calle Santa Brigida ,1.Best seafood fresh and daunty, with a great ambiance always until very late. And one of the best meeting places of Madridistas (Real Madrid followers) Galicia in Madrid. http://www.marisqueriaribeiradomino.com/es/des-752-inicio
Cañas y Tapas, the best beer place with the locals in mind and modern. Several in town, the Vaguada shopping center ,a great reprive from all those shopping attack by the family. Other locations as well. Always great ambiance. https://www.canasytapas.es/restaurante/c-c-la-vaguada/
Cafe Restaurante El Espejo, paseo de Recoletos, 31/another institution on a well travel road, my first taste of Madrid with my new wife back in 1990 and one of our sure stops always after that date. You wont go wrong here while watching Madrid walk by you on Recoleto that continues north passing Plaza de Colon towards Castellana and then south to Cibeles fountain and plaza. http://www.elespejonouveau.com/carta/
Asador de la Esquina, another Real Madrid institution at the stadium by door 44 ,and ave Concha Espina 1. Exquisite Castilian with great cuts of meat. It is closed due to the virus and renovations in the Santiago Bernabeu stadium but will be back even better! http://asadordelaesquina.es/
The Madrid tourist office on eating out in Madrid: https://www.esmadrid.com/en/madrid-food-and-drink
There you go folks , an every day feature of any big city and Madrid lucky to have a few nice ones and amongst them are these above. Again, hope you enjoy the post on the foodie in Madrid !!! as I.
And remember ,happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!
Paris1972-Versailles2003 