My beloved Mercado de la Cebada is having a Renaissance. Like many traditional markets in Madrid, the old fruit and veg stalls, butchers and fishmongers are enjoying a new lease of life alongside new businesses, which include small restaurants, craft stalls and speciality food sellers.
There's been a market here since 1868, and the current structure, which dates to 1958, was once a hub of the La Latina neighbourhood. When supermarkets came along, the old markets almost died, but they have been resurrected by young stall holders over the last few years.
Come to eat, drink, shop and explore the new stalls. Some of my favourites are Gelato Lab, an authentic artisanal Italian ice cream shop, La Malanga, which does a superb ceviche and Cuban sandwich; La Ria for its fresh seafood and finally, the amazing Parilla de la Cebada, a restaurant owned by the neighbouring butcher's. If you don't like what is on the 8 euro fixed price menu, they'll cook anything you buy at the butcher's for just 1.50 euros!
Inevitably, it will be a victim of its own success like all great places, but at the moment there is time to catch it in its ascent!
Find your way with 243 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Although it’s a Galician restaurant, they do an excellent paella mixta (chicken and seafood) and arroz negro, flavoured and coloured with squid ink.
by
The apartment block this cafe sits under is an ugly beauty and I love it, not least for the exuberant planters that are an integral part of the building.
by
I didn’t think Madrid was lacking anything but now I’ve found "Mazál Bagels and Café" I’m wondering how I survived without its bagels all these years!
by
What sets this bar apart is its exceptional handling of ingredients, creating dishes that sing with Andalusian flair—a nod to Manu's roots.
by
They have a wide selection of wines to suit all pockets, and you can also discover some weirder flavours if your tastes run to the unique...
by
"Mo de Movimiento" in Madrid offers a new take on the restaurant business - sustainable organic ingredients, recycled materials and second opportunities!
by
Sala Canal Isabel II in Madrid used to be a water tower: now it's an uber-cool gallery used for media exhibitions. I love it, and not just because...
by
VETA is the biggest contemporary art gallery in the city, so once you’ve had your fill of the Old Masters at the Prado, why not get off the beaten track?
by
Don’t worry about collecting and counting plates - there’s an “all you can eat” lunchtime menu, you can fill your boots for a very reasonable fixed price.
by
His favourite time seemed to be that magic hour when the sun is sinking low in the West and turns everything a golden pinky hue.
by
Each covered market has its own flavour; Chamberí I would say is high quality and traditional but also one that has adapted successfully to the times.
by
"Konnichiwa" is a Japanese street food restaurant in Madrid. Their specialty is the ramen with the egg, which they cook with a blowtorch at your table!
by
243 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 243 Insider Tips