5 Best Street Food Experiences in Madrid – Where to Eat Like a Local

Alongside Madrid’s best restaurants, the city’s street food scene offers a vibrant mix of Spanish traditional cuisine and modern culinary trends you won’t find anywhere else in the world. You’ll find everything from classic churros and bocadillos to gourmet food trucks and bustling market stalls.

Whether you’re wandering through historic neighborhoods or exploring lively food markets, a Madrid food tour is sure to be loaded with amazing street food experiences.

Must-Try Street Foods in Madrid

There are tons of famous and must-try street foods in Madrid. Many have a deep history that connects them to the local culture. Some are relative newcomers. Yet all of them offer the authentic bold flavors of Spain that you can’t find anywhere else.

Bocadillo de Calamares is one of the most popular classic street foods in Madrid. It’s made from fried squid that is perfectly seasoned and often served with a squeeze of lemon and a little mayonnaise in a soft bun. You’ll find a lot of little shops near Plaza Mayor like Bar La Ideal.

Churros con Chocolate is made from crispy fried dough served with rich, thick hot chocolate for dipping. It’s best enjoyed at Chocolatería San Ginés.

Tortilla Española is a Spanish potato omelet, found in food markets and tapas bars like Casa Dani and Bodega de la Ardosa.

Patatas Bravas are expertly fried potatoes with spicy tomato sauce and aioli, served at street food stalls. I think they do them best at Casa Labra and Mercado de San Miguel.

Croquetas are crunchy and creamy croquettes with various fillings like jamón or mushrooms. I love the versions you find at Bodegas Rosell.

Gambas al Ajillo are garlic shrimp served as a quick, flavorful snack. I’m a big fan of the ones they serve at La Casa del Abuelo.

Pisto Manchego is a vegetarian-friendly Spanish ratatouille served everywhere from quaint local markets to elevated eateries like Restaurante El Tormo.

Where to Find the Best Street Food Markets in Madrid

A curated list of the best street food markets and hotspots, featuring traditional and modern locations:

Mercado de San Miguel

Photo credit: Mercado de San Miguel

Mercado de San Miguel

One of Madrid’s most iconic markets, Mercado de San Miguel is a paradise for tapas lovers, offering gourmet street food like freshly shucked oysters, Iberian ham, and classic croquetas. Visitors can sample Spanish delicacies from various stalls, including seafood paella, jamón ibérico, and artisanal cheeses, all in a lively, historic setting.

Mercado de San Miguel (€5–10) – Pl. de San Miguel, s/n, Centro, 28005 Madrid, Spain.

Mercado de San Ildefonso

Photo credit: Mercado de San Ildefonso

This trendy, urban market brings an international flair to Madrid’s street food scene, with vendors serving everything from gourmet burgers and bao buns to Latin American arepas. With its hipster aesthetic and lively atmosphere, it’s a great spot to grab a craft beer and try fusion-style tapas while enjoying its open-air terrace spaces.

Mercado de San Ildefonso (€7–15) – Calle de Fuencarral, 57, Centro, 28004 Madrid, Spain. 

Mercado de Antón Martín

Photo credit: Mercado de Antón Martín

A favorite among locals, this traditional market features a mix of fresh produce vendors and authentic Spanish food stalls. Here, you can grab a plate of patatas bravas, chorizo al vino, or a perfectly made bocadillo de calamares, all while soaking in the authentic Madrileño market experience.

Mercado de Antón Martín (€5–10) – C. de Sta. Isabel, 5, Centro, 28012 Madrid, Spain.

Platea Madrid

Photo credit: Platea Madrid

A former theater turned into a gourmet food hall, Platea Madrid offers a sophisticated take on street food, blending casual bites with fine dining. From gourmet pintxos and truffle-infused tapas to global flavors like sushi and ceviche, this stylish venue is ideal for those seeking an elevated yet laid-back culinary experience.

Platea Madrid (€15–30) – Calle de Goya, 5, 7, Salamanca, 28001 Madrid, Spain.

Mercado de la Cebada

Photo credit: Mercado de la Cebada

Tucked away from the main tourist hubs, Mercado de la Cebada is a local favorite for budget-friendly, no-frills street food. Known for its hearty Spanish staples like tortilla española, grilled sardines, and rustic empanadas, it’s an excellent spot to grab an affordable, authentic bite while exploring Madrid’s traditional market culture.

Mercado de la Cebada (€5–10) – Pl. de la Cebada, S/N, Centro, 28005 Madrid, Spain.

Vegetarian & Vegan Street Food in Madrid

Madrid’s street food scene has evolved to include a wide array of plant-based options. While the city is famous for its jamón and seafood, many markets and street vendors are now catering to vegetarians and vegans with creative, meat-free versions of classic dishes. From bustling food halls to neighborhood markets, plant-based street food is becoming easier to find, offering a delicious way to experience Spanish cuisine without compromising on dietary choices.

If you’re in hot pursuit of vegetarian-friendly street food, places like Mercado de San Miguel and Mercado de Antón Martín have the highest number of stalls offering meatless tapas. This includes things like grilled padrón peppers, patatas bravas, and pisto manchego Spanish ratatouille.

If you’re Vegan you can also find creative plant-based dishes at Vega. It’s a fully vegan restaurant known for its hearty tapas. You might also want to check out Mad Mad Vegan, which is a trendy spot specializing in burgers and street food. Their menu is loaded with popular plant-based street eats like crispy berenjenas con miel fried eggplant drizzled with honey and dairy-free gazpacho.

With more food stalls and markets adapting to the demand for plant-based cuisine, Madrid is proving that street food can be both traditional and vegan-friendly.

Sources:

Bar La Ideal. (n.d.). La Ideal – Los mejores bocadillos de calamares de Madrid. https://barlaideal.com/​Reuters+1Cadena SER+1

Chocolatería San Ginés. (n.d.). Inicio – Chocolatería San Ginés. https://chocolateriasangines.com/​

Casa Dani. (n.d.). Casa Dani | Mercado de la Paz | Madrid. https://en.casadani.es​

La Casa del Abuelo. (n.d.). La Casa del Abuelo. http://www.lacasadelabuelo.es/​

Casa Labra. (n.d.). Casa Labra. http://www.casalabra.es/​

Mercado de San Miguel. (n.d.). San Miguel | Mercado. https://mercadodesanmiguel.es/en/​

Mercado de Antón Martín. (n.d.). Mercado de Antón Martín | Madrid. http://www.mercadoantonmartin.com/​

GoVega. (n.d.). Govega: Página de aterrizaje de Govega. http://www.govega.es/​

Mad Mad Vegan. (n.d.). Mad Mad Vegan | Plant Based Restaurant | Madrid & Barcelona. https://madmadvegan.com/​

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Madrid Food Tours | Eating Europe. https://www.eatingeurope.com/madrid/​

Eating Europe. (2024, November 29). The 8 Best Restaurants in Madrid | Eating Europe. https://www.eatingeurope.com/blog/best-restaurants-in-madrid/​Eating Europe