Crowded market with outstanding atmosphere: El Mercado de San Miguel (10. December 2016)
It is almost 3,5 years ago since I have last paid the El Mercado de San Miguel a visit (1. June 2016) and I was absolutely looking forward to paying the place another visit. This time I went for a bit a larger selection of dishes starting with the “Crab Burger” (EUR 3.50) which looked absolutely promising but besides the fact that the bun was red, it was absolutely nothing special in taste plus the dish was actually cold.
But honestly, it did look really appealing …
What was definitely a better choice were the “fried anchovies” (EUR 14.00) and a “Plate of Jamón Ibérico” (EUR 19.50). Definitely relatively steep in price but in combination with a glass of red wine “Crianza Rioja” (EUR 3.00), it was close to perfect to relax, watch people and relax during the day.
You definitely have to pay a visit to this place when you want to get some Jamón Ibérico – but you also have to be patient as there is a bunch of people (better to come before lunch time as it is less crowded) who all want Jamón Ibérico.
The “Croquettas de Jamón, Chorizo, Bacalao” (EUR 1.50 each) are something I generally like a lot. However, given the different ‘flavours’ were more of actually the same with a tiny bit of ingredient, i.e. the croquetta was 99,5% potato and a tiny bit of something else (plus it was kind of cold), it was not really too much to my liking.
Overall, I absolutely love the El Mercado de San Miguel but make sure you stick to what they know best, like Jamón, fried fish, and a glass of wine. The other ‘ideas’ were definitely not to my liking (not that I have tried everything there was in the market). If you somehow manage to get two seats by the tables in the middle of the market you can actually spend hours there and keep getting new ‘tapas’ over and over again. Definitely a great way of spending your afternoons.
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Contact Details:
El Mercado de San Miguel
Plaza de San Miguel s/n
28005 Madrid (ES)
Tel.: +34 915 42 49 36
E-Mail: administracion@mercadodesanmiguel.es
Homepage: http://www.mercadodesanmiguel.es
About the Author: Sven
I started the blog in October 2009, while living in Milan which I definitely consider to be one of the food capitals of the world. I was in touch with food since my early childhood (as my father is a former chef). Whenever I can, I travel the world to discover new places, to meet people but mostly to try local dishes and to find hidden gems! If you know a place worth going, please drop a line to: info@thediningexperience.org.
Currently, I am a member of the following food-related associations: Chevalier @Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Zurich-Ville; Membre Gourmet Dégustateur @Ordre Mondial des Gourmets Dégustateurs [OMGD]; Gesellschafter @Goldener Fisch and Member @Slowfood Convivium Zurich City. 
