Mercado de San Miguel: What To EAT & DRINK!

[@spainrevealed]

Hi Spain Lovers! 👋 Have you been to the Mercado de San Miguel in Madrid? What did you think? Touristy? Worth it? Fun? In this video I give you my opinion - but I'm really curious about yours! Let us know below 👇👇

[@jamesprimavesi2392]

There is a stall that does Burrata with green pesto on it - my favourite thing in that market along with the pastry section.

[@wackallen]

It's very, very touristy and pricey but a cool place to hang out and try a few things. I'd defnitely recommend it though. When are you going to do something on Valencia?

[@PluslineNeko]

Waaaay too expensive, but the place has some very good looks. When I visited Madrid with my parents, we checked out the San Miguel market and we quickly found it was too expensive. I think we ended up eating at McDonald's :P

[@taxi2rwy]

My favorite thing was the pimientos padrones. Loved them. The paella I had wasn't that good.

[@smitas65]

Yes, but wish I'd seen your video before..... loved it anyhow....

[@josephmchugh4719]

I agree with James' take on the Mercado San Miguel. My Spanish friends took me there earlier this month (per my request). We went on Friday night (around 10:30 pm) and had a great time. Yes, it's touristy and expensive, but I recommend you try it. I would suggest you pay attention to your bill and what they are charging you (we were charged for a bottle of cava when we ordered just a glass; luckily, we caught the mistake and they corrected the bill without any fuss). The tapas were excellent, and, by far, my favorite stall there was La Hora del Vermut. The young man who worked there was as enthusiastic about showing me their amazing selection as I was learning about them. The time there at La Hora was one of my favorite memories of my trip. My Spanish friends snapped photos of me speaking with him, as they could see I was really in my element. Like James, I recommend you go, but also please try the more traditional markets where the locals go and do a deep blend into the fascinating culture of Spain.

[@annehenderson7911]

For certain, I need to return to Spain. What a glorious country where there is emphasis on the breaking of bread and sharing life over a great meal.

[@spainrevealed]

Totally Anne - a wonderful country!

[@fionluk1425]

I’ve been to Madrid 4 times, every time I visited this wonderful market It is definitely not cheap, there is no service, it is difficult to even find a table to stand by. But I just like here

[@MadamGazell]

I live right across the Mercado de Vallehermoso, and I love las señoras haciendo la compra. Wait! I am one of them!!

[@syrkaros5815]

I prefer the Mercado de San Antón in Chueca. It's not so crowded and they have delicious food as well

[@oldbittercraig3513]

One HUGE tip... if you buy something, SAVE YOUR RECEIPT. If you need to use the bathroom downstairs, your receipt gets you in for free. We hit up San Miguel a couple times while in Madrid over the summer - largely when several of your places at nearby Cava Baja were closed - even mid-day (Taberna La Concha was open, LOVED it). San Miguel - Olives were awesome, my Gilda addiction started there. Liked the bacalao, but was better in Basque country. Also one of the smaller stalls had a Colombiana working and had some skewers with papas criollos (Colombian style mini potatoes) and some protein options. Great stuff. Also ended each visit with a fruit skewer. Was really crowded each time we went, seating in short supply. But all in all a worthwhile stop... a huge variety means if traveling with someone you can each find something you want. Crowded so you can window shop without feeling guilty if you pass without purchase. As you said, can get your sea legs. Pretty much guaranteed open. A little cooler than outdoors Madrid during the summer, shaded, with wine and beer to accelerate your cool down.

[@sandrasimarro8389]

evry time i'm in madrid i actually hang out there with my cousin pili. the vermuts they have there are another level. the cheese, el jamon, the olives, fruits...it's the perfect place to start a friday or saturday night going out. 👍💕

[@AznKenshin]

My gosh, I'm so glad I found your channel. Thanks for not being one of the Food KZbinrs that almost feel "forced" to LOVE everything they taste. Thanks for your honest opinions. Keep it up. Subbed.

[@cmacmenow]

Another terrific video in the can. Love it. Pickled peppers, the perfect place to placate my Spanish tongue.

[@spainrevealed]

Cheers CJ - glad you liked it. And yep - love those picked peppers :)

[@annapaik100]

Once again, very informative and helpful. Thank you!

[@meat_loves_wasabi]

My hotel was just a short distance from this market.... I like that vermut bar with olives the most..... always pop in for a few drinks before heading back to our room to retire for the day

[@spainrevealed]

I do really like La Hora del Vermut, John!

[@laurenbaccus4587]

Thanks for doing this one, James. It's been on my list of must sees. Two more weeks and I'll be drinking vermut! You are the maestro of vlogs, amigo!

[@spainrevealed]

Excellent Lauren!!!

[@piolina2k]

Thank you for sharing. We were there last summer and it was amazing. Madrid es un lugar mágico. 🥰🥰

[@creatuvida9402]

Wonderful videos. Congratulations from a Spaniard. Thank you so much for showing my our lovely and “delicious” country to the world 🙏🏻👍🏻💖🤩✨🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🤗🤗 Cheers! 🥂 You are a perfect ambassador 😉😊😌😁👍🏻✨🤩

[@elbrujolosabetodo]

Your videos feel like a mini vacation, like I'm there eating with you, James.

[@emilianstefan4424]

Nice to see that place again. I've been there last year, before visiting the royal palace. Great little stopover. I really miss Madrid. Even if I almost missed my flight home, only to eat one more time at Taberna el Sur. 😅

[@martinadams983]

Great video James, was at the vermut bar back in April, the sherry vermut was very nice, the bacalao tapas bar another great place and great prices. My girlfriend loved the mozzarella tapa stand.

[@spainrevealed]

Cheers Martin - glad you guys enjoyed it!

[@martinadams983]

I did visit the Anton Martin market, but unfortunately the stalls were shut, can't remember what day it was when I went there, a shame was looking forward to going to the jamon stall

[@toddalquist3391]

Leaving to Madrid in 3 days to study at IE University. Nervous but watching your videos help me! Thanks!

[@spainrevealed]

You'll be fine! Have an amazing time!

[@srvfan99]

Great video! I had a great time at Mercado de San Miguel with friends a few years ago. Super hot evening, super crowded, lots of noise, lots of beer ... epic! My favorite dish was the Precebes (goose barnacles) ... not for everyone, but I loved them!

[@spainrevealed]

They are delicious!

[@pplectro]

James, no cambies. Don't change !!

[@spainrevealed]

OK!

[@wmanthonyphotography]

Pickpocket Central. Besides that, we enjoyed it multiple times while staying in La Latina. Obviously, tapas bars on Cava Baja were stellar, but this place is chaotic fun. Like one big house party. Sometimes we'd drop in just for a caña doble of Estrella after a long day of walking Madrid. (But remember to put your back pack/bag/purse in front of you...)

[@spainrevealed]

Good point William!

[@sugarpop7377]

wmanthonyphotography hopefully any visitor reads your comment. Beware of pickpockets.

[@fonzimendoza1979]

I was just there all last week and ate there everyday. I LOVED IT! Honestly I found that we tourist can’t stand there and have a long drawn out conversations about the food. I just come to realize that at this market and anywhere else in Madrid, if possible, walk up to the counter knowing what you want.

[@AnSEpisodes]

wow this place has really got lots to offer!! authentic Spanish foods! thanks for sharing :)

[@lenswork4]

Mercado San Miguel is a great introduction to the food options. When visiting Spain with others, I like to take them there soon after opening for a sampling of many foods, then linger with wine for people watching. One visit is fine, then down to Cava Baja and other places for a tapas crawl.

[@carlosacta8726]

This is truly an AMAZING place! Great video!

[@Cruithne68]

You seem so happy tasting the spanish food, I can see in your face that you`ll never come back to New Zealand

[@spainrevealed]

You’re probably right!

[@MrScout15]

That place has sooo much going on. I was there in May and missed a couple of the stalls you mentioned. I want to go back. I think your description as a gourmet food hall is perfect. Exactly what it is. Fun place... PS. Thx for mentioning the olives!!!! We were getting served these small ripe olives when we were there that were AMAZING!!!! I wonder if it was those? Best olives I’d ever had.

[@johncullen429]

Excellent as always... Love the channel.... Booking my flights tonight.😁

[@spainrevealed]

Awesome John!

[@nalagrz5773]

Where are you going to John?

[@nicolashogan6580]

Thank you for all those great videos about Madrid and Spain!

[@ZelcaMarland]

Super helpful! We'll be there in May, can't wait :)

[@notorio666]

SAn Miguel market is my personal Fav. Thanks for the video James. Great as usual!

[@spainrevealed]

Thanks Jimmy!

[@anairenemartinez165]

José Andrés opened some similar in NYC, named Little Spain.

[@ronsanjuan2328]

I prefer this place, it looks clean and more classy where you can try different foods all in one place :>

[@dcsportsmark4996]

I’ve been to this place stumbled across it and had no idea how amazing it was before walked in. Thanks for posting this amazing video.

[@harryzarb5830]

Once again another great video James !

[@spainrevealed]

Thanks Harry!

[@davesaunders7080]

Great highlights to have before we go-Starting this Friday in Madrid! Will go for a quick sample then off to all those other suggestions you have nearby. My notebook is filled. Thanks for all the great info.Now to try to be like a local:)

[@spainrevealed]

Cheers Dave - glad you've enjoyed it!

[@welshtoro3256]

It is a tourist trap and it's become more so in recent years. It's also frequented by well off Spanish tourists. If you know what you're doing you can have a tasty nibble and drink without being completely fleeced. It looks crazy busy but all Tapas bars in Madrid will be at peak time. You can buy some very good produce but it's up to you how much you can afford to spend. Remember there are many bars in Madrid that will give you a free tapa when you order a drink (especially those with some Andalusian influence). Great video James.

[@ashrob4170]

We visited Madrid a few weeks ago. Having watched all your videos prior really enriched our eating experience so thank you so much for the great informative videos. We enjoyed our visit to this market as a tourist we are mainly looking for things to eat and drink immediately so it was fun that that was what was exclusively on offer here. It felt tourist, was more expensive and we only felt the need to pop in once despite being in the area many times, but definitely worth a visit.

[@spainrevealed]

My thoughts exactly Ash. Worth a visit. But then you can branch out.

[@TalesofTwoTravellers]

This is very helpful, thank you! We followed a lot of your guides in Barcelona and Madrid! ☺️

[@Helltrain]

Casi me da un ataque al corazón al ver lo de los 14€ por la ración de anchoas. Por ese precio te puedes comprar hasta 3 kilos en cualquier mercado. Y me apunto un par de locales....el de los pinxos y el de la paella 😍👧👧🏽😍 Genial, como siempre :)

[@FranciscoGonzalez-dz2oy]

Tu compras muy barato.unas lata de buenas anchoas de santoña no creas que son mucho más baratas.

[@mistreated]

Great info for the "newbies". A must for learning to navigate the for culture on you visit. La Casa del bacalao is our favorite. Never miss it.

[@francisc144]

It is a great Mercado to visit, i like this place. Plenty of goodies to offer in one spot.

[@neyruzAJ]

So funny, when I went to visit San Miguel, I ordered 2 tapas, bacalao al ajoriero & smoked sardines.

[@stephencarlisle3743]

Loved MSM when I visited Madrid .. Would love you to do a video of Cádiz , hoping to visit next year ?

[@spainrevealed]

Would love to do a video about Cadiz. Definitely on the list! Such an amazing city!

[@AussieAngeS]

This was wonderful, that market has some great tapas and that Paella looks so good.

[@Christ-qk7or]

Great vid! Favorite place was the La Hora de Vermut place; absolutely loved the banderilla! Can't wait to go back and try some of your other suggestions. I think it's a fun place to start at. Thanks for trying the paella, i was wondering about it.

[@spainrevealed]

Cheers Chris! Yeah, I agree - a fun place to start. That sums it up perfectly.

[@anonymom66]

This was very helpful, gracias! I am going solo to Madrid for five days in February and figured this would be where I got my tapas fix (I'm not likely to go to a tapas bar alone in the evening). I appreciate the virtual tour so I have some idea of what to expect and what's available. Because I am going in February hopefully it won't be as crowded!

[@alexanderphd]

We go there every time we come to Spain (remember when?). We go before noon to beat the crowds. There’s a stall that has baked scallops in a cream sauce; our favorite. We go elsewhere to buy our provisions (cheese, olive oil, bottles of wine, yogurt ...) for the stay. Missing Spain; longing for when we can return.

[@berlinerrose]

fantastic!!! you have rekindled my interest in and love for Spain. We will definitely head for Madrid to eat and drink!!

[@spainrevealed]

Enjoy!

[@JonnySaenger]

Problem is that it’s in the centre so it’s always busy. Good to go to if you want to get a taste of Spain and you are short on time. Try and go in the week though as it’s heaving on weekends

[@spainrevealed]

Yeah, good point Jonny. It gets REALLY busy.

[@Sheiwangi]

I love watching your videos! They're very informative and fun to watch. I'll be coming to Spain soon. ¡Hasta pronto!

[@sugarpop7377]

I always finish your videos wondering how you can eat so much and be so skinny . I 😂

[@juanasenjo8515]

I'm thinking of the same. My theory is that he takes ONE bite and then gives the rest to the cameraperson or anyone who's with him. Few people can eat that many delicious-looking foodstuffs and NOT weigh 400 lbs.!

[@anairenemartinez165]

You haven't watched Mark Wiens? WOW, skinny guy can eat.

[@rodsmosieraccount]

@@juanasenjo8515 maybe he only eats once a week when he does the video?

[@vicinoorsini5163]

Spanish food (the good kind, like James and Yoli eat) is top-notch quality (the absolute opposite of trash) and they walk a lot. It makes a huge difference

[@kfree1966]

We were there in June. Fun place and do like La Hora de Vermut. Being so close make sure to stop in to Cerveriz Bar for Tortilla de patatas. It is really good and authentic.

[@spainrevealed]

Exactly - great staging ground for a Cerveriz visit :)

[@vodkalima]

Love the vids James ! Keep them coming

[@andresm.negron1102]

Marvelous video! We’ll be there next March. Hope to see you and Yoly in Madrid. I think Mercado San Miguel is a great option to eat before initiate a long tour through the emblematic places. Greetings from Puerto Rico.

[@JohnJohnson-ne1di]

Great, I enjoyed your video James. I always visit the Mercado de San Miguel when I’m passing through Madrid on my motorbike. I ride through Spain every year on my motorbike. Yes it’s expensive BUT a glass of wine and a couple of tapas won’t break the bank and you get a great experience. Last time I was there (June 2019), there was a wine demonstration and the presenters really knew their wines. Anyway, it’s 100% not to be missed when in Madrid ... when you are on your way to Barrio La Latina by foot for the rest of the evening 👌

[@courtcomposer]

James. I just came from Madrid. Thanks so much for your recommendations. Can you do one on Valencia?

[@dyanisimon8462]

Yes, I'm seconding the request for a Valencia video!

[@spainrevealed]

On the list!

[@spainrevealed]

Would love to. Need to plan the trip!

[@emilianstefan4424]

@@spainrevealed On my list too actually. I've revisited Malaga a couple of months ago. Valencia is theoretically my next vacation destination. Not sure if I can make it this year or the next one.

[@beltxabeltxa]

Love it, Great video, La Casa del bacalao is my favorite, Bravas at 7 euros is expensive

[@spainrevealed]

Thank you! Yeah, not cheap. But not crazy expensive like the fried fish!

[@inframinced6698]

Thank you for doing this video. As someone who also watches your channel I always felt weirdly guilty about loving Mercado de San Miguel.

[@spainrevealed]

haha - never feel guilty! These things are never black and white :)

[@GlocknerBua]

Thanks much for all your Madrid food tips. Very helpful guides to excellent food and vermouth 🤩😋👍🍷🫒🍳🍗🍖

[@glenmorris8389]

Thank you, James, for another great video. Missed Yoli Alioli though. xxx

[@TheTravelingChzhed]

Hi James! This video is super helpful! Taking my first trip to Madrid at the beginning of October and have jotted down the names of all the stalls you mentioned! Your videos are awesome! Thanks!

[@kathyr.1141]

So many things there are delicious and it’s nice to have so many choices. If you avoid the super expensive stalls, you can try a whole bunch of typical foods (and drinks!) and leave quite satisfied. James, I also love your food tours-I went on two of them this summer. Great crew you have working for you! ❤️

[@annehenderson7911]

This is so helpful. You are so specific and list so many options. I have been to the south of Spain, but not Madrid or San Sebastián. This video certainly has me wanting to return to Spain. I always love the how to eat like a local section of your videos.

[@spainrevealed]

Thanks Anne - glad you like it. You need to come back and keep exploring the country!

[@wookchang8852]

Greetings from Korea! So much information and I must subscribe your channel.

[@spainrevealed]

Thank you!!!

[@PluslineNeko]

Hey, I didn't know they opened a Rocambolesc in Madrid! The Roca brothers sure are getting famous, huh? I kind of feel proud because they're from Girona (my city) and they opened the very first Rocambolesc there! And, sure, it fits the name well, as it means "outlandish" or "bizarre" in Catalan.

[@grigorirasputin7165]

The Roca brothers have been famous for years bro.

[@micasteer8851]

Excellent video as always. Fantastically good. Hugs

[@gaijin71]

Damn I wish I would have discovered this vlog 2 years ago when I lived near Spain!

[@paulamolina3444]

Me encanta el ambiente y además disfrutas de la comida se te mete x los ojos .es un poquito caro ...es normal no?🤭🤭🌞🌞me gustan mucho tus vídeos .gracias

[@saadn.3348]

Awesome work James!

[@rudegertgertrude8512]

Your videos are super engaging, and I am glad to see so many of them lately! Enjoyed our food tour with Luke several years ago and now when we return, the folks at Ricla look at me very amused when I ask for albondigas secretas.. :)

[@chinolatino2652]

Great video on how to tackle a very touristed place - I will def use your advice when I go to Madrid in a few weeks. Among the other markets that you mention, Mercado de Maravillas (I don't think there's a 'las') was a nice find - there are food stalls (a lot of Latin American food) along with traditional market stalls. It's close to the Cuatro Caminos metro stop - be aware that during the week, they close between 2p - 5:30p.

[@nigel8499]

Great video, really appreciate your honesty.

[@spainrevealed]

Cheers Nigel!

[@blackpaw254]

Great vlog James. 2 weeks and counting for our trip to Madrid 🇪🇸.

[@sandrasimarro8389]

Me encanta el Mercado San Miguel!

[@walterinpv8499]

Mmm that server at 12:05...yum.

[@Marciap17]

James, it’s nearly midnight in London, and I’m starving after watching this video. Excellent! So now I have even more excuses to visit Madrid (although I am passionate for Barcelona). And thanks for the tours links, etc Have a good week

[@richardeulin2842]

El Mercado de San Miguel,That's mouthwatering... 😋😋😋 , Excellent video,Maybe someday visit Palma de Mallorca ,Happy Summer.

[@spainrevealed]

Would love to Richard!

[@nalagrz5773]

Vaya .....viví 3 años en el centro de Madrid y nunca supe de este mercado. Gracias

[@nalagrz5773]

Ahora ...te digo una cosa .Ven a Málaga y te comes una ración de boquerones fritos frescos pescados el mismo dia por 5 euros y no 14 !

[@hooligan007]

James, just to say that a glass of beer inside that market is 6-8 euros, and just outside in museo del jamon/100 montaditos the mug cost 1,50 euros ...

[@republicanschefers]

This is making me hungry!

[@spainrevealed]

I hope so Sarah!

[@ohthenoveltea]

We did a mixed seafood from that place and we were so shocked about how expensive it was! We did also try Casa Toni on your recommendation though including the sweetbreads and it was amazing!

[@Special_O.G]

Will be in Valencia soon and we plan on taking a train to Madrid.. Thanks for this video 👌🏾

[@happyluckygolden]

Good job! You almost made we want to go back there. Seriously though, I think you said it well. It's great for first time visitors because it's user friendly. Unfortunately, some stalls are ripoffs.

[@spainrevealed]

Glad you liked it!

[@sugarpop7377]

Ghislain Bergevin like any tourist trap.

[@Cristo_ti_Ama-w7t]

Te acabas de ganar la nacionalidad Espanhola!!!

[@anrn5303]

been watching all your videos! it will be my first time in Spain... will be in Valencia, Madrid...

[@joshr9417]

Good video James, I was at the Mercado de San Miguel just a few months ago and found it somewhat expensive and intimidating, even when not super crowded it didn't seem like anyone really wanted to wait on me. In fact I was there a couple of times and finally on the last try ordered some fried oysters and beer. Other wise I had a better experience down in the food area of El Corte Ingles.

[@dianaiunian900]

I`ve been to Madrid and Mercado de San Miguel in May. Wish I could have seen this video before :D. At your recommendation, I went to Huevos de Lucio

[@neiss2]

James, as always one of the best Spanish gastronomic insight I’ve read. Just a tiny but, eating cabrales cheese without bread, seriously? 🤪

[@analuisabances604]

Great video, I am going to Madrid in March, and planning to visit Mercado de San Miguel. Cheers from Canada 😊

[@spainrevealed]

Enjoy your trip!

[@analuisabances604]

Spain Revealed - James Blick Thank you for all the information, and tips. Love your channel.

[@reginapolo3357]

Love you guys. Be there soon

[@spainrevealed]

Thanks Regina!

[@atrampabroad8318]

I went there last month but only just saw the video. Impressions largely matched those of James (great minds ... LOL). I was also surprised by the high price of the fried fish outlet (Martin) - it was like 17 or 18 euros, it really should've been half that at most. I didn't get anything from there, but even the best fried fish shouldn't be almost 20 euros for a tapas portion. The bacalao place might thave been my favorite, their canapes were delicious and well priced (1.5 to 2 euros each). Overall I liked the market enough to go back - it was definitely way less crowded on Tues than on Sunday, when it was uncomfortably crowded.

[@omgaction8883]

Another great video about a famous place ( which unfortunately I missed in my previous two times to Madrid) I am visiting my 3rd time next month on September and after your video It is a must, thanks for your always helpful, interesting and tasty Vlog 👍, hellos from Egypt.

[@ElComentarioIrreverente]

Mercado de San Miguel by definition, it’s not a tourist trap...It has very good stalls like the “Casa del Bacalao” (which I tried all of the tapas), good Vermouth, wine, olives pintxos and many well priced tapas & raciones with high quality. As a wise traveler, check on the prices and do your research on Google before buying your food...There are definitely some food stands that the prices are just over the top; avoid them and keep looking for what you want. Patience is one of the most important competence of an intelligent tourist, like visiting also “El Museo del Jamón” (Plaza Mayor), a Madrid franchise with very low prices & good quality; wine glasses for (1) EURO and Cañas (Beer), from (.50) cents of EURO!!! while you save money and immerse with the locals. Mercado de San Miguel it’s definitely a great option if you are knowledgeable as a foodie traveler...🍷🧀🍷🧀🍷🧀🍷🧀🍷🧀🍷🧀...

[@piolina2k]

Hello James! We have bee to the Mercado de San Miguel and it was wonderful. Lots of food to choose from. I did not like the fish but I love the boquerones and the little tapas we got with our drinks. We also tasted the manchego cheese and some other tapas. Really nice place and I may say it is kind of touristy because it's a little bit overpriced. Thanks for sharing!!

[@anthonyyung2510]

wanted to go to the Mercado de San Miguel in Madrid, but it was very busy and we were warned by the tour guide not to enter because of pickpockets !

[@kathyr.1141]

Anthony Yung I’ve never been pickpocketed there but I guard my purse closely. The food is great, and it nice to have such a variety to choose from.

[@quantumeseboy]

My absolutely number one favorite food in Spain were those Bask style olive-anchovies-pepper skewers. Incidentally, the least favorite food was fried anchovies, especially at Plaza Mayor.

[@edwardcooke9413]

Went today. Nice atmosphere if one does not mind the ongoing construction on building. Tried several and definitely hit or mis….

[@jadelpino10]

It´s really really expensive!!

[@spainrevealed]

Yep, it can get pricey Jose