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The San Anton Market is more than just a fashionable market in Madrid. Two advantages make it unique: its historical, gastronomic traditions and its location in the heart of Chueca, one of the most vibrant and charismatic neighborhoods of the Spanish capital. In fact, the great writer Benito Pérez Galdós mentions the market in his famous novel Fortunata y Jacinta, written in 1887.
San Anton Market in Madrid, Spain.
After 2007, it was decided that the old market would be demolished to erect an entirely new space. This grand gastronomic emporium reopened to the public in 2011. This exemplary market is a haven for epicures looking for quality of its products, where the stalls selling meat, fruit or fish share the limelight with trendy bars and excellent restaurants. Review our international gastronomic selections.
The architectural structure of the new Mercado de San Anton conveys a feeling of modernity and exceptionality. The grand staircases of the main entrances and the opacity of its façades give this building a real surprising and unique appearance. An example of sustainability, the market’s floors are made with cast basalt waste from foundries, and solar panels cover the central skylight. It also has a unique system of garbage and waste collection.
San Anton Market in Madrid, Spain.
The new building, structured in the manner of the old corralas–traditional tenements of Madrid–showcases stalls on the first floor with ham, bread, vegetables, meat and fish on the main stage. In this traditional market area, visitors will find eleven stalls, including: Octavio Delicatessen, with its renowned Iberian acorn ham, cured for up to 60 months; the bakery Vienna La Baguette, and the Oleoteca Murua, featuring high quality olive oils. On the first floor, you will also find the tavern/restaurant La Trastienda Tapas, famous for its tasty croquettes and, of course, its delicious and enticing tapas.
The second floor of the Mercado de San Anton consists of ten food and takeaway stalls. It is a hedonistic paradise where one can choose from a broad range of cuisine from sushi, seafood and foie gras to delicious cakes and pastries. As if this were not enough, there is also an exhibition and events hall of 1,830 square feet.
San Anton Market in Madrid, Spain.
The San Anton kitchen restaurant occupies the top floor of the building. It has a terrace with a cafe bar and spectacular views of the Chueca district and the enigmatic Madrid sky, a place to enjoy specialty cocktails and other libations. The indoor dining room shows great attention to details and has a different vibe from the bar and terrace. The menu features typical market fare, with fresh and natural seasonal products inspired by traditional Spanish cuisine, but with some international nuances. You should not miss, as a starter, the Salmorejo from Córdoba, followed by a tasty fish just brought from the market’s first floor.
This spectacular dining space is open from 10 am to 12 pm, Monday thru Sunday. If you are planning to visit Madrid, the Mercado de San Anton is an experience not to be missed. ■
