It surprises people that Madrid, hundreds of kilometres from the sea, is one of Spain’s great seafood cities. Mercamadrid is one of the largest fish markets in the world, and overnight deliveries mean the capital often eats fish as fresh as the coast.
This guide explains what to order, the marisquería tradition, and how Madrid built its reputation for shellfish.
What to order
Gambas al ajillo (garlic prawns) and pulpo a la gallega (Galician-style octopus with paprika and olive oil) are staples. Madrid does superb fried fish, and a plate of boquerones (anchovies) or rabas (fried squid) makes a perfect tapa.
For a special meal, marisquerías serve towers of percebes, langostinos and cigalas by weight, while bacalao (salt cod) appears in hearty stews like the local soldaditos de Pavía.
Where to eat
Classic marisquerías cluster around the city centre and the Salamanca district, while traditional tabernas in La Latina serve seafood tapas with vermouth. Sunday lunch is a beloved Madrid ritual for shellfish.
As with all shellfish bought by weight, confirm the price per kilo, since premium items like percebes can be very expensive depending on season.