Mercado de la Reina, Madrid

About Mercado de la Reina

The restaurant operates across multiple levels: a ground floor tapas bar perfect for quick bites or leisurely grazing, an upstairs dining room with large windows overlooking Calle de la Reina, and the Gin Club—a separate cocktail bar with its own entrance on Calle Reina that comes alive in the evenings. The kitchen stays open all day from 9am to midnight, making it work for everything from breakfast through late-night drinks. The menu celebrates Spain's diverse culinary geography with quality ingredients and honest preparation: grilled octopus with virgin olive oil and Modena vinegar, gazpacho topped with Iberian ham shavings, oxtail ravioli, Russian salad, homemade croquettes, and carpaccio of Galician beef. The location just steps from Chueca puts it squarely in gay-friendly territory, and the relaxed, lively atmosphere attracts a mixed crowd throughout the day. Visitors praise the attentive, friendly service—particularly staff members who take time to make recommendations—and the excellent quality-to-price ratio, with daily lunch menus around €13. The tarta de queso (cheesecake) earns consistent raves as a must-order dessert. The ground floor tapas bar can get noisy when packed, and the constant door opening in colder months affects the temperature, but the vibrant energy is part of the appeal. The Gin Club offers a more intimate setting for evening cocktails with lower lighting and comfortable seating for conversation. The terrace provides outdoor seating during warmer months. Its central Gran Vía location makes it an easy stop whether you're shopping, bar-hopping through Chueca, or need a reliable spot that serves good Spanish food at any hour.