Red scorpion fish at Martín de los Ríos fishmonger, Vallehermoso Market

Madrid-born Javier spent several years working as a fishmonger in the neighboring Magellanes shopping center. Moving here was a new start based on an old premise: the best fish, reasonably priced. He still sells his line-caught hake (making it flavorsome and retaining the scales and shine, unlike when it is stunned) and his excellent John Dory from Ria de Vigo which, he says, “is extremely good when cooked.” You’ll also find anchovies from the Cantabrian Sea, red mullet from Santa Pola, prawns from Huelva, tuna from northern Spain, and wonderful Scottish salmon—not stocked by many Spanish fishmongers.

A feature of Madrid’s Chamberí neighborhood since 1933, the Vallehermoso Market’s raison d’etre is the same as when it first opened its doors to the public: selling quality products. However, today it does so under a new business model in which customers can not only shop there, but also go out for tapas, lunch, or dinner at one of its many catering outlets.