The perfect plan exists and it's eating in Barcelona's markets

One of the things I most enjoyed doing when I lived in Madrid was going to the market for lunch or dinner. There, most of them ---some more than others--- have very good restaurants. No, they are not the classic market bars or typical tourist spots: they are restaurants that appear in gastronomic guides, where a very close atmosphere is created. I confess that every time I went to the Mercado de Vallehermoso, Antón Martín, or San Fernando, I thought that, in this regard, Madrid was far superior to Barcelona.

As you know if you are a regular reader of this column, I returned to live in the Catalan capital a few months ago. I have been pleasantly surprised. I have visited different markets and observed that they are really stepping up their game in this sense. More and more interesting proposals are being made in many of them, ---beyond the classic market bar---, giving a second life to the square. I'm talking about the bars/restaurants of Mercat del Ninot, Mercat de la Llibertat, Mercat de la Boqueria, Mercat de Santa Caterina, or Mercat de Sant Antoni, among many others. They are usually restaurants that cook with market produce, with excellent quality and an exquisite menu. Believe me, the food is usually really good.

The atmosphere generated is unbeatable. You eat watching the life of the market, its stalls, and the clientele talking to the merchant of their usual shop. In a world that is increasingly solitary, this generates an important sense of community.

I won't deny it. To reach the concept of Madrid's markets ---in terms of dining--- there is still a long way to go. In Barcelona, ​​most proposals are still only for lunch and usually cater to an older audience. Little by little. As the proud Barcelona native that I am, I celebrate that steps have been taken in this direction. I am sure that it will be a growing trend that will consolidate throughout the city.