Mercado de las Gaviotas — Restaurant in Madrid

A Must-Visit for Seafood Lovers – So Good We Came Twice

As a lifelong seafood lover, I can confidently say this is some of the best seafood I’ve ever had. The food was so incredible, my husband and I came here twice during our short trip to Madrid—something we rarely do when traveling.

What sets this place apart isn’t just the freshness of the seafood (which is top-notch—they source it daily, according to our server), but the way it’s cooked. Great ingredients are only half the story; the precision in execution brought out the most vibrant, natural flavors in every dish.

Fun fact: the restaurant is owned by a Chinese local. Normally, I would be hesitant to try a tapas restaurant not run by Spanish locals—but in this case, I was happily proven wrong. If there’s one thing Chinese cuisine does exceptionally well, it’s seafood—and that deep respect for quality and preparation is clear here.

Pricing was also very fair (~60 euros per person) for the amount of seafood and drinks we ordered.

Our must-try favorites:

Razor clams – tender, briny, and perfectly grilled

Clams – clean and full of flavor

Giant red prawn – pricey, but so worth it. The shrimp “mustard” (head fat) is pure gold

Oysters – incredibly fresh and well-shucked

Grilled squid – lightly crisp on the outside, tender inside, with just the right char

Grilled green peppers – simple but addictive, perfect alongside the seafood

This place was a total standout. If you’re in Madrid and love seafood, don’t miss it—you might just find yourself coming back again...

Update: A year later, we revisited this exceptional seafood restaurant, and I am thrilled to confirm that our initial impression was absolutely accurate. The quality, freshness, and exquisite preparation of the garlic shrimp and grilled tiger shrimps were just as outstanding as we remembered. This second visit solidified our belief that this establishment consistently delivers a truly remarkable dining experience. It remains a top recommendation for anyone seeking authentic and delicious seafood in Madrid.

Our visit to this seafood restaurant was the result of careful research, not mere chance. Guided by a wealth of positive reviews, we found what can only be described as an absolute hidden gem in Madrid’s bustling dining scene.

Far from the overhyped eateries that often fall short of expectations, this place truly delivered. The garlic shrimp here was unparalleled—each bite a testament to the freshness and quality that Madrid’s seafood is known for. The grilled tiger shrimps were wonderful, fresh, tender, sweet and perfectly cocked.

This restaurant is not just a dining option; it’s a case study in excellence for seafood establishments. It’s a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic culinary experience in Madrid. We wholeheartedly recommend it and eagerly anticipate our...

We celebrated my birthday here. Service was good and friendly (staff speak English). We've ordered grilled octopus, garlic shrimp, prawns, mussels, fries, and got free olives as a compliment. White wine was very good.

While the oysters didn't match those we had in Tenerife, they were still rated 7/10. The roasted octopus with potato cream, garlic shrimp, and mussels were all exceptional, earning a perfect 10/10.

The food was served quickly. Fair prices for delicious food. Definitely worth a visit and highly recommended! Thanks Mercado de las Gaviotas for this memorable experience and...