Food court experiences are usually to be avoided at all costs – mass market, fast, low quality – with two notable exceptions being Chelsea Markets in NYC and Time Out in Lisbon.

Earlier this week we were in Madrid, and right opposite our hotel was a luxury ‘boutique’ mall next to the Four Seasons and starring Hermès, Chanel, Dior, Saint Laurent, Cartier etc.  Downstairs in the most beautiful environment was an elegant, beautiful, high-quality ‘luxury food court’.  Great Spanish wines, ice cold boutique Spanish beers, a dedicated Aperol / Campari “Spritzeria”, “the best anchovies in the universe” from Santoña near Santander, amazing sardines in olive oil, hams and sausages from Galicia.  Open every night until midnight.

Viva Galeria Canalejas!