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Madrid › La Pasteria 55. Restaurante italiano de Mercado.
La Pasteria 55. Restaurante italiano de Mercado.B+Worth Trying
Market Guillermo de Osma, C. de Alonso Carbonell, 3, Arganzuela, 28045 Madrid, Spain
· Italian restaurant
· 4.8/5 Google (640 reviews)
Reservations
Handmade Italian pasta inside a traditional market with standout carbonara and porchetta; excellent quality but small portions, occasional long waits, and market odors can affect comfort.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
La Pasteria 55 delivers excellent handmade pasta with standout carbonara and clean, ingredient-driven flavors, supported by knowledgeable Italian ownership and fair pricing for artisanal quality. However, recurring issues with sauce seasoning and portion sizes, combined with unpredictable service and long waits, prevent grade A-level reliability. The market setting offers authentic charm but environmental concerns from adjacent stalls and tight seating limit overall comfort—a solid neighborhood gem rather than a destination restaurant.
Restaurant Summary
Tucked inside Mercado Guillermo de Osma, La Pasteria 55 hums with market bustle and the sight of pasta being rolled and tossed right in front of you. Diners describe the experience as "like stumbling on a little Roman corner," though some note occasional strong cleaning smells from neighboring stalls and limited seating that can mean a wait. Service ranges from warm and personal to brisk when the tiny team is in the weeds. The cooking leans classic Italian with handmade pasta and focused sauces: carbonara with guanciale, ragù, nduja rigatoni, and seasonal pesto, plus porchetta and baked scamorza. Flavors are clean and ingredient-driven rather than flashy, ideal for those who value al dente texture and straightforward recipes. Some diners wish for bolder seasoning, and staggered pacing can stretch meals during busy periods. For families, the familiar pastas and simple desserts (tiramisù, gelato) are kid-friendly, but plan around waits and modest portion sizes. From the menu, spaghetti carbonara (€12.50) and tagliatelle al ragù (€12) are easy wins; panini run €10 and are smaller than expected. If sensitivity to strong smells is an issue, request seating farther from the fish counters when possible.
At a Glance
- Fresh handmade pasta with standout carbonara
- Fair pricing for quality, especially given artisanal prep
- Small portions, particularly panini
- Long waits and staggered courses at peak
- Market odors (fish/bleach) can impact comfort
What Sets It Apart
- market_stall_theatre
- handmade_pasta_daily
- roman_specialties
What People Love
- Al dente pasta with Roman-style sauces
- Warm, owner-led hospitality
- Market-stall theater by the open kitchen
- Porchetta and baked scamorza starters
Points of Concern
- Portions often feel small for price; panini in particular draw size complaints
- Pacing can be slow (45–60 minutes at peak) with courses arriving separately
- Market odors from nearby fish/cleaning occasionally disrupt the meal
- Service tone varies; some guests felt brusque or were turned away despite open tables
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost€22-30 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair a shared starter (Scamorza or Porchetta) with a pasta to offset smaller portions
- Choose carbonara or ragù for reliable flavor and value
- Add tiramisù (€5.50) to round out a modest main
Perfect For
- Casual pasta craving near Madrid Río
- Watching the chef cook from counter stools
- Quick market lunch off the tourist trail
- Small-date night with simple, focused dishes
Location Insights
Area: Traditional indoor market setting in Arganzuela; casual, local vibe with practical, no-frills seating.
Safety: Generally safe, busy daytime market footfall; cleaning chemicals and fish counter smells occasionally noted.
Nearby: Inside Mercado Guillermo de Osma alongside fishmongers and butchers; near Madrid Río and residential blocks.
ArganzuelaArganzuela offers a relaxed, community-oriented atmosphere with a growing number of casual and market-style dining venues. The area is popular for its accessibility and proximity to central Madrid, appealing to locals and visitors seeking authentic and affordable dining experiences.
Mercado de San FernandoMercado de San Fernando is a vibrant market space known for its eclectic food stalls and artisanal products, fostering a lively social dining environment that blends traditional market culture with contemporary gastronomy.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday13:30–17:00
Wednesday13:30–17:00
Thursday13:30–17:00
Friday13:30–17:00, 20:00–00:00
Saturday13:30–17:00, 20:00–00:00
Sunday13:30–17:00
Available: Reservations
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