Summary
Cantabrian anchovies have become one of the most sought-after products by Madrileños with a taste for good seafood. In this guide: What makes a good Cantabrian anchovy, municipal markets in Madrid where to find anchovies, specialized gourmet and delicatessen shops.
Anchovies in Madrid: Where to Buy the Best
Cantabrian anchovies have become one of the most sought-after products by Madrileños with a taste for good seafood. And it makes sense: Madrid has been one of the cities with the highest consumption of canned fish in Spain for decades, with a network of gourmet shops, municipal markets, and neighborhood delis that know well what sells. If you want to buy anchovies in Madrid with quality assurance, you have several options, from traditional markets to specialized shops and online purchases. At Bacalalo, we have been working with seafood products since 1990 in the Mercat del Ninot in Barcelona, and we ship throughout the Peninsula with refrigerated transport in 24-48 hours, so you don't have to settle for what you find near home.
This article explains where to find real Cantabrian anchovies in Madrid, which brands are worth knowing, how to distinguish a premium anchovy from a regular one, and what a reasonable price to expect for each category is.
What Makes a Good Cantabrian Anchovy
Before talking about where to buy anchovies in Madrid, it's important to understand what distinguishes a quality anchovy from those sold in any supermarket. The process matters a lot: Cantabrian anchovies are caught between April and June, when the anchovy is at its optimal fat content. They then undergo a salting process that lasts between 6 and 18 months, during which the proteins and amino acids that give them their intense and complex flavor develop.
The criteria for evaluating an anchovy are clear:
- Fillet size: the larger, the higher the quality. "00" are the largest and most prized.
- Color: should be a uniform golden brown, without whitish or grayish areas.
- Texture: firm but not hard, separating cleanly from the bone.
- Oil: the type of oil greatly influences the final result. Extra virgin olive oil is the premium option.
- Curing time: more months of salting means more complexity of flavor.
The best anchovies in terms of flavor usually come from Santoña (Cantabria), Laredo, and the eastern Cantabrian coast. Brands like Codesa, Conservas Ortiz, La Catedral de Navarra, or Bacalalo Gourmet have a presence in Madrid and can be found in some specialized shops in the city center.
Municipal Markets in Madrid Where to Find Anchovies
Madrid has a network of municipal markets that remains the best place to find seafood products with personal service. Not all of them have the same offer, but in some neighborhoods, the presence of specialized shops within the market itself is very interesting.
The Mercado de San Miguel, near Plaza Mayor, is the most touristy but also the most accessible place to find premium canned goods in a central location. Several stalls offer anchovies and other Cantabrian products in tasting formats.
The Mercado de la Paz in Serrano is one of the best-stocked markets in the Salamanca district. With high-income clientele, the fishmongers and delis in the market usually have anchovies from renowned brands, though at a price consistent with the area.
The Mercado de Vallehermoso, in the Chamberí neighborhood, is a revitalized classic with stalls selling canned goods and products from the north. The Mercado de Maravillas in Cuatro Caminos and the Mercado de Antón Martín in Lavapiés also have stalls with canned goods, although the selection varies depending on the vendor.
For those looking for anchovies in Madrid outside the center, district markets such as Usera, Valdezarza, or the Mercado de Santa María de la Cabeza can offer surprises, with specialized grocery stores that work with suppliers from the north.
Specialized Gourmet and Delicatessen Shops
If you're looking for the best anchovies in Madrid with a curated selection and expert advice, gourmet shops are the best option. Madrid has a solid offering of this type of establishment, concentrated especially in the Salamanca, Chamberí, and historic center neighborhoods.
Laredo by González in La Latina is a reference for Cantabrian preserves. Poncelet Cheese Bar in Argüelles has a section of preserves that includes high-quality anchovies. El Corte Inglés Gourmet Experience at Serrano 52, with a floor dedicated to premium products, is perhaps the most accessible point of sale for quality anchovies in central Madrid.
Traditional grocery stores, such as those that persist in neighborhoods like Lavapiés, Malasaña, or La Latina, sometimes hide true gems: little-known brands from Cantabria or the Basque Country that are not seen in large supermarkets.
In Malasaña, the neighborhood with the highest density of independent food shops per square meter, it is possible to find artisanal anchovies from small producers who work with limited runs.
Bacalalo Products
Cantabrian Anchovies in Olive Oil - 50g...
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Cantabrian Deluxe Assortment
67,00 €
Artisanal Cantabrian Anchovy Gilda Handmade...
9,90 €
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16,95 €
Refrigerated delivery 24-48h throughout the Peninsula
Anchovy Prices in Madrid: What to Expect by Category
The price of anchovies in Madrid varies greatly depending on the purchase channel and product quality. These are the usual ranges you can find:
- Supermarket (Carrefour, Mercadona, regular El Corte Inglés): between €2.50 and €5 per 50g tin. Industrial brands, minimal curing, sunflower oil in most cases.
- Gourmet or delicatessen shop: between €5 and €15 per 50g tin, depending on the brand and format. Here you'll find premium Cantabrian brands.
- Jar or large tin formats: between €15 and €60 for sizes of 100-500g. Very common in hospitality but also for home consumption when looking for value for money.
- Gourmet packs: from €40 to €100 or more for anchovy assortments with other Cantabrian products. A highly valued option for gifting.
A price below €4 for a 50g tin of "Cantabrian anchovies" should raise suspicions about the actual origin or curing process. Real Cantabrian anchovies have a production cost that does not allow for very low prices.
Buying Anchovies Online with Delivery to Madrid
The most convenient alternative, and often the one that offers the greatest variety, is online shopping. At Bacalalo, we work with selected Cantabrian anchovies, from Barcelona to anywhere on the Peninsula, with refrigerated delivery in 24-48 hours, ensuring that the product arrives in perfect condition.
Buying anchovies in Madrid online has several clear advantages over physical markets:
- Access to products not distributed in Madrid (artisanal brands from Santoña or Laredo with limited runs).
- Detailed information on the production process, curing time, and origin of the fish.
- Ability to compare brands and prices without having to travel.
- Packs and assortments difficult to find in physical stores.
- Refrigerated shipping that preserves the cold chain from the warehouse to your door.
The only point that requires planning is the delivery time: although 24-48 hours is the standard, it is advisable to order with some margin if the product is needed for a specific date.
The Best Anchovy Brands Available in Madrid
If you're looking for specific brands with a presence in Madrid or available online, these are the ones with the best reputation among fans:
- Conservas Ortiz: the most widely distributed brand nationally, with good value for money and a presence in El Corte Inglés and gourmet shops.
- Codesa: Santoña anchovies with artisanal processes, highly valued by professional chefs.
- La Catedral de Navarra: despite the name, their anchovies are from the Cantabrian Sea and are highly recognized in the gourmet market.
- Bacalalo Gourmet: premium brand with large fillets in extra virgin olive oil, available at Bacalalo.
- Olasagasti: Basque brand with good anchovies and also bonito belly, with online distribution.
- Ángel León (El Puerto de Santa María): Michelin-starred chef with a line of preserves that includes high-end anchovies.
Bacalalo Products
Cantabrian Anchovies in Olive Oil - 50g...
3,95 €
Cantabrian Deluxe Assortment
67,00 €
Artisanal Cantabrian Anchovy Gilda Handmade...
9,90 €
Northern White Tuna Belly in Olive Oil...
16,95 €
Refrigerated delivery 24-48h throughout the Peninsula
How to Store and Serve Anchovies at Home
Once you have your anchovies in Madrid at home, how you treat them greatly influences the final result. If they are in an unopened tin or jar, they keep perfectly at room temperature in a cool, dry place for months or even years without losing quality.
Once opened, they should be transferred to a glass container with a lid and covered well with olive oil. They will keep well for a week in the refrigerator, although ideally, they should be consumed within the first few days after opening.
To serve them, take them out of the refrigerator at least 20-30 minutes beforehand: cold temperatures dull the aromas, and the texture is better perceived at room temperature. On toast with tomato and good olive oil, with French butter and capers, or simply on their own to appreciate their flavor without interference: anchovies are a product that speaks for itself when they are of high quality.
🛒 Products mentioned in this article
⭐ 4.9/5 · 24-48h cold shipping · Since 1990 in Mercat del Ninot
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy Cantabrian anchovies in Madrid without leaving my neighborhood?
Large supermarkets like El Corte Inglés or Carrefour have commercial brands of Cantabrian anchovies. For premium quality, the most convenient option is to buy online with home delivery in 24-48 hours, from specialized stores like Bacalalo that work exclusively with quality seafood products.
What is a fair price for good anchovies in Madrid?
For real quality Cantabrian anchovies, with adequate maturation and extra virgin olive oil, the reasonable minimum price is €5-6 per 50g can. Below that threshold, the quality of the production process is difficult to sustain. Premium anchovies of large size ("00") can reach €12-15 or more per 50g.
What is the difference between Cantabrian anchovies and Mediterranean anchovies?
Cantabrian anchovies are caught in the Bay of Biscay, where the cold temperature and rich plankton result in fattier fish with greater flavor complexity. Mediterranean anchovies, mainly from Peru or Morocco (which is what "cheap" anchovies usually are), have a simpler flavor and less firm texture. The maturation process is also different: in Cantabria, the minimum is usually 6-8 months, compared to 3-4 months for other origins.
Are anchovies in olive oil better than those in sunflower oil?
Extra virgin olive oil contributes its own aromas and enhances the anchovy's flavor. Sunflower oil is neutral and acts only as a preservative. For a complete gastronomic experience, olive oil makes a notable difference. That said, some people prefer sunflower oil so that the anchovy's flavor doesn't compete with the oil's.
Can I buy anchovies in Madrid with same-day home delivery?
Some local delivery platforms may have supermarket anchovies for quick delivery, but for premium anchovies, the most reliable option is online purchase with refrigerated shipping in 24-48 hours. The cold chain is essential for this type of product.
Are the anchovies sold in Madrid markets fresh?
The anchovies sold preserved in markets (in cans or jars) are cured in salt and oil, not fresh. Fresh anchovies for making "boquerones en vinagre" are a different product. If you're looking for cured Cantabrian anchovies, you're looking for preserved anchovies, and these can be found in markets and gourmet stores in Madrid.
How many anchovies are in a 50g can?
It depends on the size: a standard 50g can usually contains between 8 and 14 fillets. "00" size cans (larger fillets) have fewer fillets but are larger and have a more concentrated flavor. For a generous individual serving, 4-6 fillets are sufficient.
