Summary: Barcelona is home to several long-standing codfish shops, including Bacalalo (Mercat del Ninot, with a national online store) and Bacallà Tarrès. We delve into what each offers, their different commercial approaches, the cuts available for each recipe, and everything you need to know to choose the best option for your situation.
Table of Contents
- Barcelona's Codfish Tradition
- Bacalalo: Market Tradition with National Reach
- Exclusive Bacalalo Products
- Bacallà Tarrès: History and Proximity
- Key Differences
- Comparison Table
- What to Buy at Each, Depending on Your Recipe
- What to Look for in a Good Codfish Shop
- What You Can Find at Each
- Which to Choose, Depending on Your Situation
- Frequently Asked Questions
Barcelona's Codfish Tradition
The figure of the bacallaner (codfish specialist) is a unique part of Barcelona's commercial tradition. In an era where most businesses are becoming less specialized, Barcelona still has entire shops dedicated to salted cod, a product that has nourished the city for centuries.
This tradition dates back to medieval maritime trade, when Barcelona was a key port for importing cod from the northern seas. Cod dishes entered Catalan cuisine to become essential: esqueixada, bunyols, brandada, bacallà a la llauna. Each of these dishes requires a specific cut, salt level, and preparation that only an expert bacallaner can guarantee.
What makes Barcelona unique in this regard is not just the existence of codfish shops, but their density and diversity. While in other Spanish cities, cod is sold as just another item in fishmongers or supermarkets, in Barcelona, there are neighborhoods where you can find two or three codfish shops within a few hundred meters. Each with its own style, selection, and clientele. This commercial ecosystem is what allows businesses like Bacalalo and Tarrès to exist, coexisting for decades and offering complementary visions of the same product.
Today, among the codfish shops keeping this tradition alive are Bacalalo and Bacallà Tarrès. Two different approaches for the same love of cod.
Bacalalo: Market Tradition with National Reach
Bacalalo was founded in 1990 in the Mercat del Ninot, one of Barcelona's most important municipal markets. For over three decades, it has been the Eixample's go-to for quality cod.
What makes Bacalalo special in the landscape of Barcelona's codfish shops is that it has managed to combine market tradition with a powerful online store. This is not a business that abandoned its physical store to focus on the internet: the stall at Mercat del Ninot remains the heart of Bacalalo. But the website has allowed it to bring the same product and quality to kitchens across Spain.
The professional desalting process offered by Bacalalo is one of its major differentiators. Desalting cod at home requires 24 to 48 hours of planning, several water changes, and experience to get the salt level just right. Bacalalo offers professionally desalted cod, ready to cook immediately. For those who cook during the week or lack experience with home desalting, it's a solution that removes the main barrier to entry for salted cod.
Additionally, Bacalalo has created an ecosystem of educational content with over 150 articles on recipes, desalting guides, product comparisons, and cod gastronomic culture. If you want to learn how to prepare bacalao al pil pil or discover quick ideas with desalted cod, you'll find step-by-step guides on their blog.
Exclusive Bacalalo Products
Bacalalo's catalog has evolved far beyond traditional salted cod. By opening an online channel, the store has been able to incorporate premium seafood products that complement its historical offering of cod and that you would rarely find in a conventional codfish shop.
In cod, the range is the most complete you can find on the market:
- Salted cod from Iceland and Norway in more than 8 cuts: extra loins, standard loins, flakes, shredded, thick loin, and thin loin, each designed for specific preparations
- Professionally desalted cod: the most practical option for cooking cod without waiting
- Cod cheeks: the most prized part of Gadus morhua, essential for a memorable pil pil de cocochas
- Cod tripe, snout, and skins: lesser-known cuts but with enormous culinary potential for stews, frying, and broths
Beyond cod, the catalog expands with:
- Cantabrian anchovies: a selection of different qualities and formats, from personal tasting to gourmet gift tins
- Premium caviar: Beluga, Osetra, and high-quality national options
- Artisan gourmet preserves of Galician and Cantabrian fish and seafood
- Smoked salmon, roe, and other selected seafood products
This broad catalog is especially useful for celebrations, gourmet gifts, and for those who want to place a complete order of premium seafood products in a single purchase, with a single shipment.
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Bacallà Tarrès: History and Proximity
Bacallà Tarrès is another one of Barcelona's traditional codfish shops. Its history is tied to the city's traditional trade, where generations of the same family have perpetuated the craft of selecting, cutting, and advising on salted cod.
Tarrès's model is the neighborhood codfish shop at its best:
- Direct and personalized customer service, based on years of relationship
- Careful selection of salted cod from trusted suppliers
- Product knowledge passed down from generation to generation
- The experience of going to the store, seeing the pieces, and having them cut to your liking
It's the kind of business that makes you feel like you're not just buying a product, but connecting with a centuries-old tradition. That experience has a value that isn't easily replicated online. When you enter a shop like Tarrès, the smell of salt, the displayed cod pieces, and the conversation with the bacallaner are all part of a ritual that defines authentic gastronomic Barcelona.
Tarrès has managed to maintain its relevance precisely because there's an audience that values this experience above digital convenience. Not everyone wants to buy online, and some recipes are best made with the verbal advice of someone who has been cutting cod their whole life. That niche is exactly what Tarrès expertly fills.
Key Differences
The fundamental difference between Bacalalo and Tarrès in 2026 is not so much in the quality of the cod—both are reputable codfish shops—but in their business model and shopping experience:
- Sales Channel: Bacalalo has e-commerce with national shipping in 24-48 hours; Tarrès is primarily a physical store. For 90% of Spain outside Barcelona, this difference is crucial.
- Catalog Breadth: Bacalalo has expanded its offerings to anchovies, caviar, gourmet preserves, and smoked salmon. Tarrès remains more focused on cod and related products, which is consistent with its specialized codfish shop model.
- Desalting Service: Bacalalo offers professional desalted cod as a flagship product. Not all codfish shops offer this service, and it's a significant differentiator for those who don't want to or don't know how to desalt at home.
- Educational Content: Bacalalo publishes recipes, guides, and educational articles that you can consult at any time. Tarrès conveys this knowledge verbally in the store, which has its own value but requires physical presence.
- Geographic Coverage: With Bacalalo, you can receive cod in Madrid, Seville, Bilbao, or any point on the peninsula. With Tarrès, you need to go to Barcelona.
Comparison Table
| Aspect | Bacalalo | Bacallà Tarrès |
|---|---|---|
| Years in Barcelona | Since 1990 (Mercat del Ninot) | Several decades of tradition |
| Model | Market + national e-commerce | Local physical store |
| Salted Cod | 8+ cuts, certified Iceland and Norway | Selection of main cuts |
| Desalted Cod | Professional desalting available | Inquire about availability |
| Special Cuts | Cheeks, tripe, snout, skins, shredded | Variable availability |
| Additional Products | Anchovies, caviar, preserves, smoked salmon | Focused on cod and cured fish |
| Online Purchase | Yes, shipping to all Spain 24-48h | Not available |
| Educational Content | Blog with 150+ articles | In-person advice |
| Experience | Omnichannel (store + online + blog) | In-person, close, and personal |
What to Buy at Each, Depending on Your Recipe
The recipe you plan to prepare should be one of the key factors when choosing a codfish shop. Not all cod preparations require the same cut, and each shop has its strengths. This practical table will help you decide where to buy based on what you're cooking.
| Recipe | Required Cut | Bacalalo | Tarrès |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bacalao al pil pil | Thick loins with skin + cheeks | Available (loins + cheeks all year) | Loins available, cheeks seasonal |
| Bacallà a la llauna | Medium loins, with or without skin | Various thicknesses available | Available |
| Esqueixada | Shredded desalted cod | Professional desalted + shredded | Salted cod for home shredding |
| Bunyols de bacallà | Flakes or fine shredded | Flakes and shredded available | Flakes available |
| Brandada | Flakes or loins for shredding | Various flake and desalted options | Flakes or loins |
| Cod Cheeks "Pil Pil" Style | Cod cheeks | Permanently available | Check availability |
| Confit Cod | Thick boneless loins | Extra selected loins | Loins available |
| Cod Croquettes | Shredded or flakes | Ready-to-use shredded | Flakes for shredding |
The conclusion is clear: for traditional Catalan recipes (llauna, bunyols, brandada), both bacallanerías perfectly cover your needs. The difference appears when you need special cuts or professional desalinating. If your recipe includes cod cheeks, tripe, or already desalted cod, Bacalalo has the most reliable and permanent offer.
What to look for in a good bacallanería
Whether you choose Bacalalo, Tarrès, or any other bacallanería in Barcelona, knowing the quality indicators will help you shop with confidence. These are the criteria that distinguish a good cod professional:
- Certified origin: The best bacallanerías work with cod from cold waters --- Iceland, Norway, Faroe Islands --- because these waters produce Gadus morhua with more fat, better texture, and a cleaner flavor. A serious bacallaner knows the origin of each piece and will tell you without hesitation.
- Variety of cuts and formats: A bacallanería that only sells loins is like a butcher shop that only sells sirloin. Cod has many usable parts (cheeks, tripe, snout, skin) and a good professional offers them all, each with its ideal recipe.
- Salt point control: Salting is the soul of cod. Too much salt ruins the texture; too little salt compromises preservation. The right point is a matter of experience and working with suppliers who control the process from the source.
- Advisory capacity: The true value of a bacallanería compared to a supermarket is human knowledge. A good bacallaner will ask you what you are going to cook, for how many people, and if you have experience with desalinating. That conversation is worth more than any label.
- Proper storage: Observe how the cod is stored in the shop. The pieces must be at the correct temperature, well covered with salt, without damp areas or signs of deterioration. The cleanliness of the establishment is a direct indicator of professionalism.
- Options for different experience levels: The best bacallanerías cater to both the expert cook looking for specific loin thickness and the beginner who wants desalted cod ready to use. This versatility demonstrates commitment to the customer.
Both Bacalalo and Tarrès are bacallanerías that meet these fundamental criteria. What differentiates them are practical factors: online presence, catalog breadth, and geographical coverage.
What you can find in each one
At Bacalalo
In addition to salted cod in every imaginable cut, at Bacalalo you will find a complete ecosystem of premium seafood products. From cod cheeks for a memorable pil pil to caviar for a special occasion, as well as selected Cantabrian anchovies that are a perfect gift for any gourmet. All available online with 24-48 hour delivery, and also at the Mercat del Ninot stall for those who prefer in-person shopping.
One of Bacalalo's most useful resources is its blog, where you can learn how to properly desalinate cod, discover quick recipes with desalted cod, or follow step-by-step the preparation of a bacalao al pil pil. This information helps you shop wisely and get the most out of each piece.
At Bacallà Tarrès
At Tarrès, you will find salted cod of proven quality, with the added value of personal advice from someone who has been working with this product their entire life. If you visit their shop, don't hesitate to ask: the bacallaner will know how to recommend the exact cut for your recipe, the ideal thickness depending on whether you want to grill it or bake it, and preparation tricks not found in any book.
The value of Tarrès is not only in what it sells, but in how it sells it. Human interaction, trust accumulated over years, and the pleasure of shopping in a store that smells of salt and tradition are experiences that complement the product itself. If you are lucky enough to live near a bacallanería like Tarrès, take advantage of it.
Which to choose based on your situation
Choose Tarrès if...
- You are in Barcelona and their shop is nearby
- You value face-to-face personal treatment with your trusted bacallaner
- You are looking for salted cod for a specific recipe and want personal advice
- You enjoy traditional commerce and the ritual of going to the shop
- You prefer to see and touch the pieces before deciding which one to take
Choose Bacalalo if...
- You need to buy online from anywhere in Spain
- You want professionally desalted cod ready to cook
- You are looking for premium products beyond cod: anchovies, caviar, preserves
- You need specific cuts like cod cheeks, tripe, or snout
- You want to consult recipes and guides before deciding what to buy
- You need to send a gourmet gift directly to the recipient
Once again: they are not mutually exclusive options. The rich commercial fabric of Barcelona allows for leading bacallanerías in different neighborhoods, each with its own personality. If you live in Barcelona, you can buy from both depending on the occasion. If you live elsewhere, Bacalalo allows you to access cod of the same quality you would find in the city's best bacallanerías.
🛒 Products mentioned in this article
⭐ 4.9/5 · 24-48h refrigerated delivery · Since 1990 at Mercat del Ninot
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bacallà Tarrès sell online?
Tarrès is primarily a physical store with limited digital presence. It does not have an e-commerce platform for home delivery orders. To buy cod with shipping throughout Spain in 24-48 hours, Bacalalo offers a complete online store with detailed product sheets and cold chain logistics.
Which one has better quality cod?
Both bacallanerías work with cod of proven quality. The difference is not in the basic quality of the product, but in the variety of cuts, the availability of professional desalinating, and complementary products. Bacalalo offers more options and greater shopping convenience, while Tarrès stands out for personalized in-store advice.
Is it worth visiting both?
If you are in Barcelona and like cod, visiting several bacallanerías is a gastronomic experience in itself. Each has its own personality, its particular selection, and its way of serving customers. Furthermore, comparing different bacallanerías helps you develop your own criteria for quality and cuts, which will improve your cooking over time.
Can I order cod cheeks from Tarrès?
The availability of cod cheeks and other special cuts varies depending on the bacallanería and the season. Cod cheeks are a highly demanded item and are not always in stock in small shops. At Bacalalo, they are permanently available both in-store and on the website, ensuring you can prepare them whenever you want without depending on current availability.
How many bacallanerías are there in Barcelona?
Barcelona has about a dozen bacallanerías distributed among municipal markets and commercial streets. The best known include Bacalalo (Mercat del Ninot), Masclans (Gracia/Eixample), Rafols (Born), and Tarrès, among others. It is the highest concentration of bacallanerías in Spain, a reflection of the importance of cod in Catalan gastronomic culture.
Do they ship outside Catalonia?
Bacalalo ships throughout the Spanish peninsula with 24-48 hour delivery and guaranteed cold chain. You can receive premium cod from Iceland and Norway in Madrid, Bilbao, Seville, Valencia, or any other part of Spain. Traditional bacallanerías like Tarrès generally do not have shipping services outside their area, so online shopping is the best option if you do not live in Barcelona.
What recipes can I prepare with desalted cod?
Bacalalo's professionally desalted cod is extremely versatile. You can prepare esqueixada, baked cod, confit cod, pan-fried cod, croquettes, or any recipe that would normally require desalting at home for 24-48 hours. Check out the desalted cod recipes on Bacalalo's blog for quick and easy ideas.
Which is cheaper, Bacalalo or Tarrès?
Prices in both bacallanerías are typical of specialized trade. They are higher than supermarket prices, but the quality is incomparably better. Price differences between specialized bacallanerías are marginal. The selection criterion should be based on the variety of cuts, delivery convenience, and additional services like professional desalinating, not on small price differences.
What is the difference between Icelandic and Norwegian cod?
Icelandic cod tends to have a firmer texture, thicker flakes, and a more intense flavor, making it ideal for preparations such as pil pil or confit. Norwegian cod is usually somewhat milder with finer flakes, perfect for grilling or baking. At Bacalalo, you can check the exact origin of each product before buying and choose according to your recipe.
Can I gift premium cod?
Bacalalo offers ideal products for gastronomic gifts: from batches of Cantabrian anchovies to premium caviar, as well as selections of cod and gourmet preserves. Everything is sent with appropriate packaging and cold chain to any address in Spain. It is an original and quality gift option for food lovers. At Tarrès, you can buy in person, but direct shipping as a gift is not available.
Related guides
- Top 10 bacallanerías in Barcelona
- Where to buy quality cod in Barcelona
- How to quickly and properly desalinate cod at home
- Icelandic vs. Norwegian Cod: Real Differences
- Cod "Pil Pil" Style: Step-by-Step Basque Recipe
- Desalted Cod Recipes: Quick and Easy Ideas
- Cod Cheeks "Pil Pil" Style: Recipe and What They Are
Experience the difference of buying from a specialist: discover our salted cod from Iceland and Norway and premium desalted cod with nationwide shipping in Bacalalo.
