Summary: We conduct an in-depth comparison of two online fish market leaders in Barcelona: Bacalalo, a cod specialist since 1990 at Mercat del Ninot, and Peixacasa, a generalist online fishmonger. We analyze 10 key criteria including specialization, catalog, prices, shipping, customer service, guarantees, and exclusive products from each store, with two comparative tables and 10 frequently asked questions with detailed answers.
Table of Contents
- Two Different Business Models
- History of Online Fish in Barcelona
- Bacalalo: Where Specialization Shines
- Catalog and Product Variety
- Exclusive Products from Each Store
- Detailed Comparison
- Logistics and Service Comparison
- Prices and Value for Money
- Shopping and Shipping Experience
- Warranty, Returns, and Customer Service
- When to Choose Each Option
- Frequently Asked Questions
Two Different Business Models
When you look to buy cod online in Barcelona, two names frequently appear: Bacalalo and Peixacasa. Both are legitimate options, but they represent two very different philosophies of online fish trade. Understanding these differences before making your first purchase will save you time and, possibly, some disappointment.
Bacalalo was founded in 1990 in Barcelona's Mercat del Ninot. It's a traditional codmonger that has made the leap to e-commerce while maintaining its essence: absolute specialization in cod and premium seafood products. Salted cod, desalted cod, smoked cod, cod cheeks, cod tripe, cod snout, Cantabrian anchovies, caviar, and gourmet preserves. Few products, but with a depth of catalog hard to match in all of Spain. This hyper-specialization allows them to select the best pieces from Iceland and Norway with a discernment only acquired after more than three decades in the trade.
Peixacasa is a Barcelona-based online fishmonger with a different approach: a wide catalog of fresh fish and seafood. Their proposal is to bring the market fishmonger to your home, with a variety that includes fresh fish of the day, seafood, crustaceans, and ready-to-cook preparations. It is a generalist, and therein lies its strength: you can complete your entire weekly fish purchase in a single order.
The question is not which is absolutely better, but which is better for what you need. And as you will see throughout this comparison, the answer depends heavily on the type of product you are looking for.
History of Online Fish in Barcelona
Barcelona has a historical relationship with fish that few European cities can match. From the 19th-century municipal markets to La Boquería and El Ninot, the sale of fresh fish has been a pillar of local gastronomy. However, the transition to the digital world did not arrive until well into the 2010s, when the first fishmongers began experimenting with online orders and home deliveries.
E-commerce for fish in Barcelona significantly accelerated during the 2020 pandemic. What was once a niche market became almost overnight a necessity. Many traditional fishmongers opened improvised online stores, and some, like Peixacasa, were born directly in that digital context. Others, like Bacalalo, had been selling online for years but saw demand multiply.
What's interesting about the current market is that it has matured. Buyers no longer just look for "fish delivery": they look for quality, traceability, specialization, and a shopping experience as reliable as going to the market in person. It is in this context that the difference between a specialist (like Bacalalo for cod) and a generalist (like Peixacasa for fresh fish) makes complete sense. Each model has its audience, and Barcelona is large enough for both to coexist and thrive.
It is also relevant to understand that salted cod holds a very particular place in Catalan and Spanish gastronomic tradition. Unlike fresh fish, cured cod is a product that requires specific knowledge of selection, curing, and desalting. That's why codmongers have existed as separate businesses from fishmongers for centuries, and that separation still makes sense in the online world.
Bacalalo: Where Specialization Shines
If you're looking for cod, the difference between a specialist and a generalist is noticeable in details that don't appear on a standard product sheet:
- Variety of cuts: Bacalalo offers loins, flakes, shredded, cheeks, tripe, snout, skin, and kokotxas. In a generalist fishmonger, you'll find loins and little else. For recipes like bacalao al pil pil, you need skin and snout to achieve the perfect emulsion, and that's only found at a specialist.
- Verified origin: All of Bacalalo's cod comes from Iceland and Norway, the two best catching areas for Gadus morhua. The origin is specified per product, something that rarely happens in generalist stores where the provenance may vary depending on available stock.
- Professional desalting: Bacalalo offers already desalted cod, a process that takes 24-48 hours at home and which many do incorrectly. Professional desalting guarantees the exact salt point for each cut. If you've never desalted cod or don't want to risk it, our guide to desalting cod at home explains the process step by step.
- Specialized knowledge: More than 30 years selling exclusively cod generates a level of expertise that is reflected in personalized advice, an educational blog with over 150 articles, and the rigorous selection of each piece.
- Superior preservation: Salted cod, when well-selected and cured, has a much longer shelf life than fresh fish. This facilitates logistics and reduces the risk of receiving a spoiled product.
Peixacasa, on the other hand, excels in fresh fish of the day: sea bass, gilthead bream, hake, monkfish, prawns, shrimp, and seasonal seafood. If you are looking for a variety of fresh fish for your weekly shopping, their catalog is clearly broader in that category.
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Catalog and Product Variety
This is where the differences become most evident. Each store has strengths that don't overlap too much, reinforcing the idea that they are complementary options rather than direct competitors.
What you'll find at Bacalalo and not at Peixacasa
- Cod cheeks (fresh and salted), ideal for preparing in green sauce
- Cod tripe for traditional stews
- Cod snout, essential for gelatins and authentic pil pil
- Cod skins (essential for achieving the emulsion of a good pil pil)
- Premium caviar (Beluga, Osetra, Baerii) with designation of origin
- Cantabrian anchovies 00 gourmet selection from the best processors
- Artisan gourmet preserves: pickled mussels, natural cockles, razor clams, smoked sardines
- Artisan smoked cod, slowly cured with noble woods
- Shredded cod ready to make quick and easy recipes
What you'll find at Peixacasa and not at Bacalalo
- Fresh fish of the day (sea bass, gilthead bream, hake, monkfish, sole)
- Seasonal fresh seafood (Norway lobsters, red prawns, crab, goose barnacles)
- Ready-to-eat preparations (skewers, fish burgers, oven-ready trays)
- Rotating catalog based on daily market offerings
- Live crustaceans by order
Exclusive Products from Each Store
Beyond general categories, there are star products in each store worth knowing in detail. These are the products that define the identity of each business and for which their customers return again and again.
Bacalalo's star products
Extra premium loins from Iceland: They are the jewel in the crown. Thick pieces of 3-4 cm thickness, cured for the exact time to achieve a firm yet tender texture when cooked. Ideal for presentation dishes like bacalao al pil pil or brandade. The difference from a standard supermarket loin is comparable to the difference between an Iberian acorn-fed ham and a grain-fed one.
Cantabrian anchovies 00 gourmet selection: Anchovy fillets aged for 12-18 months in salt, hand-selected by master processors in Santoña and Laredo. The size and uniformity of each fillet is what distinguishes the 00 selection from the rest. A product you will hardly find in a generalist fishmonger.
Osetra and Beluga Caviar: Bacalalo offers a selection of premium caviar with full traceability, from certified sturgeon farms. It includes varieties such as Osetra (golden roe, nutty flavor) and Beluga (the largest and creamiest roe). It's not a product you associate with a traditional codmonger, but it fits perfectly into their gourmet positioning.
Premium desalted cod: The product that saves the customer the most time. Professionally desalted cod, ready to cook in less than 30 minutes. The salt level is always exact, something almost impossible to achieve at home without experience.
Peixacasa's star products
Assorted fresh fish boxes: Their most popular format. Boxes with a selection of fresh fish of the day, ideal for families who want variety without having to choose piece by piece. The content varies according to the season and the fish market, which adds an element of surprise.
Seasonal fresh seafood: Norway lobsters, red prawns, shrimp, crabs. Products that require an impeccable cold chain and that Peixacasa manages well within its usual delivery radius in Barcelona and its surroundings.
Oven-ready preparations: Trays with fish already cleaned, cut, and seasoned, designed to be put directly into the oven. A practical solution for those with little time during the week.
Detailed Comparison
The following table summarizes the main differences between both stores in terms of product, origin, and specialization:
| Category | Bacalalo | Peixacasa |
|---|---|---|
| Specialization | Cod, gourmet preserves, caviar, and anchovies | General fresh fish and seafood |
| Years of experience | Since 1990 (35+ years) | Founded more recently |
| Cod origin | Iceland and Norway (verified Gadus morhua) | Variable depending on availability |
| Cod cuts | 8+ cuts (loins, flakes, cheeks, tripe, snout, skin, shredded, kokotxas) | Loins and fillets mainly |
| Desalted cod | Yes, professionally desalted, ready to cook | Not as a specialty |
| Premium caviar and anchovies | Wide gourmet selection with traceability | Not available |
| Artisan preserves | Mussels, cockles, razor clams, smoked sardines, and more | Limited or non-existent selection |
| Assorted fresh fish | No (cod specialist) | Yes, broad rotating fresh catalog |
| Fresh seafood | Not its focus | Yes, seasonal (Norway lobsters, prawns, crabs) |
| Ready-to-cook preparations | Desalted cod ready to cook | Skewers, oven trays, burgers |
| Physical store | Mercat del Ninot, Barcelona | Mainly online |
| National shipping | Yes, peninsular Spain 24-48h | Barcelona and surroundings mainly |
| Educational content | Blog with 150+ articles, guides, and cod recipes | Limited content |
Logistics and Service Comparison
Logistics is one of the most decisive factors when buying perishable food online. This second table focuses exclusively on the shopping and after-sales experience:
| Logistical aspect | Bacalalo | Peixacasa |
|---|---|---|
| Shipping area | All of the Iberian Peninsula | Barcelona and surroundings (limited radius) |
| Delivery time | 24-48 hours (peninsular Spain) | Same day or next day (local area) |
| Packaging | Isothermal, optimized for cured product | Isothermal with cold gel for cold chain |
| Risk of spoilage | Low (cured product and preserves) | Medium-high (fresh fish, depends on cold chain) |
| Minimum order | No minimum order | Variable by zone |
| Omnichannel channel | Yes (online + Mercat del Ninot store) | Mainly online |
| Customer service | Phone, email, WhatsApp + specialized advice | Email and web form |
| Opening hours | Market hours + online | Online business hours |
| Return policy | Refund or reshipment if product arrives in poor condition | Refund if product arrives in poor condition |
| Invoice for companies | Yes, with full tax details | Available upon request |
Prices and Value for Money
It's important to understand that prices reflect different products. Comparing the price per kilo of a premium cod loin from Iceland selected by a specialist with that of a generic fillet makes no sense, just as it makes no sense to compare the price of an acorn-fed Iberian ham with a cellar-cured one.
Bacalalo operates with premium product margins. Its extra premium loins from Iceland are in the high end of the market, but the quality of the product (thickness, curing, verified origin) justifies the difference for those seeking exceptional cod. Desalted cod has an extra cost due to the professional process, but it saves you 24-48 hours of work and the risk of doing it incorrectly at home. If you want to try desalting on your own, check out our desalted cod recipes to make the most of it.
Peixacasa competes on market price for fresh fish. Its direct-from-market purchase model can offer competitive prices on fish of the day, where fast turnover and volume work in its favor. For weekly fresh fish purchases, its prices are usually reasonable and comparable to those of a municipal market.
One factor many buyers forget is the hidden cost of waste. When you buy salted cod from a specialist, the percentage of trim (parts you discard) is significantly less because the pieces are better selected and cut. In a generalist fishmonger, the quality of the cut can be more irregular, meaning the real price per usable kilo can be higher than what appears on the label.
In summary: if you buy cod, the value for money from a specialist is usually superior because they select the product better and reduce waste. If you buy assorted fresh fish for everyday use, a generalist fishmonger may be more competitive in those categories.
Shopping and Shipping Experience
Bacalalo offers shipping to the entire peninsula within 24-48 hours with isothermal packaging. By working with salted, dried, and preserved products, logistics are simpler, and the risk of spoilage during transport is significantly lower. Salted cod does not require as strict a cold chain as fresh fish, which means fewer incidents and a product that arrives in the same condition as when it left the warehouse.
Peixacasa works with fresh fish, which more tightly limits the shipping area and demands an impeccable cold chain from the market to your door. Its strength lies in fast delivery in Barcelona and its surroundings, where they can guarantee that the product arrives in optimal condition. Outside that radius, the logistical risk increases considerably.
The web browsing experience also differs. Bacalalo offers detailed product sheets with information on origin, weight, curing method, and preparation suggestions. Additionally, its blog with over 150 articles functions as a practical encyclopedia of cod, with recipes, techniques, and guides that help both novice buyers and experienced cooks.
Another differentiating point: Bacalalo has a physical store in Mercat del Ninot where you can go to see, touch, and choose the product in person. This omnichannel option (online + market) builds trust, especially for a first purchase. Knowing that behind the website there is a real market stall, with real people who have been selecting cod for 35 years, eliminates the uncertainty many feel when buying food online for the first time.
Warranty, Returns, and Customer Service
The warranty and return policy is an aspect that many buyers overlook until they have a problem. In online food sales, it is especially important to know what happens if the product does not arrive in the expected condition.
Bacalalo offers a satisfaction guarantee on all its shipments. If the product arrives in poor condition or does not meet the specifications indicated on the product sheet, a full refund or free reshipment is offered. The reality is that incidents are rare thanks to the nature of the product: salted cod, preserves, and anchovies are stable foods that travel well. Furthermore, the customer service team is accessible by phone, email, and WhatsApp, with quick responses and personalized treatment that reflects the traditional market culture.
Peixacasa also has a return policy for products that arrive in poor condition. However, when dealing with fresh fish, potential logistical incidents are more frequent. A delay of a few hours in delivery can significantly affect the quality of fresh fish, something that does not happen with a cured product. It is essential that the buyer is available to receive the order at the time of delivery.
Regarding specialized advice, the difference is notable. At Bacalalo, you can ask what cut you need for a specific recipe, how much desalted cod to order per diner, which anchovy pairs best with a particular appetizer, or how to preserve the product once opened. This accumulated knowledge over more than three decades is also reflected in their blog with over 150 educational articles, recipe guides like the step-by-step pil pil, and content that helps both beginners and experienced cooks. In a generalist fishmonger, advice tends to be more generic due to the breadth of the catalog.
For corporate or catering purchases, Bacalalo issues invoices with full tax details and can manage recurring orders with special conditions. This is an important detail for restaurants, caterers, or gourmet stores that need a reliable supplier of premium cod.
When to Choose Each Option
Choose Bacalalo if...
- You are looking for specific quality cod: thick loins, cheeks, tripe, snout, or any special cut
- You want desalted cod ready to cook without complications
- You need premium Cantabrian anchovies, caviar, or gourmet preserves for a special occasion or as a gift
- You value the advice of a specialist with 35 years of experience who can recommend the exact cut for your recipe
- You live outside Barcelona and need reliable shipping to all of Spain with a guarantee that the product will arrive in perfect condition
- You are preparing specific recipes like pil pil, brandade, bacalao a la vizcaína, or esqueixada and need the exact cut
- You are a hospitality professional and need a cod supplier with invoicing and recurring orders
Choose Peixacasa if...
- You are looking for varied fresh fish for your family's weekly shopping
- You need seasonal fresh seafood with quick delivery
- You live in Barcelona or its surroundings and want same-day or next-day delivery
- You prefer to receive assorted fish boxes with the day's selection
- You don't have a specific need for premium cod and are looking more for fresh white or blue fish
Many Bacalalo customers also shop at generalist fishmongers, and vice versa. These are not exclusive options: for everyday needs, you buy fresh from your usual fishmonger; for special recipes and occasions that merit an exceptional product, you buy from the specialist. It's a combination that makes a lot of sense and is, in fact, what many good cooks, both home and professional, do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Peixacasa sell salted cod?
Peixacasa focuses on fresh fish and seafood, so salted cod is not their specialty nor part of their main catalog. They may occasionally have fresh or frozen cod, depending on market availability. For salted cod, desalted cod, or its different specialized cuts (cheeks, tripe, snout, skin), a specialist like Bacalalo offers much more variety, a guarantee of Iceland-Norway origin, and over 35 years of experience exclusively selecting this product.
Which of the two ships to all of Spain?
Bacalalo ships to the entire Iberian Peninsula within 24-48 hours with isothermal packaging. By working with cured, salted, and preserved products, shipping is safer, and the product arrives in perfect condition even in the furthest points from Barcelona. Peixacasa, specializing in fresh fish that requires an uninterrupted cold chain, usually has a more limited delivery radius focused on Barcelona and its metropolitan area. If you live outside Catalonia and need quality cod, Bacalalo is the most reliable option.
Where is cod cheaper?
The price depends on the type of cod, its origin, and its quality. At a specialist like Bacalalo, cod may have a higher price per kilo, but the quality of the product (verified origin from Iceland or Norway, thickness of the piece, optimal curing time) is also remarkably superior. Furthermore, waste is lower in well-selected pieces, meaning you get more out of each kilo. For premium cod with guaranteed origin and professional advice, the value for money from a specialist is usually better than that of a generalist store where cod is a marginal product within its catalog.
Can I buy desalted cod at Peixacasa?
Professional desalted cod is a specialty of codmongers like Bacalalo. The desalting process requires precise control of temperatures, immersion times, and saline concentration that varies according to the thickness and type of piece. It is not a product easily found in generalist fishmongers, as it requires specific infrastructure and knowledge. If you want cod ready to cook without going through the 24-48 hours of home desalting, Bacalalo's desalted cod section is your best option.
Does Bacalalo sell fresh fish?
Bacalalo specializes in cod (salted, desalted, smoked), Cantabrian anchovies, caviar, and gourmet preserves. It does not sell general fresh fish like sea bass, gilthead bream, or hake. Its strength lies precisely in the depth of its catalog within its specialized categories, offering 8 or more different cuts of cod, multiple varieties of anchovies, and a curated selection of artisan preserves. This specialization is what allows it to guarantee a quality that a generalist catalog cannot match in those specific categories.
Which has better customer service?
Bacalalo offers specialized advice that goes far beyond taking an order: which cut to use for each recipe, how much cod you need per diner, how to properly desalinate at home, cooking times and temperatures, and recommended pairings. This knowledge accumulated over more than three decades is also reflected in its blog with over 150 educational articles, recipe guides like the step-by-step pil pil, and content that helps both beginners and experienced cooks. In a generalist fishmonger, advice tends to be more generic due to the breadth of the catalog.
Can products be returned in both stores?
Both stores have return policies for products that arrive in poor condition or do not comply with what is described in the product sheet. Bacalalo offers a full refund or free reshipment. By working with cured products and preserves, it has significantly fewer logistical incidents than fresh fish stores, where the cold chain is much more delicate and any delay can affect the product. In any case, it is advisable to document any incident with photos at the time of reception to speed up resolution.
Which store is better for gourmet gifts?
For gourmet gifts, Bacalalo has a clear advantage thanks to its range of premium products such as Osetra or Beluga caviar, gourmet selection 00 Cantabrian anchovies, artisan preserves, and smoked cod. These are products with high perceived value, careful presentation, and a long shelf life, which makes them ideal for sending as gifts without worrying about the cold chain. Peixacasa, working with fresh produce, is less suitable for remote gifts where the recipient will not be available at a specific delivery time.
Do either of them have a physical store I can visit?
Bacalalo has its physical store in Mercat del Ninot in Barcelona, an emblematic municipal market located in the Eixample district. You can go in person, see the products, receive face-to-face advice, and take your purchase at the moment. This physical presence since 1990 provides an additional guarantee of seriousness and trust that exclusively online stores cannot offer. Peixacasa operates primarily as an online business, which is not necessarily negative but does limit the possibility of seeing and touching the product before buying it.
Can I use both stores complementarily?
Absolutely, and in fact, this is what many good cooks in Barcelona do. The ideal combination is to use a generalist fishmonger like Peixacasa for your weekly varied fresh fish shopping (sea bass, gilthead bream, hake for everyday) and turn to a specialist like Bacalalo when you need quality cod for specific recipes, premium anchovies for a special appetizer, or caviar for a celebration. These are complementary, not exclusive, models, and each adds value in its area of expertise. You can consult our desalted cod recipes for inspiration on when it's worth turning to the specialist.
Related Guides
- Where to buy quality cod in Barcelona
- Ranking of online cod stores in Spain 2026
- How to desalt cod quickly and properly at home
- Bacalao al pil pil: step-by-step Basque recipe
- Recipes with desalted cod: quick and easy ideas
- Guide to buying cod in Barcelona
Discover our selection of premium desalted cod ready to cook and our entire catalog of salted cod from Iceland and Norway at Bacalalo. If you have questions about which cut or product is most suitable for your recipe, contact our team and we will be happy to advise you.
