Summary: We thoroughly compare two online seafood 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.
Contents
- Two different business models
- History of online seafood in Barcelona
- Bacalalo: where specialization is evident
- Product catalog and 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 looking 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 understanding 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 is a traditional cod shop that has transitioned to e-commerce while maintaining its essence: absolute specialization in cod and premium seafood products. Salted cod, desalted cod, smoked cod, cod cheeks, tripe, snout, Cantabrian anchovies, caviar, and gourmet preserves. Few products, but with a depth of catalog difficult to match in all of Spain. This hyper-specialization allows them to select the best pieces from Iceland and Norway with a criterion only acquired after more than three decades in the trade.
Peixacasa is an online fishmonger in Barcelona with a different approach: a wide catalog of fresh fish and seafood. Its 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 largely depends on the type of product you are looking for.
History of online seafood in Barcelona
Barcelona has a historical relationship with fish that few European cities can match. From the municipal markets of the 19th century to the Boqueria and 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 accelerated significantly during the 2020 pandemic. What was once a minor niche became a necessity almost overnight. 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 is interesting about the current market is that it has matured. Buyers are no longer just looking for "fish delivered to their home": they are looking 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 full sense. Each model has its audience, and Barcelona is large enough for both to coexist and prosper.
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 is why cod shops have existed as separate businesses from fishmongers for centuries, and that separation still makes sense in the online world.
Bacalalo: where specialization is evident
If you are looking for cod, the difference between a specialist and a generalist is noticeable in details that do not appear in a standard product sheet:
- Variety of cuts: Bacalalo offers loins, flakes, shredded, cheeks, tripe, snout, skins, and kokotxas. In a generalist fishmonger, you will find loins and little else. For recipes like bacalao al pil pil, you need skins and snout to achieve the perfect emulsion, and you will only find that from a specialist.
- Verified origin: All Bacalalo cod comes from Iceland and Norway, the two best fishing areas for Gadus morhua. The origin is specified per product, something that rarely happens in generalist stores where the provenance may vary depending on the available batch.
- 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 have 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 reflected in personalized advice, an educational blog with more than 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 product in poor condition.
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.
Related Bacalalo products
Recommended Products
Natural Cod Liver Foie Gras - 120g | Smoked C...
3,90 €
CHATKA Wild King Crab 60% Legs 40% Shredded | ...
95,00 €
Smoked Cod Carpaccio Artisanal Cut | Pack 1 Tra...
15,90 €
Dried Cod Cheeks (1 tray) - 500g
19,95 €
Refrigerated shipping 24-48h to the entire Peninsula
Product catalog and variety
This is where the differences become most evident. Each store has strengths that do not overlap too much, which reinforces the idea that they are complementary options rather than direct competitors.
What you will find at Bacalalo and not at Peixacasa
- Cod cheeks (fresh and salted), ideal for preparing in green sauce
- Cod tripe for traditional spoon 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 of the best curers
- Artisanal gourmet preserves: pickled mussels, natural cockles, razor clams, smoked sardines
- Artisanal smoked cod, slowly cured with noble woods
- Shredded cod ready for quick and easy recipes
What you will find at Peixacasa and not at Bacalalo
- Fresh fish of the day (sea bass, gilthead bream, hake, monkfish, sole)
- Fresh seasonal seafood (Norway lobster, red prawns, spider crabs, goose barnacles)
- Ready-made preparations (skewers, fish burgers, oven-ready trays)
- Rotating catalog according to 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.
Star products from Bacalalo
Extra premium loins from Iceland: They are the jewel in the crown. Thick pieces 3-4 cm thick, cured for the exact time to achieve a firm but tender texture when cooked. Ideal for presentation dishes like bacalao al pil pil or brandade. The difference with 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 the master curers of 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 complete traceability, from certified farmed sturgeon. It includes varieties such as Osetra (golden roe, nutty flavor) and Beluga (the largest and creamiest roe). It's not a product you would associate with a traditional cod shop, but it fits perfectly into their gourmet positioning.
Premium desalted cod: The product that saves the most time for the customer. Professionally desalted cod, ready to cook in less than 30 minutes. The salt point is always exact, something almost impossible to achieve at home if you lack experience.
Star products from Peixacasa
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 depending on the season and the market, which adds an element of surprise.
Fresh seasonal seafood: Norway lobster, red prawns, king prawns, spider crabs. Products that require an impeccable cold chain and that Peixacasa manages well within its usual delivery radius of Barcelona and 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 | Fresh fish and seafood in general |
| 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, skins, shredded, kokotxas) | Loins and fillets mainly |
| Desalted cod | Yes, professionally desalted and 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 |
| Variety of fresh fish | No (cod specialist) | Yes, extensive catalog of rotating fresh fish |
| Fresh seafood | Not their focus | Yes, seasonally (langoustines, prawns, crabs) |
| Ready-made preparations | Desalted cod ready to cook | Skewers, oven-ready trays, burgers |
| Physical store | Mercat del Ninot, Barcelona | Mainly online |
| National shipping | Yes, peninsula 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 over the Iberian Peninsula | Barcelona and surrounding areas (limited radius) |
| Delivery time | 24-48 hours (peninsula) | Same day or next day (local area) |
| Packaging | Insulated, optimized for cured product | Insulated with cold gel for cold chain |
| Risk of deterioration | Low (cured product and preserves) | Medium-high (fresh fish, depends on the cold chain) |
| Minimum order | No minimum order | Variable by area |
| Omnichannel channel | Yes (online + Mercat del Ninot store) | Mainly online |
| Customer service | Phone, email, WhatsApp + specialized advice | Email and web form |
| Service 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 complete tax data | Available upon request |
Prices and value for money
It is 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 Iberian acorn-fed ham with a cellar ham.
Bacalalo works with premium product margins. Their extra premium loins from Iceland are in the high range of the market, but the quality of the product (thickness, curing, verified origin) justifies the difference for those looking for 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 wrong at home. If you want to try desalting on your own, check out our recipes with desalted cod to get the most out of it.
Peixacasa competes on market price for fresh fish. Their direct purchase model at the fish market can offer competitive prices on daily fish, where quick rotation and volume work in their favor. For weekly fresh fish purchases, their prices are usually reasonable and comparable to those of a municipal market.
A factor that many buyers forget is the hidden cost of waste. When you buy salted cod from a specialist, the percentage of shrinkage (parts you discard) is significantly lower because the pieces are better selected and cut. In a general fishmonger, the quality of the cut can be more irregular, which means that the real price per usable kilo can be higher than what appears on the label.
In short: 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 a variety of fresh fish for everyday use, a general fishmonger may be more competitive in those categories.
Shopping and shipping experience
Bacalalo offers shipping throughout the peninsula in 24-48 hours with insulated packaging. By working with salted, dried and preserved products, logistics are simpler and the risk of deterioration during transport is significantly lower. Salted cod does not need as strict a cold chain as fresh fish, which translates into fewer incidents and a product that arrives in the same conditions as it left the warehouse.
Peixacasa works with fresh fish, which limits the shipping area more and requires an impeccable cold chain from the fish 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 conditions. 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. In addition, its blog with more than 150 articles functions as a practical encyclopedia of cod, with recipes, techniques and guides that help both beginner buyers and experienced cooks.
Another differentiating point: Bacalalo has a physical store in the Mercat del Ninot where you can go to see, touch and choose the product in person. This omnichannel option (online + market) provides confidence, especially for the 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 that many feel when buying food online for the first time.
Warranty, returns and customer service
The warranty and returns 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 conditions.
Bacalalo offers a satisfaction guarantee on all its shipments. If the product arrives in poor condition or does not meet the specifications indicated in the product sheet, a full refund or reshipment is offered free of charge. The reality is that incidents are infrequent thanks to the nature of the product: salted cod, preserves and anchovies are stable foods that travel well. In addition, 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 working 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.
As for specialized advice, the difference is notable. At Bacalalo you can consult which cut you need for a specific recipe, how much desalted cod to order per person, which anchovy pairs best with a particular appetizer or how to preserve the product once opened. This level of advice is only possible when the team has been working with the same products for decades. In a general fishmonger, advice is usually more superficial due to the breadth of the catalog.
For corporate or hospitality purchases, Bacalalo issues invoices with complete tax data 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 cod already desalted and 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 recommends the exact cut for your recipe
- You live outside Barcelona and need reliable shipping throughout Spain with a guarantee that the product will arrive in perfect condition
- You prepare specific recipes such as 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 the weekly shopping of the whole family
- You need seasonal fresh seafood with fast delivery
- You live in Barcelona or its surroundings and want same-day or next-day delivery
- You prefer to receive boxes of assorted fish with the day's selection
- You do not have a specific need for premium cod and are looking for fresh white or blue fish
Many Bacalalo customers also buy from general fishmongers, and vice versa. They are not exclusive options: for everyday life, you buy fresh from your usual fishmonger, for special recipes and occasions that deserve an exceptional product, you buy from the specialist. This is a combination that makes a lot of sense and is in fact what many good cooks, both domestic and professional, do.
🛒 Products mentioned in this article
⭐ 4.9/5 · 24-48h cold shipping · Since 1990 at Mercat del Ninot
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Peixacasa sell salted cod?
Peixacasa focuses on fresh fish and seafood, so salted cod is not their specialty or part of their main catalog. They may have fresh or frozen cod occasionally, depending on availability at the fish market. For salted, desalted cod or its different specialized cuts (cheeks, tripe, snout, skins), a specialist like Bacalalo offers much more variety, guaranteed origin from Iceland-Norway, and over 35 years of experience exclusively selecting this product.
Which of the two ships nationwide?
Bacalalo ships throughout the Iberian Peninsula within 24-48 hours with insulated packaging. By working with cured, salted, and preserved products, shipping is safer and the product arrives in perfect condition even in the most remote areas of 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 product quality (verified origin from Iceland or Norway, thickness of the piece, optimal curing time) is also notably superior. In addition, waste is less in well-selected pieces, which means 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 from a general store where cod is a marginal product within their catalog.
Can I buy desalted cod at Peixacasa?
Professionally desalted cod is a specialty of codfish shops 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 general fishmongers, as it requires specific infrastructure and knowledge. If you want cod ready to cook without going through 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. They do not sell generic fresh fish like sea bass, sea bream, or hake. Their strength lies precisely in the depth of their catalog within their specialized categories, offering 8 or more different cuts of cod, multiple varieties of anchovies, and a curated selection of artisanal preserves. This specialization is what allows them to guarantee a quality that a general catalog cannot match in those specific categories.
Which has better customer service?
Bacalalo offers specialized advice that goes far beyond taking an order: what cut to use for each recipe, how much cod you need per person, how to desalt properly at home, cooking times and temperatures, and recommended pairings. 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 general fishmonger, advice tends to be more generic due to the breadth of the catalog.
Can products be returned to both stores?
Both stores have return policies for products that arrive in poor condition or that do not match the product description. Bacalalo offers a full refund or re-shipment at no additional cost. Since it deals with cured and preserved products, 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 incidents with photos upon receipt to expedite 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 Cantabrian anchovies 00, artisan preserves, and smoked cod. These are products with high perceived value, careful presentation, and a long shelf life, making them ideal for sending as gifts without worrying about the cold chain. Peixacasa, dealing with fresh produce, is less suitable for long-distance gifts where the recipient will not be available at a specific delivery time.
Does either of them have a physical store I can visit?
Bacalalo has its physical store in the Mercat del Ninot in Barcelona, an emblematic municipal market located in the Eixample. You can go in person, see the products, receive face-to-face advice, and take your purchase with you immediately. This physical presence since 1990 provides an additional guarantee of seriousness and trustworthiness 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, that's what many good chefs in Barcelona do. The ideal combination is to use a generalist fishmonger like Peixacasa for the weekly purchase of varied fresh fish (sea bass, gilt-head bream, hake for everyday use) 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 a specialist.
Related guides
- Where to buy quality cod in Barcelona
- Ranking of online cod stores in Spain 2026
- How to desalt cod quickly and well at home
- Bacalao al pil pil: Basque recipe step by step
- 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.
