Summary: Barcelona has a long tradition of cod. From historic cod shops in municipal markets to new online options, there's plenty to choose from. This guide reviews the real options for buying quality cod in Barcelona in 2026.
Barcelona has a long tradition of cod. From historic cod shops in municipal markets to new online options, there's plenty to choose from. This guide reviews the real options for buying quality cod in Barcelona in 2026.
Table of Contents
Municipal Markets: The Classic Option
Barcelona's markets are still the best place to buy fresh, custom-cut cod. Advantages: you see the product, get advice, and it's cut according to your recipe.
Mercat del Ninot
Renovated in 2015, the Mercat del Ninot (Eixample) houses one of Barcelona's oldest cod shops. Bacalalo has been offering cod from Iceland and Norway since 1990, with all cuts: loin, jaw, cheeks, belly, flakes. They also offer online sales with 24-48h delivery.
Mercat de la Boquería
The most tourist-oriented market, but also with traditional stalls. Good selection of dried and desalted cod, although prices tend to be higher than in other markets.
Mercat de Sant Antoni
Recently renovated, with fish stalls that include dried cod. A good option for the Raval neighborhood and surroundings.
Other Markets
Mercats de Santa Caterina, Sarrià, Les Corts, Sants and Galvany also have stalls with cod, although specialization varies.
Supermarkets in Barcelona
Mercadona, Carrefour, Bonpreu/Esclat, and El Corte Inglés (especially the Diagonal gourmet section) offer packaged cod. For everyday use, this is a valid option. For special cuts or personalized advice, the market is still superior.
Online Stores with Delivery in Barcelona
Online cod purchases have grown, especially since 2020. Options:
- Bacalalo.com: online store of the Mercat del Ninot stall. 24-48h delivery to Barcelona and throughout the peninsula. Full catalog of cuts, prepared dishes (brandade, croquettes, fritters), and gourmet products (anchovies, caviar, smoked salmon).
- Delivery platforms: some markets have agreements with home delivery platforms.
- Online gourmet stores: several options with varying degrees of cod specialization.
Related products from Bacalalo
Quick Comparison
| Channel | Price | Variety | Advice | Convenience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Municipal Market | Medium | High | High | Requires Visit |
| Supermarket | Low-Medium | Basic | Low | High |
| Specialized Online Store | Medium-High | High | Medium (chat/phone) | Very High |
🛒 Products mentioned in this article
⭐ 4.9/5 · Chilled delivery 24-48h · Since 1990 at Mercat del Ninot
Conclusions
- Municipal markets: the classic option: Barcelona's markets are still the best place to buy fresh, custom-cut cod.
- Quick comparison: Depends on the neighborhood and what you're looking for.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cod shop in Barcelona?
It depends on the neighborhood and what you are looking for. The cod shops at Mercat del Ninot and La Boquería have the longest tradition. For online purchases, Bacalalo.com combines a physical store and home delivery.
Can I buy dried (unsalted) cod in Barcelona?
Yes, both in markets and specialized online stores. Dried cod keeps much longer and allows you to desalt it at home to the exact point.
Do you deliver cod to my home the same day?
Some markets with platform service allow it. Specialized online stores usually ship within 24-48h with a cold chain.
Note: This comparison is based on public information available as of February 2026. Prices are indicative and may vary. All brands mentioned are property of their respective owners. Bacalalo.com has no commercial relationship with the mentioned companies unless expressly indicated.
What is the best quality cod?
The highest quality cod comes from the North Atlantic, especially from Norway, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands. The most prized species is Gadus morhua, known for its white, firm, and balanced-flavor flesh. Make sure the product clearly specifies its origin and species on the label.
How can I buy good cod?
If you want to buy the best cod, whether whole or in pieces, we should look at these details: It should be ivory white, without dents or broken pieces. The salt should also have a good color. It should give off a pleasant salted fish aroma.
When is fresh cod season?
Although we can find cod all year round in any of its forms (fresh, frozen, salted, smoked, etc.), the best season to consume it fresh is from October to May.
→ See our selection of desalted cod from Iceland
Discover our selection at Bacalalo.com
Mercat del Ninot: the home of cod in Barcelona since 1990
Bacalalo was born in the Mercat del Ninot in 1990 and has been a benchmark for quality cod in Barcelona for over 35 years. We are not an online store that bought a domain — we are a traditional market stall, with generations of customers who come to buy their trusted cod.
The Mercat del Ninot, located on Mallorca street 133 (between Casanova and Villarroel, Eixample Esquerra), was completely renovated in 2015. It is one of the most modern markets in Barcelona, but it maintains its essence: specialized stalls, direct service, and top-quality fresh produce.
At our stall in El Ninot you will find:
- Artisanally desalted Icelandic cod: we control the salt level piece by piece. It is not an industrial process — each loin is desalted for the exact time it needs according to its thickness.
- All cuts: premium loin, chunks, flakes, belly, cheeks... We cut to order according to what you need.
- Real advice: 35 years of selling cod means we can tell you exactly what cut and how much you need for your recipe.
- Other premium seafood products: Cantabrian anchovies, caviar, artisan smoked salmon, gourmet preserves.
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, from 8:00 to 20:30. Best days for fresh cod: Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.
Other Barcelona markets with good cod
Barcelona is a city of markets, and several of them have stalls with quality cod:
- Mercat de la Boqueria (La Rambla): the most famous, with excellent fish stalls. Top-quality produce, but higher prices due to tourist influx. If you're a local, go early (before 10:00) to avoid crowds.
- Mercat de Sant Antoni (Eixample): renovated in 2018, combining tradition and modernity. Good fishmongers with dried and desalted cod at reasonable prices.
- Mercat de Santa Caterina (Born): design market with quality produce. The fishmongers have good cod, and the Born area makes it ideal for combining shopping with a stroll.
- Mercat de Sarrià: neighborhood market with loyal and demanding clientele. Less known but with excellent produce and fair prices.
- Mercat de l'Abaceria (Gràcia): small and authentic. The fish stalls know their customers by name — that level of trust.
- Mercat de Galvany (Sant Gervasi): upper-class neighborhood market, premium produce, and fishmongers with selected goods.
Buy cod online from Barcelona (and all of Catalonia)
If you cannot go to the market or live outside Barcelona, our online store brings the same cod from Mercat del Ninot to your door:
- Barcelona city: 24h delivery. Same product you find at the market stall.
- Metropolitan area and Catalonia: 24h delivery with cold chain.
- Rest of peninsular Spain: 24-48h delivery, isothermal packaging with cooling gel.
All cod is shipped vacuum-packed, desalted, and ready to cook. If you need a special cut or a large quantity (event, company dinner, family meal), contact us via WhatsApp and we will prepare a custom order for you.
Frequently asked questions
Where exactly is the Bacalalo stall in the Mercat del Ninot?
We are at Mercat del Ninot, street Mallorca 133, Barcelona (Eixample Esquerra). When entering through the main door, head towards the fish section. We have been here since 1990 — any neighbor in the area can direct you.
What is the best market in Barcelona to buy cod?
It depends on what you're looking for. For artisanally desalted Icelandic cod with expert advice, Mercat del Ninot (where Bacalalo has been since 1990) is the reference. La Boqueria has excellent product but at a higher price. Sant Antoni and Santa Caterina are good options for location.
Can I order cod from the Ninot stall and have it delivered?
Yes. You can place your order through our online store or contact us via WhatsApp for special orders. We prepare it at the same stall and send it with a cold chain.
Is the cod from the online store the same as the one at the market?
Exactly the same. Artisanally desalted in our facilities at Mercat del Ninot, vacuum-packed, and shipped the same day. We do not have a separate warehouse — everything leaves from the market.
Do you ship cod to the Balearic Islands from Barcelona?
Yes, we ship to the Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza) with refrigerated transport. The delivery time is usually 48-72 hours. For the Canary Islands, please inquire about availability due to special shipping conditions for fresh products.
