Summary: Madrid may not have a port, but it boasts some of the best cod shops in Spain, thanks to its centuries-old culinary tradition and impressive network of food markets. This guide will show you the best places to buy quality cod in Madrid: specialty shops, markets, real prices per cut, what to order and what to avoid, and the online option with refrigerated delivery in 24-48 hours.
Content
- Madrid and cod: a love story without a port
- Specialized cod shops in Madrid
- The best food markets to buy cod
- Comparative table of markets in Madrid
- Supermarkets: the quick option
- Cod cuts and prices in Madrid
- Price list per cut
- Buy cod online with delivery to Madrid
- What to ask for and what to avoid when buying cod
- When to buy: season and demand
- How to preserve cod at home
- Frequently Asked Questions
Madrid and cod: a love story without a port
Madrid is 300 km from the nearest sea, yet it's one of the Spanish cities where cod is most consumed. The explanation is historical: for centuries, salted cod was the fish that traveled best from the northern ports to the interior of the Iberian Peninsula. Madrid's culinary tradition embraced cod as an essential ingredient in Lenten stews, croquettes, fried cod fritters, and dozens of other recipes that are still popular today.
This tradition means that Madrid offers access to high-quality cod: specialized cod shops, food markets, and online retailers all provide premium products that rival those found in coastal cities. The key is knowing where to buy.
Specialized cod shops in Madrid
Cod shops are stores specializing exclusively in cod and salted fish. There are few left in Madrid, but those that survive are excellent and worth a visit.
- Casa Riera Ordeix (Calle Baja, 12 — La Latina): one of Madrid's oldest cod shops. They've been selling Icelandic and Norwegian cod in all cuts for decades. They desalinate to order with perfect results. Their advice is exceptional: they recommend the exact cut for the recipe you want to make.
- Bacallanería López (Mercado de la Cebada, stall 42): specialists in salted cod sold by weight, with various qualities and cuts. Competitive prices and a fast-moving product. Fridays and Saturdays are when they have the widest variety of cuts.
- Salazones Medina (Vallehermoso Market): In addition to salted cod, they offer mojama (cured tuna), cod roe, and other salted fish from northern Spain. The products are well-preserved and the prices are reasonable for the quality they offer.
- La Casa del Bacalao (Calle de Toledo, La Latina neighborhood): a historic shop with large pieces of cod that they cut to order. Special cuts like kokotxas or cocochas can be ordered in advance when available.
Fishmongers have a huge advantage over supermarkets: expert advice . A professional fishmonger will tell you which cut to use for pil pil sauce , which for croquettes, and which for a gratin . That's worth more than any price difference.
Cod Products — Premium Cod
€17.90
Traditional Shredded Cod 500g€13.90
Salt Cod Brandade 250g
€9.95
Refrigerated delivery within 24-48 hours to the entire Peninsula
The best food markets to buy cod
Madrid's food markets are one of the best options for buying fresh, salted, and desalted cod. Each market has its own character and strengths:
- Mercado de Maravillas (Bravo Murillo, 122 — Tetuán): Madrid's largest food market and one of the largest in Europe. Several fishmongers offer salted cod in pieces and fresh Skrei cod when in season. Prices are reasonable due to the volume of purchases. It's the go-to market for weekly shopping.
- La Paz Market (Calle Ayala, 28 — Salamanca): high-end, exceptional products. The fishmongers at La Paz offer top-quality cod, including kokotxas (cod cheeks) when in season. Prices are higher, but the quality justifies it. Ideal if you're looking for the best, regardless of price.
- Chamartín Market (Calle Bolivia): Several fishmongers selling desalted cod ready to cook. A good option for the northern area of Madrid. Neighborhood atmosphere, honest prices.
- San Miguel Market (Plaza de San Miguel — City Center): geared more towards tourism and gourmet experiences. High-quality cod, but at premium prices. Good for occasional purchases of specialty items, not for regular shopping.
- Antón Martín Market (Calle Santa Isabel — Lavapiés): fishmongers with a good turnover of products. Moderate prices and a multicultural atmosphere. Some stalls have artisanal salted cod from Basque suppliers.
- Cebada Market (Plaza de la Cebada — La Latina): a historic market with the aforementioned López fishmonger. It also features several fishmongers offering good cod at competitive prices.
Comparative table of markets in Madrid
| Market | Area | Price level | Specialty | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wonders | Tetouan | €€ | Volume, variety of cuts | Weekly family shopping |
| La Paz | Salamanca | €€€ | Premium quality, kokotxas | Special occasions |
| Chamartín | Chamartín | €€ | Ready to desalt cod | Quick purchase, northern area |
| San Miguel | Center | €€€€ | Gourmet experience | Tourists, gourmet gifts |
| Anton Martin | Footbath | €€ | Variety, Basque suppliers | Neighborhood shopping |
| Barley | La Latina | €€ | Specialized cod shop | Expert advice |
Supermarkets: the quick option
If you need cod without going to a market, supermarkets with a good fish counter can do the trick. Don't expect the same quality as a dedicated fishmonger, but they'll do for an occasional purchase.
- El Corte Inglés Gourmet : the fish counters in the larger stores (Callao, Castellana, Goya) offer high-quality salted cod. Prices are high, but the product is reliable.
- Mercadona : desalted and salted cod at a reasonable price. Packaged desalted cod is convenient but doesn't have the same texture as cod that's been salted by hand. Always ask for cod from Iceland or Norway.
- Hipercor / Supercor : Fish section with whole salted cod. Medium-high quality.
Tip : Avoid pre-salted cod from supermarket trays if you can. It's often rehydrated frozen cod, not true salted and desalted cod. The difference in taste and texture is enormous.
Cod cuts and prices in Madrid
Not all cuts of cod are created equal. Knowing what to ask for saves you money and improves the results of your recipes.
- Loins : the thickest and finest part of the cod, boneless. Ideal for pil pil , grilling, baking, or confit. The premium cut.
- Slices/centers : cross-sections with the central bone. More economical than loins. Perfect for stews, soups, cod with chickpeas, and casseroles.
- Crumbs/shredded meat : shredded pork loin trimmings. The most economical cut. Ideal for croquettes , fritters, tortillas, and salads.
- Kokotxas/cocochas : the lower jaw of the cod, extremely gelatinous. A scarce and expensive product. Only available seasonally and in select establishments.
- Whole cod : uncut salted cod. You ask for it at the fishmongers and they'll cut it for you as needed. It's the most economical way to buy it.
Price list per haircut in Madrid (2026)
| Court | Average price (€/kg) | Best use | Servings per kg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premium loins | €30–45 | Pil pil, griddle, confit | 4–5 servings |
| Standard loins | €22–30 | Oven, gratin, stews | 4–5 servings |
| Slices/centers | €18–25 | Stews, casseroles, soups | 4–5 servings |
| Crumbs | 12–18 € | Croquettes, fritters, salads | Variable |
| Kokotxas | €60–90 | Pil pil, green sauce | 3–4 servings |
| Whole piece | €15–22 | Cut to size at home | Variable |
Indicative prices in Madrid markets (March 2026). During Easter and Christmas, prices may rise by 10-20% due to demand.
Buy cod online with delivery to Madrid
The most convenient option: quality cod delivered directly to your door, with a guaranteed cold chain. At Bacalalo, we ship premium desalted cod from Iceland to Madrid with delivery in 24-48 hours.
- Already desalted and ready to cook : no need to wait 24-48 hours for desalting. Just open and cook.
- Premium Icelandic cod : the same origin sought after by the best chefs and restaurants.
- Full traceability : you know exactly where your cod comes from and how it has been processed.
- Refrigerated shipping : isothermal packaging with refrigerant gel that maintains the cold chain throughout transport.
- Same cod as the Mercat del Ninot : our cod is the same as we sell in our shop at the Mercat del Ninot in Barcelona , since 1990.
- All cuts available : loins, shredded, brandade, smoked cod and more.
Special advantage for Madrid: being on the Iberian Peninsula, deliveries arrive within 24 hours on most business days. This is faster than ordering desalted cod from a fishmonger (which usually requires 24-48 hours for desalting).
What to ask for and what to avoid when buying cod
Quality signals
- Ivory-white color : a good salted cod has a uniform white color, without yellowish spots or dark areas.
- Firm texture : when pressed with the finger it should feel firm, not soft or watery.
- Clean smell : It smells like clean seawater and salt. If it smells strongly of old fish, it's not a good product.
- Origin: Iceland or Norway - the cold waters of the North Atlantic produce the best cod in the world. Always ask for origin.
- Loin thickness : For pil pil, look for loins at least 3-4 cm thick. The thicker part is the one with the most gelatin.
Warning signs
- Yellowish cod : indicates oxidation or poor preservation. Do not buy.
- Without a clear origin : if the seller doesn't know where the cod comes from, they look for another supplier.
- "Desalted" tray cod : it is often rehydrated frozen cod, not true cod that has been salted and desalted by hand.
- Prices are too low : a quality cod loin doesn't cost less than €20/kg in Madrid. If you see loins for €10/kg, it's not the same product.
Consult our complete guide on how to choose quality cod for more details on origin, curing and preservation.
When to buy: season and demand
Salted cod is available year-round with consistent quality, but there are times when demand (and sometimes prices) vary:
- Holy Week/Lent (March-April): peak demand. Cod shops run out of the best cuts if you don't order in advance. Buy 1-2 weeks ahead of time.
- Christmas (December): second peak in demand. Cod competes with shellfish but remains a staple at many Christmas dinners. See Christmas recipes .
- Skrei season (January-April): If you want fresh (not salted) cod, this is the season. The best fishmongers in Madrid receive Norwegian Skrei during these months.
- Summer : demand drops significantly. Good prices and better availability, although cod is consumed less when it's hot.
Premium Cod — Direct to Madrid
Refrigerated delivery within 24-48 hours to the entire Peninsula
How to preserve cod at home
- Salted cod that hasn't been desalted : In the refrigerator (0-4°C) wrapped in kitchen paper, it lasts for weeks. Change the paper every 3-4 days.
- Salt cod that has been desalted : consume within 2-3 days. It can be frozen after desalting (for up to 3 months), but it will lose some texture.
- Cooked cod : Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in a sealed container. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the meat.
- Bacalao de Bacalao : arrives vacuum-packed. Unopened, it will keep in the refrigerator until the date indicated. Once opened, consume within 48 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does cod cost in Madrid?
It depends on the cut and quality: premium loins €30-45/kg, standard loins €22-30/kg, slices €18-25/kg, migas €12-18/kg, kokotxas €60-90/kg. In neighborhood markets, prices are more reasonable than in gourmet markets like San Miguel or La Paz.
Is it possible to buy Skrei cod in Madrid?
Yes, during the season (January-April) the best fishmongers in Madrid carry Norwegian Skrei . The La Paz and Maravillas markets usually have it. Ask directly at the fishmonger's and reserve it if you can.
Can I buy desalted cod ready to cook in Madrid?
Some cod shops will desalinate it upon request (24-48 hour wait). Online, at Bacalalo, we send it already desalted and ready to cook, with delivery in Madrid within 24-48 hours.
What is the best time to buy cod?
Salted cod is available year-round. For fresh cod (Skrei), it's available from January to April. For Easter stews, buy 1-2 weeks in advance because demand drives up prices and sells out quickly.
What is the difference between cod from Iceland and cod from Norway?
Both are top quality. Icelandic ham tends to be a bit more gelatinous (ideal for pil pil sauce). Norwegian ham has slightly firmer flesh. For most recipes, both are excellent.
Does cod ordered online arrive in good condition in Madrid?
Yes. We use insulated packaging with refrigerant gel to maintain the cold chain. Madrid receives shipments within 24 hours on most business days, so the product arrives in optimal condition.
How much cod should I buy for 4 people?
If the cod is a main course: 200g per person = 800g of cod loins. If it's part of a meal with other dishes: 120-150g per person = 500-600g. For croquettes or fritters, 300-400g of breadcrumbs will make about 30-40.
How do I properly desalinate salted cod?
Submerge the cod in cold water in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours, changing the water every 8 hours. The exact time depends on the thickness: flakes 24h, steaks 36h, thick loins 48h. Taste a small piece to check the salt level.
Is it worth buying cod at El Corte Inglés?
The gourmet section of the large El Corte Inglés department stores (Callao, Castellana) has quality cod, but at premium prices. For regular purchases, a local market offers better value for money.
What type of cod do I need to make croquettes?
Shredded cod or cod fillets: the most economical and perfect cut for croquettes. Don't waste money on cod loins for a recipe where the cod is blended into the béchamel sauce. See croquette recipe .
Are there cod restaurants in the southern neighborhoods of Madrid?
Specialized cod shops are concentrated in the city center (La Latina, Cebada). In southern neighborhoods, your best option is the municipal markets (Usera, Villaverde) or online ordering with 24-hour delivery.
Does salted cod expire?
Salted cod has a very long shelf life (months) if kept refrigerated and dry. However, once desalted, it should be consumed within 2-3 days. Always check the "best before" date on the packaging.
Related guides
- Complete guide: how to choose quality cod
- 15 recipes with desalted cod
- Skrei cod: season and recipes
- 50 cod recipes
- Cod in pil pil sauce: Basque recipe
- Cod and chickpea stew
Do you live in Madrid? Get premium Icelandic desalted cod delivered to your door in 24-48 hours. The same cod from Barcelona's Mercat del Ninot, straight to your kitchen since 1990. Discover it at Bacalalo .
