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Summary: Madrid has no port but boasts some of the best codfish shops in Spain, thanks to its centuries-old culinary tradition and impressive network of food markets. In this guide, you'll find the best places to buy quality cod in Madrid: specialized stores, markets, actual prices per cut, what to ask for and what to avoid, and the online option with refrigerated delivery in 24-48 hours.
Madrid and Cod: A Love Story Without a Port
Madrid is 300 km from the nearest sea, yet it is one of the cities in Spain where the most cod is consumed. The explanation is historical: for centuries, salted cod was the fish that traveled best from northern ports to the interior of the Peninsula. Madrid's culinary tradition absorbed cod as an essential ingredient in Lenten stews, croquettes, "soldaditos de Pavía," and dozens of recipes that are still alive today.
This tradition means that in Madrid, there is access to high-quality cod: specialized codfish shops, food markets, and online commerce offer premium products that rival those found in coastal cities. The key is knowing where to buy.
Specialized Codfish Shops in Madrid
Bacaladerías are shops specializing exclusively in cod and cured fish. Few remain in Madrid, but those that do are excellent and worth a visit:
- Casa Riera Ordeix (Calle Baja, 12 — La Latina): one of Madrid's oldest codfish shops. They have been selling Icelandic and Norwegian cod in all cuts for decades. They desalt on request with perfect results. The advice is exceptional: they recommend the exact cut based on the recipe you want to make.
- Bacallanería López (Mercado de la Cebada, stall 42): specialists in salted cod by weight with various qualities and cuts. Competitive prices and good product rotation. Fridays and Saturdays are when they have the most variety of cuts.
- Salazones Medina (Mercado de Vallehermoso): in addition to salted cod, they offer mojama, bottarga, and other cured fish from the north. Well-preserved products and reasonable prices for the quality offered.
- La Casa del Bacalao (Calle de Toledo, La Latina neighborhood): historic shop with whole cod that they cut on the spot. They take orders for special cuts like kokotxas or cocochas when available.
Bacaladerías have a huge advantage over supermarkets: expert advice. A professional codmonger tells you which cut to use for pil pil, which for croquettes, and which for a gratin. That's worth more than any price difference.
Bacalalo Products — Premium Cod
Universal Shredded Cod 500g
17,90 €
Traditional Shredded Cod 500g
13,90 €
Salt Cod Brandade 250g
9,95 €
Refrigerated delivery 24-48h to all of the 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 character and strengths:
- Mercado de Maravillas (Bravo Murillo, 122 — Tetuán): Madrid's largest food market and one of the largest in Europe. Several fish stalls with salted cod in whole pieces and fresh Skrei in season. Adjusted prices due to purchase volume. This is the go-to market for weekly shopping.
- Mercado de La Paz (Calle Ayala, 28 — Salamanca): high-end, exceptional product. The fishmongers at La Paz work with top-quality cod, including kokotxas in season. Higher prices but the quality justifies it. Ideal if you're looking for the best regardless of price.
- Mercado de Chamartín (Calle Bolivia): several fishmongers with desalted cod ready to cook. Good option for the north of Madrid. Neighborhood atmosphere, honest prices.
- Mercado de San Miguel (Plaza de San Miguel — Centro): more geared towards tourism and gourmet experience. Select quality cod but at premium prices. Good for occasional purchases of special products, not for regular shopping.
- Mercado de Antón Martín (Calle Santa Isabel — Lavapiés): fishmongers with good product rotation. Moderate prices and multicultural atmosphere. Some stalls have artisanal salted cod from Basque suppliers.
- Mercado de la Cebada (Plaza de la Cebada — La Latina): historic market with the aforementioned Bacallanería López. Additionally, several fishmongers with good cod at competitive prices.
Comparative Table of Markets in Madrid
| Market | Area | Price Level | Specialty | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maravillas | Tetuán | €€ | Volume, variety of cuts | Weekly family shopping |
| La Paz | Salamanca | €€€ | Premium quality, kokotxas | Special occasions |
| Chamartín | Chamartín | €€ | Desalted cod ready | Quick shopping in northern area |
| San Miguel | Center | €€€€ | Gourmet experience | Tourists, gourmet gifts |
| Antón Martín | Lavapiés | €€ | Variety, Basque suppliers | Neighborhood shopping |
| La Cebada | La Latina | €€ | Specialized codfish shop | Expert advice |
Supermarkets: The Quick Option
If you need cod without traveling to a market, supermarkets with a good fish section can work. Don't expect the same level as a specialized codfish shop, but for an occasional purchase, they are fine:
- El Corte Inglés Gourmet: the fish section in large centers (Callao, Castellana, Goya) has quality salted cod. High prices but reliable product.
- Mercadona: desalted and salted cod at an adjusted price. Packaged desalted cod is practical but does not have the same texture as artisanally desalted cod. Always ask for cod from Iceland or Norway.
- Hipercor / Supercor: fish section with whole salted cod. Medium-high quality.
Tip: avoid "desalted" cod from supermarket trays if you can. It's often rehydrated frozen cod, not true artisanally desalted salted cod. The difference in flavor and texture is enormous.
Cod Cuts and Prices in Madrid
Not all cod cuts are suitable for the same purpose. Knowing what to ask for saves you money and improves your recipe results:
- Loins: the thickest and noblest part of the cod, boneless. For pil pil, pan-frying, baking, confit. The premium cut.
- Slices/centers: cross-cuts with a central bone. More economical than loins. Perfect for stews, soups, cod with chickpeas, and casseroles.
- Flakes/shredded: shredded 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 in season and in select establishments.
- Whole cod piece: unsliced salted cod. You ask for it at codfish shops, and they cut it as needed. It's the most economical way to buy.
Price Table by Cut in Madrid (2026)
| Cut | Average Price (€/kg) | Best Use | Servings per kg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premium Loins | 30–45 € | Pil pil, pan-frying, confit | 4–5 servings |
| Standard Loins | 22–30 € | Baking, gratin, stews | 4–5 servings |
| Slices/Centers | 18–25 € | Stews, casseroles, soups | 4–5 servings |
| Flakes/Shredded | 12–18 € | Croquettes, fritters, salads | Variable |
| Kokotxas | 60–90 € | Pil pil, salsa verde | 3–4 servings |
| Whole Piece | 15–22 € | Cut at home to measure | Variable |
Indicative prices in Madrid markets (March 2026). During Holy Week and Christmas, prices may increase by 10-20% due to demand.
Buying Cod Online with Delivery to Madrid
The most convenient alternative: quality cod delivered directly to your door, with guaranteed cold chain. At Bacalalo, we send 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. Open and cook directly.
- Premium Icelandic cod: the same origin sought by the best chefs and restaurants.
- Complete traceability: you know exactly where your cod comes from and how it has been processed.
- Refrigerated shipping: isothermal packaging with coolant gel maintains the cold chain throughout transport.
- Same cod as Mercat del Ninot: our cod is the same that we sell in our shop at Mercat del Ninot in Barcelona, since 1990.
- All cuts available: loins, shredded, brandade, smoked cod, and more.
Special advantage for Madrid: being on the Peninsula, shipments arrive in 24 hours on most weekdays. It's faster than ordering desalted cod from a codfish shop (which usually requests 24-48h for desalting).
To be transparent: Bacalalo does not have a physical store in Madrid. We are a codfish shop from Mercat del Ninot in Barcelona and we deliver to homes throughout Madrid with a cold chain. If you are looking to buy in person, the codfish shops and markets above are your option; if you prefer to receive it desalted and ready at home in 24-48h, we will bring it to you.
What to Ask for and What to Avoid When Buying Cod
Signs of quality
- White-ivory color: good salted cod has a uniform white color, without yellowish spots or dark areas.
- Firm texture: when pressed with a finger, it should feel firm, not soft or watery.
- Clean smell: it should smell of clean sea 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 the origin.
- Thickness of the loin: for pil pil, look for loins at least 3-4 cm thick. The thick part has the most gelatin.
Warning signs
- Yellowish cod: indicates oxidation or poor preservation. Do not buy.
- No clear origin: if the seller doesn't know where the cod comes from, look for another supplier.
- "Desalted" cod from a tray: often rehydrated frozen cod, not true artisanally desalted salted cod.
- Prices too low: a quality cod loin does not cost less than €20/kg in Madrid. If you see loins at €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 storage.
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. Codfish shops run out of the best cuts if you don't reserve in advance. Buy 1-2 weeks in advance.
- Christmas (December): second peak demand. Cod competes with seafood but remains a staple of 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 shipping 24-48h to the entire Peninsula
How to store cod at home
- Salted cod (not desalted): In the fridge (0-4°C) wrapped in kitchen paper, lasts weeks. Change paper every 3-4 days.
- Desalted cod: Consume within 2-3 days maximum. It can be frozen once desalted (up to 3 months), but it may lose some texture.
- Cooked cod: In the fridge for up to 3 days, in a sealed container. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the fish.
- Bacalalo cod: Arrives vacuum-packed. Unopened, it lasts in the fridge according to the indicated date. Once opened, consume within 48 hours.
🛒 Products mentioned in this article
⭐ 4.9/5 · Cold shipping 24-48h · Since 1990 at Mercat del Ninot
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, steaks €18-25/kg, flakes €12-18/kg, kokotxas €60-90/kg. In neighborhood markets, prices are more competitive than in gourmet markets like San Miguel or La Paz.
Can I buy Skrei cod in Madrid?
Yes, during the season (January-April), the best fishmongers in Madrid receive Norwegian Skrei. La Paz and Maravillas markets usually have it. Ask directly at the fishmonger and reserve if you can.
Can I buy desalted cod ready to cook in Madrid?
Some specialized cod shops will desalt it for you upon request (24-48h wait). Online, at Bacalalo, we ship it already desalted and ready to cook with 24-48h delivery to Madrid.
What is the best time to buy cod?
Salted cod is available year-round. For fresh (Skrei), January-April. For Holy Week stews, buy 1-2 weeks in advance because demand drives up prices and exhausts stock.
What is the difference between Icelandic and Norwegian cod?
Both are premium quality. Icelandic cod tends to be slightly more gelatinous (ideal for pil pil). Norwegian cod has slightly firmer flesh. For most recipes, both are excellent.
Does online cod arrive in good condition in Madrid?
Yes. We use isothermal packaging with coolant gel that maintains the cold chain. Madrid receives deliveries within 24 hours most weekdays, so the product arrives in optimal condition.
How much cod should I buy for 4 people?
If cod is the main dish: 200g per person = 800g of loins. If it's part of a menu with more dishes: 120-150g per person = 500-600g. For croquettes or fritters, 300-400g of flakes will make about 30-40 units.
How do I properly desalt salted cod?
Submerge the cod in cold water in the fridge 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 stores (Callao, Castellana) has quality cod, but at premium prices. For regular purchases, a local market offers better value for money.
What cod do I need to make croquettes?
Flakes or shredded cod: the most economical cut and perfect for croquettes. Don't spend on loins for a recipe where the cod is pureed into the béchamel. See croquette recipe.
Are there cod shops in the southern neighborhoods of Madrid?
Specialized cod shops are concentrated in the center (La Latina, Cebada). In southern neighborhoods, your best option is municipal markets (Usera, Villaverde) or online delivery with 24h delivery.
Does salted cod expire?
Salted cod has a very long shelf life (months) if stored cold and dry. But once desalted, it must be consumed within 2-3 days maximum. Always check the best-before date on the packaging.
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Since 1990, selecting the best from the sea at Mercat del Ninot, Barcelona. Refrigerated shipping 24-48h.
View desalted cod →Related Guides
- Complete guide: how to choose quality cod
- 15 recipes with desalted cod
- Skrei cod: season and recipes
- 50 cod recipes
- Bacalao al pil pil: Basque recipe
- Cod and chickpea stew
Live in Madrid? Receive premium desalted cod from Iceland at your home in 24-48 hours. The same cod from Mercat del Ninot in Barcelona, direct to your kitchen since 1990. Discover it at Bacalalo.
