Jun 3, 2025

La Casa del Bacalao Madrid

Tradition from the sea

""La Casa del Bacalao" is a tiny, traditional fish shop behind Madrid's Calle Preciados. These guys explained to me how to cook my own codfish..."

"La Casa del Bacalao" (Codfish's Home) is a traditional and tiny fish shop located behind the bustling Calle Preciados, just around the corner of Puerta del Sol, next door to "Doña Manolita", the most famous lottery shop in Spain.

There are five shops in Madrid, and the first one in Calle Goya, 89 opened in 1981. And it  immediately became famous because of the great quality and the codfish only policy. All of the shops are easily recognizable because of their traditional facade of white and blue tiles and the sailors themed ornaments.

I've always loved codfish, but I never tried to buy it and make it myself. But when I went to "La Casa del Bacalo" they explained everything I needed to know, including some cooking tricks!

The time of "desalination" will vary depending on the thickness of the piece, but it must always be in the fridge. Laminated codfish for salad, for example, can be desalinated in 20 minutes, but the thicker ones could be up to 3 days.

If you are not sure about the "desalination process" go to the shop located in "Mercado de San Antón", they will do it for you and send it home. In that shop they've extended their offer and they also sell smoked and canned fished, as well as "tapas" to eat right there.

For those who don't feel inspired, they have a special recipes section on their website.

Amsterdam
Antwerp
002-building
Art & culture
002-building
Art & culture
002-building
Art & culture

About this spot

Calle del Carmen, 20

p/kg:

18

+34

915229538

Find your way with 258 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Madrid guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Madrid

Los Angeles

Want to try a real paella?

Although it’s a Galician restaurant, they do an excellent paella mixta (chicken and seafood) and arroz negro, flavoured and coloured with squid ink.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Andrea

Roberts

Jun 23, 2025

Rebel Cafe

Let them eat cake

The apartment block this cafe sits under is an ugly beauty and I love it, not least for the exuberant planters that are an integral part of the building.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Andrea

Roberts

Jun 23, 2025

Mazál Bagels and Café

Big Apple vibes in Madrid

I didn’t think Madrid was lacking anything but now I’ve found "Mazál Bagels and Café" I’m wondering how I survived without its bagels all these years!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Andrea

Roberts

Jun 23, 2025

El Campillo

Tapas in Madrid's Rastro

What sets this bar apart is its exceptional handling of ingredients, creating dishes that sing with Andalusian flair—a nod to Manu's roots.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Cesar

Gonzalez

Jun 22, 2025

Licores Cabello

Find your favourite tipple

They have a wide selection of wines to suit all pockets, and you can also discover some weirder flavours if your tastes run to the unique...

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Andrea

Roberts

Jun 21, 2025

MO de Movimiento

Innovative dining in Madrid

"Mo de Movimiento" in Madrid offers a new take on the restaurant business - sustainable organic ingredients, recycled materials and second opportunities!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Andrea

Roberts

Jun 21, 2025

Sala Canal Isabel II

Madrid's unique art space

Sala Canal Isabel II in Madrid used to be a water tower: now it's an uber-cool gallery used for media exhibitions. I love it, and not just because...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Andrea

Roberts

Jun 21, 2025

Heladería Tutti Frutti

Handcrafted ice cream!

What sets Tutti Frutti apart isn’t just tradition, but imagination. Alongside the classics, you’ll find daring flavors like black sesame or palomitas.

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Beatriz

Acero

Jun 20, 2025

Teatro de la Zarzuela

Iconic theatre

I recommend Teatro de la Zarzuela to those looking for something truly madrileño. The energy, storytelling, and live orchestra make will it unforgettable.

019-lemonade-1
Theaters

by

Beatriz

Acero

Jun 20, 2025

Ermita Virgen del Puerto

Rhythm and community

The Ermita de la Virgen del Puerto is a place for peace, music, and dance. Here locals turn sunny days into spontaneous, joy-filled celebrations by the river.

029-guitar-instrument-1
Music
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Beatriz

Acero

Jun 19, 2025

VETA Galería

Fine art in Carabanchel

VETA is the biggest contemporary art gallery in the city, so once you’ve had your fill of the Old Masters at the Prado, why not get off the beaten track?

002-building
Art & culture

by

Andrea

Roberts

Jun 16, 2025

Kintaro

Loosen your belt!

Don’t worry about collecting and counting plates - there’s an “all you can eat” lunchtime menu, you can fill your boots for a very reasonable fixed price.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Andrea

Roberts

Jun 16, 2025

Heading to Madrid?

258 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to Madrid?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

258 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Madrid

Our team loves Madrid

Get to know our other Spotters from Madrid

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
26
Filters