Good quality tinned fish is a staple in our pantry. A hint of anchovy can deliver the perfect boost of umami, while our favourite sardines on toast can elevate lunch from simple to sublime. We always like to have a tin of Ortiz anchovies on hand for this simple canapé for when friends drop by.
With a commitment to quality and a nod to tradition, our selection includes the finest tinned fish from several exemplary European producers. Here are some standouts:
From Cetara, a historic village on Italy’s Amalfi Coast, Armatore has mastered the art of preserving anchovies and bluefin tuna for four generations. Each of their products tells a story of craftsmanship—sustainably made, impeccably packaged, and ideal for gifting.
• Armatore Colatura Anchovies Extract
• Armatore Grated Bluefin Tuna Roe
• Armatore Anchovy Fillets in Olive Oil
In Portugal, JOSE Gourmet honours the cherished art of “conservas” (tinned fish). With a mission to redefine what tinned fish can be, JOSE’s approach is a considered one. Their seafood is sourced at fair trade prices and cooked by hand directly after the catch. Their tins, adorned with artwork by Portuguese and international illustrators, are as striking as the bounty they contain.
• Tinned Fish: Tuna Fillets, Sardines, Mackerel
• Seafood Pâté: Spiced Mackerel, Tuna Pâté
And finally, Spain’s north coast brings us Güeyu Mar by chef Abel Álvarez. Born from his tiny seaside restaurant, Güeyumar, these tinned seafood offerings begin with chargrilling the finest fish over fire before preserving them. Their grilled sardine tails in escabeche—a tangy marinade of Extra Virgin olive oil, apple vinegar, and spices—are an artful marriage of smoke and sea.