Best sardines, according to chefs
Three picks, each tied to a named taster and a public source — from Erin Clarke, Ashia Aubourg, Marcia W. Smart, José Pizarro and 3 more. Recommendations come from simplyrecipes.com, theguardian.com and bonappetit.com.
Fish · The ranking
- 1Top pick
Fishwife Sardines (olive oil, preserved lemon or hot pepper)
Chosen by- Erin ClarkeRecipe developer, Well Platedwellplated.com ↗
- Ashia AubourgFood editor and writer
- Marcia W. SmartCulinary instructor, Smart in the Kitchen
All three experts Simply Recipes asked named Fishwife. “For years I’ve been loyal to Fishwife’s sardines… The filets in these cans are tender and packed with delicious ingredients” (Aubourg). MSC-certified Cornish sardines in single-farm Galician olive oil; “Fishwife feels like a treat. The quality is fantastic” (Clarke).
- 2
Ortiz Sardinas a la Antigua
Chosen by- José PizarroChef, José Tapas Bar and Pizarro · London
Pizarro’s top pick in a blind tasting of supermarket tins: “Simply the best: the flavour, the texture, everything is perfect.” Big, old-style sardines, fried and then hand-packed. Bon Appétit’s panel called them “large — in a good way,” rich and buttery, and the best for cooking.
- 3
Patagonia Provisions Sardines in Olive Oil
Chosen by- Kelsey Jane YoungmanSenior service editor, Bon Appétit
- Joe SevierWriter, Epicurious
Bon Appétit’s blind-tasting favorite: “immediately more flavorful” (Youngman), “really robust” (Sevier), with an herby brightness and intact, iridescent skin. Bay of Biscay sardines, organic olive oil and salt.
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Questions, answered
- What is the best sardines, according to chefs?
- MyTastr’s top pick is Fishwife Sardines (olive oil, preserved lemon or hot pepper), chosen by Erin Clarke (Well Plated); Ashia Aubourg; Marcia W. Smart (Smart in the Kitchen). All three experts Simply Recipes asked named Fishwife. “For years I’ve been loyal to Fishwife’s sardines… The filets in these cans are tender and packed with delicious ingredients” (Aubourg). MSC-certified Cornish sardines in single-farm Galician olive oil; “Fishwife feels like a treat. The quality is fantastic” (Clarke). Source: simplyrecipes.com ↗
- What are the other top picks for sardines?
- No. 2 is Ortiz Sardinas a la Antigua, chosen by José Pizarro (chef, José Tapas Bar and Pizarro, London). No. 3 is Patagonia Provisions Sardines in Olive Oil, chosen by Kelsey Jane Youngman (Bon Appétit); Joe Sevier (Bon Appétit). Each card above links to the original source.
- How does MyTastr choose these picks?
- Every pick is tied to a named chef, cookbook author or food expert and links to the public interview, panel or article it came from. We survey dozens, often hundreds, of top chefs, food writers and critics, and order reflects how often and how strongly a brand is recommended. Only organic recommendations count — paid endorsements don’t — and brands can’t buy a spot. Read how we pick.