Best tinned fish / conservas, according to chefs
Three picks, each tied to a named taster and a public source — from Bob Bennett, Michael Hackman, Kiki Aranita, Angelo Sosa and 5 more. Recommendations come from foodandwine.com, reviewed.com, thekitchn.com and tastingtable.com and 2 other sources.
Fish · The ranking
- 1Top pick
Fishwife (smoked salmon, smoked albacore)
Chosen by- Bob BennettZingerman’s Roadhouse
- Michael HackmanAioli
Also chosen by- Kiki Aranita · Chef, Poi Dog source ↗
The most-recommended brand in Food & Wine’s chef panel: “The thoughtfulness they use for their tins really shows up in the end product” (Bennett). Chef Kiki Aranita bought its smoked albacore herself and calls the packaging “as unique and beautiful as the product.”
- 2
Conservas Ortiz Bonito del Norte
Chosen by- Angelo SosaChef · Top Chef alum
Also chosen by- Ruben Garcia · Chef-owner, Casa Teresa · Washington, DC source ↗
- Alex Raij · Chef-owner, La Vara & Txikito · NYC source ↗
“Silky — almost confit-like… clean, yet deeply savory.”
- 3
José Gourmet (sardines, mackerel)
Chosen by- Mark O’LearyChef, Darling · Cambridge
Also chosen by- Ari Kolender · Hayden, Bon Appétit source ↗
- Andrew Zimmern · TV host, Bizarre Foods source ↗
O’Leary on its mackerel: “rich without being heavy… this clean, almost buttery texture.” Ari Kolender (Hayden): “clean and unique”; Andrew Zimmern calls it a “great” brand. Saveur’s best overall sardine.
We may earn a commission when you buy through links on MyTastr. It never affects the ranking. Disclosure
Questions, answered
- What is the best tinned fish / conservas, according to chefs?
- MyTastr’s top pick is Fishwife (smoked salmon, smoked albacore), chosen by Bob Bennett (Zingerman’s Roadhouse); Michael Hackman (Aioli). The most-recommended brand in Food & Wine’s chef panel: “The thoughtfulness they use for their tins really shows up in the end product” (Bennett). Chef Kiki Aranita bought its smoked albacore herself and calls the packaging “as unique and beautiful as the product.” Source: foodandwine.com ↗
- What are the other top picks for tinned fish / conservas?
- No. 2 is Conservas Ortiz Bonito del Norte, chosen by Angelo Sosa. No. 3 is José Gourmet (sardines, mackerel), chosen by Mark O’Leary (Darling, Cambridge). 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.
The tasters behind this ranking
- Bob Bennett
- Michael Hackman
- Kiki Aranita
- Angelo Sosa
- Alex Raij
- Ruben Garcia
- Mark O’Leary
- Andrew Zimmern
- Ari Kolender