TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Fish Types in the World
In Norway, Atlantic salmon takes up around 40% of all seafood that's exported from the country. Most of it isn't caught in the wild – the salmon is farmed in giant tanks that are moored off the coast. In order of decreasing amount, there is fresh whole salmon, frozen whole salmon, frozen salmon fillets, and fresh salmon fillets that are exported across the world.
The great versatility, flavor, and high nutrient content are the reasons why Norwegian salmon rose to fame and it's popularity increased worldwide since the 1970s, when the world's first successfully farmed salmon was placed into a pen in a fjord outside Trodheim.
Akami is a part of bluefin tuna that refers to lean red meat. This is the main part of the fish, so it's more readily available than the other parts, called chūtoro and otoro. It has the least fat out of the whole tuna, which makes it the most affordable.
Akami is typically used atop rice in sashimi or nigiri. In a sushi restaurant, if you order maguro (a broad term for tuna), you will get akami from whichever species of tuna they have on hand. This part of tuna also has the most umami tuna flavor of all other, fattier cuts.
Five different species of wild salmon can be caught in Alaska: king, sockeye, coho, chum, and pink salmon. Each species has some defining characteristics: king salmon is often used for sushi, sockeye has a strong flavor, coho is known as a great-tasting salmon, chum salmon is valued for its eggs, and pink salmon is used for canning.
Salmon is a very versatile fish that can be prepared in many ways: it can be baked, grilled, or smoked, and it’s good in stews, fish cakes, and salads. This highly nutritious fish is rich in vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids, and consuming it reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Otoro is a part of bluefin tuna that is the most desirable. It comes from the inside of the belly and it's the fattiest part of the fish. The texture is often described as intensely rich, marbled, and having melt-in-the-mouth properties. Due to these facts, it's traditionally the most expensive part of bluefin tuna.
It's often used in sashimi and nigiri, giving the dish a sweeter flavor. Otoro is the best during winter, once the tuna acquires additional body fat. It should always be consumed fresh as it doesn't last too much when frozen. This part of tuna is rarely found outside of Japan.
Unagi is the Japanese word referring to the freshwater eel, commonly used in Japanese cuisine. It is mainly consumed in the form of fillets, which are always grilled due to the presence of harmful toxins. The fillets are then spread with a sweet and salty sauce made with soy sauce, mirin, and sugar.
Although unagi is consumed in the entire country, there are slight regional differences in the way the eel is cut and prepared. In Kanto region, the cuts are made from the back, and the fillets are grilled and steamed, while in Kansai the eel is cut from the stomach and the fillets are merely grilled.
Bangus is the national fish of Philippines, called milkfish in English. It is an adaptable, tough, and sturdy fish that can survive in confined spaces, so it is regularly bred on fish farms, which is the reason why it is widely available all over the Philippines.
The flavor of milkfish is distinctive and mild, best paired with complementary ingredients. Bangus is usually cooked in soups, fried, grilled, barbecued, stuffed or stewed in various spices, ginger and vinegar, but the varieties of bangus-based dishes are numerous.
Scottish farmed salmon belongs to the Atlantic salmon species. They are silver in color, firm to the touch (due to strong currents which ensure that they are constantly swimming), with a fibrous to smooth to even texture. After harvesting, the salmon is rapidly chilled, which is why it has a unique, consistent flavor.
Scottish salmon is very health beneficial, and acts as a source of Omega 3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. It goes well with single malt whiskeys, lemon and creme fraiche.
Tasmanian Atlantic salmon is a species of salmon that has been introduced in the pristine waters of Tasmania’s west coast and is locally grown in fish farms. The fish are raised within open-sea cages mainly in the Macquarie Harbor, and they are one of the most commercially important and highest-valued fishery products in Australia.
The farmed salmon are internationally recognized for their superior quality, flavor, and texture, and they are also renowned for their high nutritional value as they represent a great source of high-quality omega-3 fatty acids, protein, minerals, and vitamins.
Ohrid trout is an endangered salmonoid fish that is praised for its delicately-flavored pink flesh. It inhabits the waters of Lake Ohrid, shared by Albania and North Macedonia, and the rivers leading to and from the lake. Although it is held in high esteem, it would be a crime against nature to eat the trout.
Due to overfishing, poaching, and poor conservation methods, as of recently, the fish has been in danger of extinction. Four varieties of the trout have been distinguished, including Salmo balcanicus, Salmo lumi, Salmo aphelios, and Salmo letnica.
Chūtoro is a part of bluefin tuna that refers to medium fatty cuts when served as a part of nigiri or sashimi. The tuna yields otoro (fatty parts from the belly), akami (red meat), and chūtoro, which is a combination of both that's found near the skin on the back and belly.
It's a mix of otoro's sweetness and a deep, slightly bitter flavor of akami. This part of bluefin tuna is usually a bit more on the expensive side, and it's typically served on special occasions or festivities. Specifically, the part of the back near the head is called sekami, the center of the back is senaka, and the part near the tail is called seshimo.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Fish Producers in the World
Mowi Canada West is a leading producer of Atlantic salmon in Western Canada, known for its strong commitment to sustainability and quality. Based in Campbell River, British Columbia, the company operates salmon farms along the coasts of British Columbia and Vancouver Island, producing approximately 23,000 tons of fresh and healthy Atlantic salmon annually.
The company is dedicated to environmental stewardship, as demonstrated by the fact that all of its farms are certified by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) and Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP). These certifications reflect Mowi’s commitment to transparency, innovation, and reducing its environmental footprint.
BEST Mowi Canada West Seafood
Grieg Seafood is one of the world’s leading producers of Atlantic salmon, committed to sustainable farming, innovation, and responsible stewardship of the environment. Their philosophy is centered on raising healthy, high-quality fish with minimal environmental impact, while actively supporting ocean conservation, local communities, and biodiversity.
By combining modern technology with carefully monitored practices, Grieg Seafood ensures the highest standards of quality at every stage of production—from sea to table. Transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement are at the core of their operations.
BEST Grieg Seafood Seafood
Cooke Aquaculture is a family-owned company with decades of experience dedicated to the sustainable farming of seafood. Their mission is rooted in delivering high-quality, fresh, and responsibly produced food from the ocean, with a strong commitment to environmental care and community partnership.
By combining modern technology with deep industry knowledge, Cooke Aquaculture maintains the highest standards throughout every stage of production—from farming to delivery. The company places strong emphasis on transparency, innovation, and continuous improvement to protect and preserve marine ecosystems.
BEST Cooke Aquaculture Seafood
Conservas Zallo, based in Bermeo, Spain, specializes in high-quality canned fish, particularly anchovies, tuna, and bonito del norte (albacore tuna), known for their sustainability and flavor. This family-owned company, established in 1926, maintains traditional canning methods, focusing on locally sourced fish from the Cantabrian Sea to preserve authentic flavors.
Zallo is celebrated for its artisanal touch, using hand-filleting techniques and sustainable fishing practices that align with both environmental and culinary standards. Their products are popular across Europe, showcasing Spanish seafood traditions and quality.
AWARDS
World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Sardines
2024
World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Anchovies
2024
World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Tuna
2024
Seacore Seafood is a family-owned business based in Vaughan, Ontario, Canada, specializing in the processing of fresh and frozen seafood. Established in 1987, Seacore Seafood has become one of the leading companies in the seafood industry in Canada.
The company takes pride in its dedicated approach to quality and sustainability, providing its customers with seafood that is highly rated for its freshness and flavor. Seacore Seafood offers a wide range of products, including crabs, bass, salmon, shellfish, and many other types of fish and seafood.
In addition to fresh products, Seacore also offers frozen options, which undergo rigorous standards to preserve their nutritional value and flavor.
Shines Seafood is a family-run business based in Killybegs, County Donegal, Ireland. Specializing in wild-caught, sustainably sourced seafood, Shines Seafood offers an exquisite range of products, including tuna, sardines and mackerel. Shines Seafood has built a reputation for high-quality, fresh seafood, with products that highlight the natural flavors of Irish waters.
Their offerings, such as the famous Shines Wild Irish Tuna, come in a variety of packaging options, including jars of tuna in olive oil and sunflower oil, perfect for both everyday meals and gourmet dishes.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2022
BEST Shines Seafood Seafood
Austral Fisheries, based in West Leederville, Australia, is a leading commercial fishing company with over 50 years of experience. Operating a diverse fleet of 18 vessels, it specializes in sustainable deep-sea fishing across the Southern Ocean and Northern Prawn Fishery.
Known for premium seafood brands like Glacier 51 Toothfish and Skull Island Tiger Prawns, Austral Fisheries is certified sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council. In 2016, it became the world’s first carbon-neutral seafood company, offsetting emissions through extensive tree planting initiatives.
BEST Austral Fisheries Seafood
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Fishes in the World
Mowi Premium Atlantic Salmon, produced by Mowi Canada West in Campbell River, British Columbia, is one of the finest examples of premium farmed salmon in the world. Raised in the cold, clear waters of Canada’s Pacific coast, this salmon is celebrated for its rich, buttery flavor, vibrant natural color, and beautifully marbled texture.
A favorite among top chefs and gourmet retailers worldwide, it is prized for its versatility — perfect for sushi, sashimi, grilling, or roasting. Mowi’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council) certification, ensuring responsible farming practices and full traceability from egg to plate.
Grieg Seafood's Atlantic salmon is a premium product that combines tradition, innovation, and a commitment to sustainability. Raised in the clean, cold waters of British Columbia and Norway, this salmon is distinguished by exceptional quality, rich flavor, and tender texture, making it a favored choice among top restaurants, renowned chefs, and discerning consumers worldwide.
Grieg Seafood adheres to the highest production standards, placing special emphasis on fish health and environmental preservation. The salmon are fed high-quality, natural ingredients enriched with vitamins and minerals, without the use of antibiotics or harmful chemicals.
Cooke Seafood Canadian Smoked Salmon is a premium delicacy crafted from high-quality Atlantic salmon, responsibly sourced from the cool, pristine waters of Canada. Each fillet undergoes a meticulous natural dry-curing process using a custom blend of ingredients, perfected over years to enhance the salmon's natural flavors.
The fillets are then lightly smoked with hardwood chips, imparting a delicate smoky aroma and a velvety texture that melts in your mouth. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein, this smoked salmon not only offers exceptional taste but also provides nutritional benefits.
Filetti di Ventresca di Tonno from Callipo are premium products made from the finest yellowfin tuna, known for their rich flavor. These fillets are prepared from the ventral muscles of the tuna, the most prized part of the fish, and are carefully hand-cut into fillets.
The tuna is steamed, then manually packed into glass jars with olive oil and salt. All production processes, from the selection of raw materials to packaging, take place in Italy, following the distinctive Calabrian tradition, ensuring high quality and food safety.
Smoked Rainbow Trout from Fishwife is a premium tinned seafood product made from sustainably raised rainbow trout. The fish is slow-smoked in small batches over beechwood, giving it a unique caramelized exterior and a buttery, flaky interior. It's hand-packed in olive oil, which enhances its savory, smoky flavor with a hint of sweetness.
Each bite offers a delicate balance of rich smokiness and tender fish, making it a versatile ingredient for a wide range of dishes. Whether served on toast, tossed in a salad, or paired with crackers, this trout brings a gourmet touch to any meal.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2022
Smoked King Salmon from Wildfish Cannery is a premium, hand-packed product made from the richest and fattiest of all salmon species, the King salmon. Sourced from Southeast Alaska and harvested using sustainable troll-caught (hook-and-line) methods, this product is known for its deep flavor and smooth texture.
It's smoked with natural wood, seasoned with garlic, black pepper, salt, and pure cane sugar, creating a perfect balance of savory, smoky goodness. Whether you're snacking on it by itself or adding it to salads and pastas, the Smoked King Salmon promises a rich, flavorful experience.
Smoked Albacore Tuna by Fishwife is a high-quality smoked tuna that offers an exceptional flavor experience. This product is made from fresh chunks of tuna, carefully smoked over a wood fire to achieve the perfect balance between the rich taste of the fish and the smoky notes.
Albacore tuna is known for its mild yet flavorful taste, which beautifully complements the smoky undertones that give it a deep, aromatic texture. Fishwife takes pride in its sustainability approach, using only tuna caught through responsible methods.
Albacore Tinned Tuna in Olive Oil from Shines Seafood is a premium product made from wild-caught Albacore tuna, carefully packed in extra virgin olive oil. This tuna comes from the pristine waters of Ireland and is recognized for its light, delicate texture and outstanding flavor.
Shines Seafood takes pride in using sustainable fishing methods, ensuring that the tuna is responsibly caught, contributing to the preservation of marine resources and environmental protection. The meat of Albacore tuna is light, almost white, tender, and rich in omega-3 fatty acids, making it perfect for healthy and nutritious meals.
Glacier 51 Toothfish is a premium seafood product harvested by Austral Fisheries in the icy waters surrounding Heard Island in the Australian sub-Antarctic. Renowned for its buttery flavor, delicate texture, and high Omega-3 content, it is a favorite among chefs worldwide.
The fishery adheres to strict sustainability standards, holding Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification and being recognized as carbon neutral under the Australian Government Carbon Neutral Program. Full traceability is ensured via OpenSC Blockchain technology, providing transparency from ocean to plate.
TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 80 Fishes in the World” list until April 23, 2025, 1,140 ratings were recorded, of which 784 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.