Order fish online? Check out these 3 online stores.
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Leesduur: 8 min
Oily fish is one of the best natural sources of omega-3. Supplements are useful as an addition, but a healthy diet remains the basis. (1)
And you no longer have to go to the market early or wait in line at the fishmonger. Nowadays, you can order fresh fish without leaving the house. With just a few clicks, you can order fresh salmon, mackerel, or shrimp today, and it will be delivered chilled to your door.
More and more people are discovering the convenience of a good online fishmonger. But where can you find truly good quality? In this article, I share three reliable online stores where you can safely and easily order fresh fish online.
Ordering fish online offers chilled home delivery within 24 hours, with a wide range of fresh fish through professional cold chains.
Pay attention to freshness, origin, sustainable cooling packaging and quality marks (MSC/ASC) for responsible catching and quality assurance.
Top online shops: The Fish Lovers, Schmidt Zeevis, and Zin in Vers deliver fresh fish daily with transparent sustainability and flexible delivery options.
Table of contents
Why are more and more people ordering fish online ? What should you pay attention to when ordering fresh fish online? The 3 best online stores to order fish online: 1. The Fish Lovers 2. Schmidt Zeevis 3. Zin voor vers Online fishmonger vs. fishmonger: What are the disadvantages? Frequently asked questions about ordering fish online: 1. Is fresh fish the same as never frozen? 2. How do you recognize fresh fish? 3. How do you store fresh fish you order online? 4. What do the MSC and ASC quality marks mean? 5. Can you also order organic fresh fish?
Why more and more people are ordering fish online
Ordering fresh fish isn't just for restaurants anymore. Many people are choosing to order their fish online these days, and for good reason. It's easy, fast, and often just as fresh (or fresher) than at the fishmonger.
The benefits of ordering fish online:
- Delivered to your home within 24 hours - Choose your delivery time and receive your fish neatly chilled at your door, fresh, safe and hassle-free.
- A wider selection than at the fishmonger - Looking for something special like oysters, fresh tuna, or organic farmed fish? The selection online is often much larger.
- Better chilled (and sometimes therefore fresher) - Fish from an online fishmonger goes directly from the fish market into professional refrigeration and is delivered quickly. No ice cubes at a market stall, but controlled cooling chains.
What should you pay attention to when ordering fresh fish online?
Ordering fresh fish online is convenient, but how do you know you're getting truly good quality? When ordering, consider the following:
- Freshness and Origin - Choose an online store that clearly states where the fish comes from and when it was caught or processed. The more transparent, the better. Ordering fresh fish starts with good information.
- Packaging and delivery - The fish must be delivered chilled, preferably in durable, recyclable refrigerated packaging. Also check whether the webshop offers refrigerated transport.
- Sustainable fishing or farming - When choosing, look for quality labels such as MSC (for sustainable wild fish) and ASC (for responsibly farmed fish). More and more online fishmongers are offering these options. This helps sustainable fishing prevent overfishing and protect the climate. (2)
- Selection and preparation tips - Looking for whole fish, fillets, or ready-made meals? Good online stores offer a variety of options and often also provide preparation advice.
- Reviews and service - Read other customer experiences. Is the fish delivered fresh? How do you handle complaints?
The 3 best online stores to order fish online
There are a growing number of online fish shops that deliver top-quality fish right to your door, often fresh and neatly packaged.
You can order fresh fish online with confidence from these 3 reliable online shops:
1. The Fish Lovers
The Fish Lovers is a modern online fishmonger with roots in Katwijk aan Zee. From their coastal location, they deliver fresh fish and shellfish throughout the Netherlands. While you can't visit a physical store, you can easily order top-quality fish through their webshop.
Strongest point
Sustainable fishing - Clear and transparent about the use of MSC and ASC certifications. This is how The Fish Lovers distinguishes itself through reliability and environmental awareness.
Other plus points
- Freshness: Purchased fresh daily, never frozen
- Packaging: Vacuum packed with recyclable cooling elements
- Delivery: Mon-Fri between 5pm-10pm, when ordering before 11.59pm
- Inspiration: Plenty to be found on The Fishlovers website
Negative point
No weekend delivery.
What customers say
Rave reviews about the quality, service and chilled delivery.
2. Schmidt Sea Fish
Schmidt Zeevis has been a household name in Rotterdam and beyond for over 100 years. They deliver to top chefs, restaurants, and even to your home. Everything here revolves around craftsmanship.
Strongest point
Inspiration & education – At Schmidt Zeevis, you'll find not only recipes, but also masterclasses, workshops, and chef collaborations through Schmidt Zeevis College. They offer the most in-depth culinary experience.
Other plus points
- Freshness: Artisanal cleaned, delivered chilled
- Packaging: Vacuum and professionally cooled (0–4 °C)
- Delivery: Mon-Sat between 08:00–18:00, if ordered on time
- Sustainability: MSC certified, works with environmentally friendly fishing techniques
Negative point
Less flexible: Order before 12:00 on Friday for Saturday delivery.
What customers say
Reliable service and top quality fish, especially popular with gourmets.
3. Fancy some fresh food?
Zin in Vers operates from Velsen, near the IJmuiden fish market. They buy their fish directly from the auction and ensure it's cleaned just before shipping. It doesn't get much fresher than that.
Strongest point
Freshness & convenience – The fish is fresh daily from the auction in IJmuiden and is cleaned just before shipping. Thanks to the late ordering option (until 11:59 PM) and Saturday delivery, it's also very affordable.
Other plus points
- Freshness: Straight from the auction, freshly cleaned just before shipping
- Packaging: Neatly vacuum packed
- Delivery: Mon-Sat between 10am-5pm, when ordering before 11.59pm
- Inspiration: Recipes and complete fish packages for every chef on the Zin in Vers website
Negative point
No mention of MSC or ASC labels.
What customers say
Much appreciation for the freshness, fast service and user-friendliness.
Online fishmonger vs. fishmonger: What are the disadvantages?
Ordering fish online is super easy, but there are also a few minor drawbacks you should keep in mind:
- You must be home for delivery - Fish is delivered chilled, so someone really needs to be there to accept it. You can often choose a time slot or have it delivered to a neighbor. However, if no one is home, the fish is usually taken away. And because it's fresh produce, you often don't get a refund.
- It requires a bit more planning - Spontaneously decide in the morning that you want to have fish for dinner? You'll be quicker off the mark at your local fishmonger. Ordering fish online is especially convenient if you plan it in advance – ideal for busy days when you don't have time to go to the store.
Frequently asked questions about ordering fish online
Ordering fish online often raises a few more questions than a visit to the fishmonger. Here are some frequently asked questions:
1. Is fresh fish the same as never frozen?
If you order "fresh fish" online, you can assume it has n't been previously frozen . The fish was then immediately chilled and shipped chilled after being caught.
If the fish has been frozen first, this must be clearly indicated by the regulations. Online stores are required to indicate this, for example, with "thawed product" or "frozen and thawed." This way, you know exactly what you're buying.
2. How do you recognize fresh fish?
When you buy fish at the market, you can see, smell, and feel it yourself. Of course, you can't do that online. That's why it's especially important that the webshop is clear about freshness.
But even at home, you can tell a lot from what you see and smell. You can recognize fresh fish by:
- Clear eyes – bright and plump, not dull or sunken
- Fresh scent – slightly sea-like, not sour or fishy
- Firm fish flesh – springs back when pressed, no flabby texture
- Glowing skin – not dehydrated or discolored
- Red or pink gills – on whole fish: they should not be gray or brown
Unsure about delivery? Contact the fishmonger's customer service immediately. Many reputable suppliers offer a freshness guarantee.
3. How do you store fresh fish that you order online?
It is best to eat fresh fish the same day, or store it in the refrigerator (0–4 °C) for a maximum of two days .
Want to store the fish longer? Freeze it yourself. Seal the fish airtight, preferably in a freezer bag or vacuum-sealed, and place it in the freezer as soon as possible at a minimum temperature of -18°C . This will best preserve its quality, allowing you to enjoy it later. (3)
4. What do the MSC and ASC quality marks mean?
MSC and ASC are the two most well-known quality marks for fish. You can often see whether a product carries this quality mark on the websites of your online fishmonger.
- MSC stands for sustainable wild fish
- ASC for responsibly farmed fish
Both quality marks are strictly monitored and focus primarily on the environment, fish stocks and responsible fishing or farming methods.
Good to know : Animal welfare is not a key element here. While ASC does have basic requirements, such as minimal stress and limited fish densities, it's not a true animal welfare certification. MSC doesn't consider how fish are caught or killed at all.
Want to make even more informed choices? Also check out quality labels like Friend of the Sea or fish advisory lists like Seafood Watch and the Good Fish Guide , which also address welfare and fishing methods.
5. Can you also order organic fresh fish?
Absolutely. Organic fish is always farmed fish and can be recognized by terms like 'bio', 'eko', or 'organic'.
This fish is farmed with great attention to animal welfare and environmental impact. The fish have a larger living space, are fed organic food, and grow without hormones or antibiotics. Furthermore, the water is not artificially enriched with oxygen.
Ebrina van der Bijl
Ebrina is a nutritionist with a deep commitment to healthy eating and a sustainable lifestyle, based in beautiful Portugal. Her passion for natural and organic products is at the heart of her work. With a background in Nutrition & Dietetics and experience in product development and writing, she translates complex scientific information into practical advice for a balanced lifestyle.
Sources used
- Zhao, H., Wang, M., Peng, X., Zhong, L., Liu, X., Shi, Y., Li, Y., Chen, Y., & Tang, S. (2023). Fish consumption in multiple health outcomes: an umbrella review of meta-analyses of observational and clinical studies. Annals Of Translational Medicine, 11(3), 152. https://doi.org/10.21037/atm-22-6515
- Tiano, J., De Borger, E., Paradis, S., Bradshaw, C., Morys, C., Pusceddu, A., Ennas, C., Soetaert, K., Puig, P., Masqué, P., & Sciberras, M. (2024). Global meta‐analysis of demersal fishing impacts on organic carbon and associated biogeochemistry. Fish And Fisheries, 25(6), 936–950. https://doi.org/10.1111/faf.12855
- Nutrition Center. (n.d.). Fish. https://www.voedingscentrum.nl/encyclopedie/vis.aspxONVZ#blokhoe-kun-je-vis-het-beste-bewaren ?
