Capalaba fish and chip shop crowned best in the business

A renowned family-owned eatery on Brisbane’s bayside has just been crowned Queensland’s best fish and chip shop.

THE answer to the most Queensland question of all: ‘where’s the best fish and chip shop?’ is here. Literally.

The Redlands is officially home to the state’s best fish and chip shop — a family-owned eatery in Capalaba.

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Costa’s Seafood Cafe is less than a year old but has been crowned the state’s best at this year’s Fisheries Research Development Corporation Australian Fish and Chips Awards.

But while the shop might be new, the Tapinos family has been working on their tricks of the trade for three decades.

Dad Costa was the man behind one of Brisbane’s most iconic eateries — Harry’s Fine Foods on Petrie Terrace, just off Caxton St.

Costa’s son Michael said the store, which is still in existence, was a favourite for anyone visiting Lang Park (now Suncorp Stadium).

“He gets a lot of old rugby players who know him, or police officers. He knows a lot of people.

“It was the only place open after 10pm.”

Costa Tapinos opened Harry’s Fine Foods near Caxton St more than 30 years ago. Picture: Heather Faulkner

Michael said he and his brothers Chris and Jason grew up in take away shops and cafes, with the family having owned multiple food businesses around Brisbane over the years.

Most recently they ran Marine World Seafood Cafe at Tingalpa.

Michael said his family was honoured to receive the ultimate industry title.

“We were over the moon, there was a lot of fist pumping in the shop from all the staff (when we found out),” he said.

“A lot of hard work went into it by staff and the customers who got behind us. We are so grateful for the support.”

Costa's Seafood cafe owners Maria, Chris and Costa Tapinos at their award-winning Capalaba shop.

Their gold medal menu includes fresh snapper from North Queensland, Moreton Bay bugs caught just kilometres from the store, and prawns from Tin Can Bay.

However Michael said it was the finishing touches from mum Marie that made things special.

“We have six different salads homemade by my mum each day, and a lot of Greek desserts.”

But when it comes to cooking the fish, it’s dad who knows best.

“The best way to do it is exactly the way he tells you to do it!” Michael said.

“But the best thing he’s shared with us is his work ethic.”

Michael said the secret to good fish was to let it drain after frying, and to make sure the oil is hot enough when cooking chips.

As for whether or not to add chicken salt, Michael says “absolutely yes!”