NSW’s 10 best fish and chip shops
Summer is all about sun, sand and a salty basket of perfectly cooked fish and chips. Here’s where you can score 10 of the best feeds.
NSW
Don't miss out on the headlines from NSW. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Nothing says summer like a yellow-hued dinner of piping hot, salty chips and perfectly cooked fish by the beach.
An unofficial summertime delicacy, fish and chips are a staple of the Australian beachside experience - and anyone who’s found a good fish and chip shop will swear it’s the best fried feed they’ve ever had.
But whether you like your fish battered, crumbed or grilled, your chips light or heavy on the chicken salt- or a fish cocktail, calamari ring or scallop or two- we’ve rounded up NSW’s best fish and chips institutions.
If you know a place that does it better, let us know in the comments.
SYDNEY
BONDI’S BEST, BONDI
Tucking into some crispy fish and chips at Australia’s most famous beach is arguably a summertime staple- so you’d better make sure you get the best fishy feed in the area.
For eco-friendly fans, everyone at Bondi’s best is sustainably sourced, but not at the expense of the portion sizes, which are huge.
And there’s plenty of other menu items if you’re not in the mood for the standard takeaway- sushi, sashimi, miso soup, sweet potato fries and greens are available alongside calamari, beer battered fish and potato scallops.
WHERE: 39-53 Campbell Parade, North Bondi
OCEAN FOODS, DRUMMOYNE
“The best fish and chips in the universe” is a brave slogan but Ocean Foods has dozens of awards to prove it.
The Drummoyne based restaurant has been feeding Inner West residents for more than 30 years, with over a century of experience in the fish and chip industry passed down, including a family batter recipe.
Ocean Foods uses fresh Australian and New Zealand seafood, and not a single bit is frozen.
And if you’re after more than fish and chips or old school classes like seafood sticks and battered savs, they also have a selection of wine, beer and creamy gelato.
WHERE: 154 Lyons Road, Drummoyne
FISHMONGERS MANLY
Parked just around the corner from Manly’s Main Beach is the one of the Lower North Shore’s many fried seafood joints- but this one comes with an Asian twist.
Fishmongers serves gourmet, sustainably caught MSC-certified fish, and hand cut their chips- plus their tempura battered or grilled fish and chips come with some crunchy sweet potato strips sprinkled on top.
For anyone craving something green, they also serve tempura veggies with soy dipping sauce.
WHERE: Shop 4/11-27 Wentworth St, Manly NSW 2095
OCEAN MASTER SEAFOOD, NEWPORT
A classic fish and chip shop in the Newport Beach area, you’ll find all the takeaway staples right across from the sand and surf.
Staff cook everything in rice bran oil, a healthier alternative to regular oil, and you can see right into the kitchen as they cook you a feed of wild-caught hake, the shop’s fish of choice, or a burger if you’re after something different.
And it’s cheap as chips too- a slab of battered fish, pile of chips with lemon and tartare sauce costs just $12.90.
WHERE: 385 Barrenjoey Rd, Newport NSW 2106
NORTH COAST
SCOTTIE’S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT, NEWCASTLE
What started as a fish and chip shop near Newcastle Beach in the 1950s has become a relaxed restaurant institution beloved by Novocastrians and beyond.
The family-owned venue, which is parked between the regional city’s most popular beaches, serves up freshly and sustainably caught fish and seafood, seeing their menu change regularly depending on what’s in season.
It’s all sourced from local fishermen where possible too.
You can grab a classic takeaway fish and chips, but there’s plenty more on the menu if you decide to dine in at one of the restaurant’s outdoor tables with a cool drink or two.
WHERE: 36 Scott Street, Newcastle East NSW 2300
MIKE’S SEAFOOD, PORT MACQUARIE
Anyone who finds themselves in Port Macquarie knows a short walk into the CBD will land you in front of the city’s best fish and chips.
Proudly self titled as “Port Macquarie’s best fish and chips” Mike’s serves hoki, dory, perch, barramundi and locally caught perch.
While their batter recipe is a closely guarded secret, you can also have your fish grilled or crumbed just the way you like it.
Mike’s is also perfect for a bulk feed, offering huge combinations and bulk packs to fill the bellies of every family member.
WHERE: 4/13 Hay St, Port Macquarie NSW 2444
FISHHEADS, BYRON BAY
Ten steps off Byron Bay’s Main Beach will land you at a combined community pool, seafood restaurant and beachfront takeaway- perfect for your fish and chips fix.
Housed inside Byron’s original Bathers Pavilion, the menu is almost 100 per cent seafood.
Whether you want your yellow feast fried, battered or crumbed, you can order it from the takeaway counter- but for those after a more up-market feed, the restaurant serves everything from lobster to salt and pepper squid, and they even have an oyster bar.
And for fans of a tipple, you can try a paddle of beverages from local distilleries.
WHERE: 1 Jonson St, Byron Bay NSW 2481
SOUTH COAST
LEVENDI, WOLLONGONG
If a casual feed with water views in the heart of Wollongong Harbour is what you’re after, look no further.
The kiosk has been family owned and operated since 2006, serving up their locally loved fish and chips along with other tasty meals.
Levendi serves fish grilled or battered, and they sell a meal and variety packs to cater to your seafood cravings.
For a sweet treat afterwards, there’s also gelato.
WHERE: Cliff Rd, Wollongong NSW 2500
SOMETHING SEAFOOD, CALLALA BAY
Award-winning seafood isn’t just confined to the city areas, with Something Seafood taking out the statewide prize at the 2021 Great Australian Fish and Chip Awards recently.
The Callala Bay shop was voted NSW’s best fish and chip shop by residents, so there’s something in the light batter or special marinade which makes this fishy feed gold class.
Fresh sushi packs and local prawn and oyster trays are also up for purchase if a standard fish and chips won’t cut it.
WHERE: 2/57-59 Emmett Street Callala Bay, NSW, Australia 2540
PELICAN ROCKS RESTAURANT AND CAFE
The South Coast is home to another award-winning fish and chip shop.
Boasting half a dozen awards for their fish and chips over the years- most recently winning Wotif’s Best Chips in NSW in October- Pelican Rocks has been offering Shoalhaven locals and surrounds water views and delicious takeaway for more than 40 years.
Whether you choose to eat in at the restaurant or grab a takeaway box, the portions are big and the seafood is fresh.
Besides grilled or battered fish and crispy chips, they also know their way around an oyster, serving them six different ways.
WHERE: 115 Greenwell Point Road Greenwell Point, NSW, Australia 2540
Boy suffering medical episode ditched after fiery chase: police
Police allege a trio of young offenders fled a burning car after a Mid-North Coast break-in and pursuit, leaving behind a 14-year-old suffering from a medical episode. Here’s what we know.
Flash flooding fears after ‘severe’ thunderstorms
A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Sydney, with flash flooding fears after the city has copped a soaking.