There’s nothing more summer than crunching into a piece of battered fish to the sounds of seagulls and undulating waves. And you’ll find no better place to do that than Paper Fish: the brand new fish and chip joint attached to the Stokehouse precinct.
Some background: in 2014, St Kilda institution Stokehouse – a beautifully restored ’20s building – was ravaged by a fire. Soon, the restaurant will rise from the ashes as a sleek new space overlooking the water. This time, it’s bringing some friends along too; adjoining the building will be Pontoon – a more casual dining space, which will feature an 18-metre bar and grill – and Paper Fish, a cute fish and chip shop facing directly onto the St Kilda boardwalk, with Port Phillip Bay views for days.
The first cab off the rank is Paper Fish. Don’t be fooled by its diminutive size: this little eatery is packing some big ideas. The entire precinct is the first of its type to receive a Design and Built 5-Star Green rating, and this Earth-friendly ethos extends to every aspect of Paper Fish. Sustainable seafood is the go here, with your choice of grilled or tempura fried gummy, flathead, blue grenadier or salmon. They’re served with chips in a cone made from recycled paper (no styrofoam here!), with a cute fishy design by Melbourne artist Beci Orpin. Pair that with a refreshing cucumber, mint, coriander and lime salad, and stock up on tasty extras like Japanese potato cakes, coconut prawn tacos or semolina dusted calamari.
Drinks-wise, quench your summer thirst with a range of sweet granitas (spiked with vodka or gin, if you’re up for it) or Balter beer or Barokes wine in a can. Then, grab a seat under the palm tree, let your feet sink into the sand, and watch the sun set over the bay.
