Sydney's got a big chip on its shoulder, and it's fried to perfection
If you want a fuss-free feed come rain or shine, nothing beats golden, crisp, flaky battered fish and a hearty serving of chips. But what makes a really excellent fish supper? It's the quality of the batter through to the cut of the chip, the potatoes used and even the seasonings and sauces – are you for ketchup, vinegar, chicken salt, tartare or simply a squeeze of lemon juice? And it comes down to how fresh the fish is, of course.
There’s a lot that goes into getting it just right and a wide gulf between the catch of the day and yesterday's chip paper. Time Out Sydney's local food writers have scoured the city to put together a list of the best to help you net the perfect catch.
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What is it? Cracking seafood joint in Clovelly that slings wildly fresh fish burgers, battered fish and crispy chips.
Why we love it: Unpretentious, super fresh and always cracking.The battered Pacific cod comes with a bubbly crust that snaps under your fingers, and the chips are perfectly crisp.
Address: 272 Clovelly Rd, Clovelly, 2031
Time Out tip: The fish and chips come wrapped in paper, proper old-school like, so you can cart them down the hill to the beach.
What is it? This long-standing fish and chipper is right across the road from Balmoral Beach, and it’s perpetually busy no matter the weather.
Why we love it: They use only MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) approved fish here, which means that it’s come from sustainable sources. The real winner is the calamari, which is lightly crumbed and buttery.
Address: 21 The Esplanade Balmoral, Mosman, 2088
Time Out tip: Stroll across the road and watch the waves roll in while you eat, or if you prefer the feel of grass under your feet, there’s a park right next door.
What is it? A fantastical, elevated fish shop run by genius Josh Niland.
Why we love it: The good news is that on the weekends, you can also get classic fish and chips here too, to dine in or takeaway. Fish and chips by Josh Niland? Now, that’s a catch.
Address: 965 Bourke St, (Powell St), 2017
Time Out tip: Opt for battered teraglin from Terrigal, served with yoghurt tartare, chips and a lemon cheek, or grilled blue mackerel from Ulladulla.
What is it? With views over Manly Cove, both indoor and outdoor tables and just-plucked-from-the-sea fresh seafood, this is a top choice when you're craving a meal by the sea.
Why we love it: There’s really a lot to like, starting with the obvious views over Manly Cove, which are nearly good enough to make you call in sick to work and never come back. The smart, sunlit dining room is another, with lots of creams, sandy tones and expansive windows that let the sea do most of the talking. And I’m a big fan of the food, created by two former Rockpool chefs.
Address: E Esplanade, Manly NSW 2095
Time Out tip: Choose your fighter from a selection of market fish (flathead, luderick, pink ling). Fried until honey-golden and crunchy, it arrives alongside gnarly skin-on fries cooked in tallow, and banging tartare sauce pimped up with pickled Warrigal greens and malt vinegar spiked with Felons IPA. Talk about a winner.
What is it? Ocean Foods is an Inner West institution, selling fresh and cooked seafood.
Why we love it: The fish used in the fish and chips changes daily depending on the suppliers and is battered using a family recipe that’s been passed down through the generations. The result is a light, crisp coating that doesn’t dominate the flavour of the fish.
Address: 154 Lyons Road, 2047
Time Out tip: Do as the locals do and grab a box, sit out on the balcony and watch the world go by.
What is it? A family-run fish and chipper in Cronulla.
Why we love it: The tight-knit family wants everyone who comes in to feel like they’re having a meal at their home, so expect generous servings and warm hospitality. The batter is thin and crisp, which allows the fish to be the star of the show, and the chips are fluffy and crunchy – exactly how you want them to be.
Address: 136 Cronulla St, Cronulla NSW 2230
Time Out tip: Rest easy, because Paris Seafood Cafe uses fresh oil daily – which is not always the case at fish and chip shops, and makes everything to order, including the salads.
What is it: An unassuming joint in Naremburn that's reminiscent of the chippies of yore. The menu runs the whole gamut, from fish and chips to seafood baskets (the lucky-dip of the sea), Chiko Rolls, and crab claws.
Why we love it: Like the name, the prices here are old fashioned too. Anywhere you can order quality fish and chips and walk away with change from a tenner is a winner in our books.
Address: 2/286-288 Willoughby Rd, Naremburn NSW 2065
Time Out tip: Go retro and add some deep-fried pineapple for a sweet sidekick.
What is it? Led by Chef Matt Moran, this waterfront restaurant is where to go if you're craving fish and chips at a fancy spot with sweeping Bondi views.
Why we love it: Focused on fresh and seasonal produce, this has been a go-to for long lunches in Sydney since it first swung open its doors in the summer of 2013. And, it's all thanks to its winning formula: a coastal-inspired menu with a side of beautiful ocean views.
Address: 120 Ramsgate Ave, North Bondi NSW 2026
Time Out tip: Starting with a Spritz? We love the sound of the Dolce Vita Spritz (limoncello, 42 Below vodka, mandarin, bergamot and soda). Pair it with the sashimi plate, which changes daily depending on the catch of the day.
What is it? An iconic and quality fish and chippie located meters from Manly beachfront.
Why we love it: There are more options for fish and chips in Manly than you can throw a thong at, but Fishmongers stands out from the crowd. These guys also try to do the right thing by our ocean friends by selling MSC certified seafood.
Address: Shop 4, 11-27 Wentworth Street, Rialto Ln, Manly NSW 2095
Time Out tip: Hoki is dunked in a light tempura batter that enhances rather than competes with the flavour of the fish. To the side are excellent hand-cut chips that are streets ahead of the usual fare. Deep fried strips of sweet potato on top add some extra crunch.
What is it? An affordable, kid-friendly cafe in the Hawkesbury region, right on the north-western border of Sydney.
Why we love it: Tasty fish and chips, friendly service and reasonable prices are all at the top.
Address: 1 Wilberforce Rd, Freemans Reach NSW 2756
Time Out tip: There’s a playground right out the front, making it an excellent spot for a day adventure with your little ones.
What is it? Family-owned eatery Heathcote Fish & Chips has been around since 1960, serving cracking seafood, fish burgers, house made fish cakes, potato scallops and salads to those in south east Sydney.
Why we love it: Great prices, and even greater flavours.
Address: 1353 Princes Hwy, Heathcote, Sydney, 2233
Time Out tip: It's close to the stunning Heathcote National Park, which is home to a bunch of great day trails.
What is it? An elevated eatery that peddles luxe plates of fish and chips, overlooking Shelly Beach on Sydney's northern beaches.
Why we love it: Views alone make this spot worth the walk over from Manly, but the food always delivers too.
Address: Shelly Beach, 1 Marine Parade, Manly, Sydney, 2095
Time Out tip: Got a special ocassion? Head here for sunset views over the water, a cracking plate of seafood, and some bubbly booze. You won't regret it.
What is it? Sustainablity-focused, elevated and all-round quality fish shop located in Forest Lodge and Glebe's Tramsheds.
Why we love it: These guys are deeply concerned with the provenance of their products, and ensuring that there’s still plenty of fish left in the sea for future generations. Strips of New Zealand hoki come coated in a golden beer batter that’s a little on the thick side but still has a nice snap.
Address: The Crescent, Forest Lodge NSW 2037
Time Out tip: You can jazz things up by substituting regular fries for sweet potato chips. The calamari also comes from the waters of New Zealand, and like all of the seafood here, is treated with the utmost respect.
What is it? A trendy fish restaurant that blends nostalgia with modernity in a truly delightful way.
Why we love it: They claim to have the freshest fish in the Inner West and that’s something we can swim behind. It’s by the reputable team behind Portuguese patisserie Sweet Belem and all-day eatery Lunas, and we love the beer-battered ling, thick chips and tartare sauce.
Address: 3/98-106 Audley St, Petersham NSW 2049
Time Out tip: Dine in, or takeaway and head to a local park to enjoy under the trees.
What is it? A cracking waterfront restaurant overlooking beautiful Gunnamatta Bay in Cronulla. Available for takeaway only, the fish and chips feature fresh gurnard coated in a golden and crunchy beer batter, served with salted thick chips, mushy peas and a chunky tartare sauce.
Why we love it: There’s a grassy knoll right in front of Benny’s, so you can sit there and enjoy your lunch in the sunshine. Plus, there are gelato and ice-cream cones available for takeaway.
Address: 27 Tonkin St, Cronulla NSW 2230
Time Out tip: Not a local? No worries. Benny’s is a five-minute walk from the train station, making it an easy and fun day out.
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