Whoever it was that decided to throw a few pieces of fried potato next to a fish possibly needs to have been awarded a Nobel Prize of some sort. Fish and chips have become one of the great dishes, and with a country that is girt by sea we have access to some of the best fishing in the world, and of course, we have the best chefs available to cook it up for us.
Whether you’re out on the bay, or down on the south coast, here are Melbourne’s best fish and chip shops.
D’lish Fish
Port Melbourne
Think of your local milk bar you used to go to after school with friends that you never grew out of. By serving up fish so fresh and local it’s like you swam out and caught it yourself. It’s no wonder how D’lish Fish came up with their accurate and catchy name.
And sure, you can go with a classic banana fritter, but because we’re friends, we’ll tell you now that you’re going to order the deep-fried Nutella ball (or 7) and you’re not going to regret it.
Paper Fish
St Kilda
The beach has been the setting for roughly sixty-thousand percent of all fish and chip consumption in Australia. No longer do we worry about how much sand we’ve consumed as it's been blown onto our meal. So what better place to put a fish and chip shop. Stokehouse is about as excited as we are for the introduction of Paper Fish with their healthy and environmentally-friendly ways of life.
Why not treat yourself to an ice-cold granita to accompany your meal? Just make sure you drink it before it melts.
Fish & Chippery by The Atlantic
Southbank
The team that brought you The Atlantic has brought you the Fish & Chippery! Whose motto might as well be: ‘what even is a freezer?’ because they’re so gosh, darn fresh. And if you’re sweating bullets because you’re worried about your body being bathing-suit ready, you can finally forget the antiperspirant (not encouraged) because you can grill all of your fish for a healthier option.
Tommy Ruff
Various Locations
Tommy Ruff is kind of like the fish and chip equivalent of a hug. This family-feeling eatery that serves beer is—for sure—redefining the traditional means of fast food. And with more than 30 years experience on the deep fryer, you're sure to get the perfect serving.
Hunky Dory
Multiple locations
This Hunky is certainly Dory. All of the classics are here—fish, chips, dim sims, potato cakes and calamari rings, but you can also pick up some grilled salmon if the mood takes you. So, awesome. The burgers are of generous size and the salads are super, well super.
Tank Fish & Chippery
Carlton & Emporium Melbourne
Think of Tank when you want the fish taco to end all cravings. As far as fish and chips go, Tank has thought ahead and provided sustainable catches that are awesome quality.
Richmond Oysters
Richmond & Oakleigh
Richmond Oysters have a restaurant and takeaway menu and when you thought they had nothing left to offer, they have extensive catering of seafood platters.
Fish Tank
Brighton
Specialising in Australian and New Zealand fishing, Fish Tank produces only the best quality for its customers. You’re also more than welcome to buy fresh fish to take home and bbq, and if you’re stuck the friendly staff are there to help with any cooking questions you may have.
Oakleigh Fish & Chippery
Oakleigh
Having been around for 32 years, Oakleigh Fish & Chippery certainly knows how to put together an A grade fish and chip pack. Grab your fish and chips in classic (mock) newspaper and you'll feel like you've gone back in time. Also worth picking up a jam donut while you're there.
Hooked
Hawthorn, Fitzroy & Windsor
Now with three stores, Hooked have been serving up delicious lunch boxes for ten years now, and they only set you back a cool $10. There's also of course freshly made salads and your usual fare of chips and potato cakes to throw in on the side.
Need A Fish & Chip Fix That's Out Of The City?
San Remo Fisherman’s Co-operative
San Remo
If you’re heading down to Phillip Island and after the best beach-treat, you can’t go past San Remo Fisherman’s Co-op. Watch the boats sail in and stare at the pelicans as eat your fish, all the while in the line of the great ocean view.
Geelong Boat House
Geelong
You'll find Geelong Boat House on the end of a barge at the western end of the Geelong waterfront. While you can, of course, grab takeaway, it's worth setting yourself up on the gangplank or upstairs on the bridge deck and enjoy the great bay views as you hoe into a box of Geelong's finest.
The Wharf Commons
Port Fairy
Only opening in 2016, The Wharf Commons has quickly established itself as a top location for fish and chips. Port Fairy has great access to fresh fish of all kinds, and you'll find plenty of it here. It's also worth considering throwing them $10 for a box of delicious buttermilk fried chicken, can't go wrong.
Wildfish
Port Albert
An award-winning restaurant on the edge of the docks in historic Port Albert. Expect fish fresh off the boats that are lined up right next to the restaurant, and with plenty of eat in and takeaway options, you'll definitely be keen to head back to Port Albert again and again.
Have some of these rural restaurants tickled your fancy? Well, you may as well head on a road trip. Find out guide for the best places to go right here.
Image credit: Paper Fish | Griffin Simm
