Fish and chips. They’re pretty much our national tucker and as such we’re sure this list will be hotly contested. We all have a beloved local. We’re all fiercely loyal to our day-one corner shop. So, when it comes to a definitive list, we’re careful about who makes the cut. Alas, there can be only a chosen few destined for the immortal halls of 09 fish and chip supremacy. So without further ado, here are the official Urban List picks for the best fish and chips shops in Auckland.
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Fish & Chip Shop
Takapuna Beach Cafe, Takapuna, Auckland
Image credit: Fish & Chip Shop | Nathan Thomas
When we heard the legends at Takapuna Beach Cafe will be serving up fish and chips beach-side we were beyond excited. Opening on 11 October, the pop-up Fish & Chip Shop, will be slingin' the classics like battered and crumbed fish, sausages, fritters and calamari plus specials like fish sliders, chip butty, oyster butty (featuring bread from Knead On Benson), prawn toast and Valhrona ganache doughnuts with gelato through the summer months until 6 April. Choiiiice.
Newton Fish & Chippery
270 Great North Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland
A little gem amongst the rough and busy. Minding its own business on Great North Road, Newton Fish & Chippery is probably a place you’ve passed a million times but always mean to try. Well, here’s your sign.
They serve up classic fish and chips done right, and it’s one of the only options near Uptown now that Rhylees has closed (R.I.P.) It's a perfect spot for a quick and tasty takeaway on your way home or a casual weekend lunch. Next time you’re coming in or heading out, make sure you make the stop.
41 Melanesia Road, Kohimarama, Auckland
Tipene's Fish And Chips Takeaways
648b New North Road, Morningside, Auckland
No doubt about it, Tipene's Takeaways is one of Morningside's best-kept secrets. You'll find this veritable diamond in the fish and chip rough tucked away on New North Road but don't let its curious location fool you.
Serving up the freshest fish landed daily, along with perfectly cooked chips and deep-fried doughnuts, you'll be thanking your stars for having found this wee neighbourhood gem. And with various British sides, including mushy peas and curry sauce, you can splash on some Sarson's vinegar for a real taste of the Mother Country.
Nana's Fish House
36 Stoddard Road, Wesley, Auckland
Image credit: Nana's Fish House | Instagram
A local fave and go-to for many, Nana's Fish House is undoubtedly an Auckland chippy all-star. Fresh, flaky fish. Impossibly crispy chips. Man, the twisted fries alone are worth a visit. And all this with a side of some of the loveliest service in town. It’s easy to see why this Mt. Roskill spot made our coveted list. Plus, it’s all halal.
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Epsom Fresh Fish & Chips Co.
297 Manukau Road, Epsom, Auckland
The beloved Epsom Fresh Fish & Chips Co. keeps fish and chips cheap and cheerful because that’s what we all know and love! A glance at the reviews will show that this fried goodness in the heart of Epsom blows away first-timers and loyal customers alike (the Kumara chips are Urban List certified out-of-this-world ).
Fresh fish and perfect crisp without frying your wallet. Does it get any batter better?
The Seafood Collective
Unit C6, 59/71 Lunn Avenue, Mount Wellington, 55 Tamaki Drive, Mission Bay & 438 Mount Eden Road, Mount Eden, Auckland
Image credit: The Seafood Collective | Facebook
The Seafood Collective is shaking things up with premium seafood that won't break the bank. Think next-level burgers, fish tacos, and build-your-own seafood platters. These guys are the real deal, and with locations across Auckland, there's no excuse not to treat yourself.
The Brewers Co-Operative
128-132 Victoria Street West, Auckland CBD
If craft beer and fish and chips are a match made in gastro heaven, The Brewers Co-operative is here to answer your prayers.
Smack bang in the CBD, this modernised chippy is perfect for city workers needing a bite or friends on a day out wanting something to share. Pair a new drop with something you know and love wrapped in good old-fashioned newspaper. For something a little different, choose the fish burger, fish curry, or fish tacos.
FishSmith
200 Jervois Road, Herne Bay, Auckland
Image credit: FishSmith | Facebook
A community institution and definite favourite after a cool summer dip at Sentinel Beach, this next local gem is the crème de la crème of fish and chips. Perhaps, one of Auckland’s very best (an 11/10, even).
Fish tacos, white fritters, quinoa salad, and soft shell crab burgers; FishSmith is fish and chips Herne Bay style. With no deep-fried moros in sight, FishSmith offers a healthy version of our favourite ‘greasy’ takeaway. You can pick up fresh fillets to cook at home or get them to do it for a couple of extra dollars. Either way, it’s worth every cent.
The Local
151 Ocean View Road, Oneroa, Waiheke Island
On Waiheke for the weekend and need somewhere to eat? Why not partner a rosé with some fresh fish, crispy chips and a white-sand island beach? The Local is a Waiheke stalwart with a fantastic selection of beer and wine. That’s right, you can dine in if you prefer your fish and chips without a side of sand.
A side note that puts the classics aside: The Local’s wild boar sausage is a game-changer. This premium-quality sausage is battered in its natural casing and provides a crispy yet juicy 10/10 experience.
The Fish & Chip Shop
83 Great South Road, Epsom, 160 Sandringham Road, Sandringham & 127 West End Road, Westmere, Auckland
Props are due her for the pan-fried panko instead of the usual deep-fried action we’re used to. The Fish & Chip Shop is somewhere between greasy and glam and has some of Auckland's best fish and chips. Perfectly positioned in Epsom, Sandringham and Westmere, any local can get in the car and get amongst their homemade fritters and superstar Thai fish cakes.
Big J’s Takeaways
4/1 Melton Road, Mt Wellington, Auckland
Yeah, that burger place. Yeah, the burgers that are bigger than your face. Yes, they’re delicious. But the fish 'n' chips at Big J’s also deserve a mention.
Choose from dory or snapper and your preference of salt—we recommend chicken salt if you’re a closet Maggi noodle fan. Just don’t expect any grilling action at Big J’s—this is a deep-fried indulgence and unashamedly so. Go the grease.
Oceanz
Albany, Botany, Henderson, Mission Bay & New Lynn
Oceanz sure knows a thing or two about fish. They’re our industry experts on the list—the seafood moguls, if you will.
While a wide range of top-class kaimoana is available, their fish and chips keep us coming back again and again. In fact, their batter and fry are so good that they now have multiple awards to their name.
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Main image credit: Urban List | Wono Kim
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