In all the days we’ve penned words for The Urban List, the most hotly contested opinion is, without question, where to find the best fish and chips on the Sunshine Coast.
Everyone has a fave or foe, and you lot don’t hold back when you let us know. No siree!
With that in mind, we’re very aware we’re putting our reputation on the line when making a bold claim that we’ve found a hot new contender for the tastiest fish and chips on the Sunshine Coast crown. Yep, Saltwater, a new gem on the river at Mooloolaba, has got to be the coolest little fish and chippery to descend on our sunny shores in yonks.
Opening its doors a few short days ago, this Hamptons-style, casual seafood restaurant is getting our attention for all the right reasons. From its cute blue and white awning to the nautica-themed interior—think: boats, white panelling, exposed beams—and open kitchen, one look and you’ll be falling for this place before you’ve even sampled the menu.
Brought to us by husband and wife team Tony and Melissa Kelly, the folks behind Sunshine Coast faves like Junk and Hello Harry, Saltwater is the newest notch in the belt for these savvy restaurateurs. Nabbing a prime posi fronting Mooloolah River, as part of The Wharf redevelopment, we can’t think of a better location to munch on crunchy golden chips and trawler-to-plate fish.
Re-inventing the spirit of fish and chips has been the goal with the couple’s newest venture, and as a licensed venue it’s going to be somewhere you want to hang out at, rather than grabbing your takeaway and running. Although, you can totally do that too.
The hybrid menu cleverly offers everything from the super affordable classics, like $10 fish and chips or a $3 chip butty (yep, picture a fresh slice of white bread, lathered with butter and piled with hot chips) to more luxe bistro-style dishes, like spaghettini with local crab, garlic, chilli, parsley and lemon or the Mooloolaba Prawn and local fish risotto. But it’s all been designed with affordability and substantial servings in mind, which is a hallmark in all the restaurants these guys are behind.
There’s even a raw section, featuring Walker Seafood sashimi tuna with Bonito soy, lemon and olive oil or ready-to-be-shucked Pacific Oysters—served natural, with ponzu, young ginger and fresh lime, or Kilpatrick. Basically, it’s the stuff you’ll want to eat all summer long.
And while the food and location are clearly the pinnacle of Saltwater, we have to mention the beauty of a fish and chippery drinks list that doesn’t just contain soft drinks. In fact, with glasses (and bottles) of prosecco, rose, pinot grigio and real-deal champagne, these guys can take your Friday night meal to a whole new level.
Now open seven days a week, from 11.30am until 9pm, we’re already picturing many summer nights here, sitting under festoon lights and taking in the stunning water views all while devouring fresh, local seafood. Feeling it? Round up the fam, and head on over to The Wharf to check out Saltwater in the flesh, stat. You need this joint in your life, seriously.
The Details
What: Saltwater Fish & Chippery
When: Seven days 11.30am – 9pm,
Where: The Wharf Mooloolaba, 123 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba
Looking for more spots to visit this summer? Check out Pier 33, one of the best restaurants in Mooloolaba to open in 2017.
Image credit: Amy Higg for The Urban List