The Best Fish & Chips in Sydney: A Seafood Lover’s Guide

We know, you know (and the seagulls most definitely know) that a Sydney summer isn’t complete without long, balmy evenings spent munching on the best seafood in the world (Australian, naturally). 

Next time the weather turns up, make a beeline for the closest beach with a box of salty, crispy-fried seafood and make all your northern hemisphere buddies exceedingly jealous. From Balmoral to Bondi, here’s where to head for the best fish and chips in Sydney.

Fish Shop

A little swankier than the greasy neighbourhood joints of yesteryear, this North Bondi hot spot adds some upscale umph to Australia’s favoured summer takeaway. From the team behind seafood sensation Fishbowl, Fish Shop’s dine-in menu leans Mediterranean, extending past the battered fillets to prawn sambal rolls, scampi pasta and mussel toast on A.P Bakery sourdough.

They don't mess with the classics though, battering and frying fresh local fish served with crispy fries, tartare, and lemon for takeaway. Best enjoyed beachside, grab a box and head down to the shore for the quintessential Sydney fish and chip experience.

17 Warners Avenue, Bondi Beach

Promenade Bondi Beach

Fancy dining on restaurant-quality fish & chips whilst sitting atop the soft sand of one of the world's most famous beaches? The kiosk at Promenade Bondi Beach will sort you out. Your takeaway goodies will come straight from the same kitchen that delivers top-notch bites to Promenade Bondi Beach's main dining room. Yummo! 

Shop 4, Bondi Pavillion, Queen Elizabeth Drive 

Watsons Bay Hotel

With one of the city’s best views, it’s easy to picture yourself lounging harbourside over a long summer’s afternoon with a rosé in one hand and an oyster in the other. The seafood offering at the Watson’s Bay Hotel is perfectly curated to satiate a range of appetites; from prawn linguine and smoked trout salad to seafood pie and slow-roasted pink snapper (and a myriad more). Your salty, briny cravings will always be met.

For creatures of habit fear not, their classic fish 'n chips remain a firm favourite. New Zealand Gurnard is battered, fried, and served as crispy as they come with the fish inside still buttery and tender. As for the chips, they’re thin, crunchy, and seasoned to perfection. Need we say more?

1 Military Road, Watsons Bay

Out of the Blue

Tasty and dependable, Out of the Blue is about as true an example of a classic fish and chip shop as you'll find. It’s cheap, cheerful, and family-run - just as good a takeaway joint should be. Serving up arguably the best fish and chips in Sydney under $20, OTB keeps it tight and tasty offering a choice between hake and sustainably sourced New Zealand hoki (opt for the latter, trust us) to accompany its perfectly golden chips.

Grilled and gluten-free options are also available as well as moreish seafood bites that make for the perfect starter – think Tassie scallops, marinated octopus, and prawn cutlets.

2/272 Clovelly Road, Coogee

The Newport

A Northern Beaches favourite, The Newport by Merivale is made up of a handful of food stalls that give the venue a chilled, marketplace vibe. The sprawling outdoor deck is the perfect spot to perch on a sunny day, with a bucket of fresh prawns or a dozen freshly shucked oysters as the ultimate opening act.

For your fish and chips fix, you’ll want to make a beeline for The Shack, whose delectable golden, beer-battered fillets are up there with the best. Paired with your classic combo of chips and tartare sauce, you can be sure of a fresh catch and deliciously crispy spuds every time.

2 Kalinya Street, Newport 

Fishmongers Bondi

Hand. Cut. Chips. Are you salivating yet? Fishmongers has both locals and visitors besotted. With a range of sides that aren’t limited to potato scallops, punters can add brown rice, steamed veggies or a salad to their order, appealing to the ever-health-conscious Bondi-ite. Opt for the house’s battered fish and chips (or rice, if you prefer) or the octopus and calamari boxes.

57-59 Beach Road, Bondi Beach

Costi's Fish and Chips

When it comes to the best fish and chips in Sydney, you really can't go past Costi's. With four locations across the city, Costi's are well known for their fresh and delicious fish and chips. They also have a huge variety of grilled fish, gourmet salads, and poke bowls, as well as the traditional battered fish and chips, crumbed calamari rings, prawn cutlets, battered seafood sticks and crispy fish cocktails. 

Multiple locations 

Ocean Foods

With three generations in the business, it’s safe to say that these guys know all there is about providing fresh seafood, day in and day out. A gem of the Inner West, Ocean Foods is renowned for its dedication to fresh produce and is consistently packed with patrons desperate to get their hands on a potato scallop and barbequed baby octopus. We recommend teaming the classic fish and chips with the prawn seafood salad.

154 Lyons Road, Drummoyne

Salmon and Bear

For fish and chip lovers on the North Shore, get yourself to Salmon and Bear in Crows Nest, pronto. Run by hospitality veteran Joe Ward, most of the goodies here are cooked in a Spanish-inspired Mibrasa oven - a coal-fired oven that uses fire and heat to impart a delicate smokey flavour.

It means your fish will have crunchy, crispy skin on the outside while it's perfectly moist, almost poached on the inside. While the menu is full of standouts (think fish pie and Sicilian fish stew), you can't go wrong with their classic fish and chips with battered hake, thick-cut chips and tartare sauce.

 Shop5/105 Willoughby Road, Crows Nest 

Bottom of the Harbour

Keeping true to its postcode, Bottom of the Harbour is chic, and low-key and boasts idyllic views across the harbour. For a healthy dose of summer nostalgia, opt for the classic beer-battered fish and chips. It’s always fresh, always tasty, and perfect for munching on the sand.

The grilled prawn or octopus skewer is popular with those wanting to avoid fried food as well as plenty of non-seafood and vegetarian options for those who require it. Pick up your haul, rinse your hands in the ocean and get settled in by the water’s edge. Could a more Australian meal exist?

21 The Esplanade, Balmoral

Had a taste of all the best options and chips in Sydney and after more delish takeaway meals? Check out our edit of the best sandwiches in Sydney. Then have a read of our wrap-up of the best food trucks in Sydney.