Batter Up - 5 Places to Net Friday Fish and Chips!

The tradition of buying and sharing paper-wrapped bundles of battered fish and fried chips is deep-rooted in Australian culture – for many, it is part of growing up and a Friday night institution.

Greek migrant Athanasias Comino is often credited with introducing the takeaway meal in Australia, opening our first fish and chip shop in 1879 on Sydney’s Oxford Street. Last year, there were an estimated more than 4000 fish and chips shops across the country.

Whether you are looking for a takeaway fix or to dine in at your favourite seafood restaurant, there is a fish and chip option to suit all tastes and budgets.

Here are five to net your catch next Friday:

No visit to the Macedon Ranges is complete without refuelling and recharging at country-style bistro Millfield Café on Inglis Street in Ballan. A cottage vibe awaits with an enticing garden courtyard ideal for soaking up the rays on balmy days while catching up with family and friends over a brew; while indoors warm up by the cosy open fire in chilly months while perusing a rotating menu showcasing local produce, wine and spirits.

 

Throw out a line for a gin-cured ocean trout bagel with dill cream cheese, or chow down on Chef’s fish and chips – battered white fish with chips, housemade tartar, lemon and minted mushy peas - pasta lovers opt for boscaiola with spaghetti, bacon, onion, mushroom, confit garlic and white wine cream sauce. Perhaps confit garlic roasted chicken breast hits the mark, served with sweet potato Dauphinoise, seasonal greens and red wine jus.

Inspired by freshness and simplicity, discerning Sydney foodies head to Fourth Fish on Darling Street in Rozelle to appease serious seafood cravings. Sit streetside on balmy days and watch the world pass by, or head indoors where a stylish vibe of dark wood table settings, white tiles and a curved counter set the scene for inspired dining on all things from the ocean. 

 

A strong, diverse menu offers well-executed seafood classics together with modern dishes that are clean, edgy and fresh; think starters like char-grilled octopus, grilled chorizo, orange salad and extra virgin olive oil. Anchor your meal with a main of battered wild-caught hoki, with slaw and sweet potato chips, or grilled gold ban snapper fillet with sides of steamed greens and truffle mashed potato.

Primely positioned in Port Macquarie’s Clarence House, Bills Fishhouse + Bar dons a casual urbanity, which echoes throughout the well-designed space. Modern simplicity best describes this eatery and its carefully curated sea-to-plate menu, with a focus on staying true to fresh, seasonal ingredients and uncomplicated eating. 

 

From delectable oysters and whole baked fish to quality produce from local suppliers, char-grilled is the main weapon of choice in the kitchen; while behind the bar there’s a local line-up of craft beer on tap, crafty cocktails and an all-NSW wine list. A foodie’s paradise with a buzzing vibe, Bills is the place for a shared feast, a special occasion, casual evening drink or tasty bite after work; bringing people together over a mutual love of good food, wine and times

.

A true Melbourne dining experience, enjoy the finest seafood the region has to offer at Waterfront Brighton on Church Street. With more than 100 years in hospitality, the Zampelis family welcomes guests to enjoy a unique culinary offering, dedicated to a sea-to-plate ethos with daily visits to the market to select the best oysters, pristine shellfish and fresh local seafood; served in a chic coastal vibe of polished wood, arched windows and sparkling glassware.

 

Cast your net over entrées like hiramasa kingfish carpaccio with fermented green chilli, Japanese radish and native lime, or flash-fried calamari, kohlbari salad and chilli mayo; then hook a main of beer-batter rockling, chips, housemade tartar, pickles and salad, or whole fresh New Zealand flounder, served with roasted chat potatoes and sauce grenoblaise. Perhaps the signature snapper and truffle pie tempts, served with charred tomatoes and Paris mash.

Those looking for the ultimate seafood experience in Hobart head to Mures Upper Deck on Victoria Dock. Take in breathtaking waterfront views through floor-to-ceiling glass, allowing diners to watch the sky turn pink as they relax with a chilled wine and ponder a fishing line-to-plate menu showcasing local catches at their best.

 

This family-owned business has a passion for the sea, from deckhands to the Executive Chef, the emphasis is on a fresh approach to à la carte dining, plating up starters of smoked fish chowder with blue eye stock, smoked hot warehou and a selection of fresh seafood; for the main, don’t go past Mures wild fish and chips with almond and Panko crumbed blue eye trevalla, fennel orange salad and seasoned potato chips.