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:
Linger Over Asian-fusion Fare
Relax under the peppermint trees with a delicious cocktail in hand at Blue Manna Bistro on Cyrillean Way in Dunsborough. This stylish restaurant is alive with the buzz of conversation as locals and visitors alike settle into polished wood surrounds at black table settings, under the watchful eye of the resident crab adorning the wall.
Perhaps linger over a leisurely lunch in the large alfresco area, while delving into Asian fusion fare like market fish tacos with tomato and avocado salsa and chilli soy, before sharing a crispy whole fish with hot and sour salad, toasted peanuts and tamarind three-flavour chilli sauce.
Abundance of Fresh Seafood
Fishing for great seafood in the heart of Melbourne's CBD? Head along Collins Street to find Box Seafood Restaurant, where an elegant interior of white-clothed tables set with flowers, vibrant artwork and plush drapes set the scene for reeling in fresh fish and shellfish, creatively prepared by a dedicated team of Chefs for your pleasure.
Drawing from an abundance of fresh produce and regional wines, expect to salivate over starters of a King prawn cocktail, served with orange segments and housemade cocktail sauce; then cast your net over mains of classic beer-battered fish and chips with a side salad, tartar sauce and lemon wedges.
30 Years of Fresh Fish
Dishing up the freshest seafood and Mediterranean cuisine to Marrickville foodies for more than 30 years, head into Gribbels on Illawarra Road for the best fish and chips in town. Step into a coastal vibe of aqua and admire pictures of delicious seafood on the walls and in front of your eyes with fresh catches waiting to be hooked for a tasty meal.
Dine in with family and friends and enjoy a glass of wine or craft beer with entrées like grilled scallops or garlic mussels, with a side of garlic bread; then anchor your memorable meal with perfectly cooked barramundi, salad and chips, or a signature lobster spaghetti in Gribbels’ tomato sauce.
Contemporary Seafood and Local Produce
Drawing inspiration from the distinct flavours of Asia, Latin America and the Mediterranean, locals and visitors alike are treated to contemporary seafood and fresh local produce at Kelp Restaurant on River Street in Ballina. Beginning life as the fish and chip shop next door, Kelp is the love child of three childhood friends who combined the takeaway with a trendy restaurant that showcases succulent seafood in surrounds of timber bifold windows, painted brick and a well-stocked bar.
Join a lively lunch crowd for a seafood basket of tempura salmon, crumbed calamari, prawn cutlet, crumbed oysters, taramasalata, chips and ponzu; or dine in the evening on fish fingers, green peas, herb emulsion and green tomato ketchup, or mussels with tomato bisque broth, jicama, herb salad and grilled sourdough.
Waterfront Seafood Dining
Take in stunning sunsets over the water with a cocktail in hand at The Wharf Bar & Kitchen on Marina Parade in St Helens. You can’t get any more waterfront than this locally-loved venue on Tasmania’s east coast, settle in and watch boats glide into the marina over azure blue seas from the alfresco area, or indoors where a full glass frontage offers similar vistas.
Whether looking for somewhere special to celebrate an occasion, or just a drink and bite to eat expect fresh, local seasonal menus showcasing tender steak, seafood and pasta plates. Don’t go past tuna tartare to start with fresh avocado and cucumber, before The Wharf seafood frenzy with oysters, prawns, squid, tuna, beer-battered fish and half a lobster.
