Get That Chip Off Your Shoulder – 6 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 six to net your catch next Friday:

Cast your net over some of Sydney’s best fish and chips at Sea Cow on Victoria Street in Darlinghurst. This bustling, airy corner Sydney dining destination boasts tables alfresco for balmy days, or grab a seat at the bifold windows indoors which open onto the street and are ideal for people watching with a cold glass of wine in hand.

 

Throw out your line to hook tasty starters like chilli coriander prawns or salmon fish cakes, before sharing a whole lemon sole for the main with sides of fragrant rice, mixed salad and coleslaw, washed down with a glass of white wine.

Neighbourhood café by day, bar by night – Neesh Bar on Stanley Street knows how to have a good time! Tucked away in East Brisbane with a cool laid-back interior splashed with bright green accents, there’s a casual and fun vibe to this venue, along with fresh and honest food, sourced from local friends.

 

From breaky to dinner, the menu is inspired by an international selection of cuisines – think Middle Eastern to punchy Asian spices and Mediterranean dishes – delve into grilled salmon, potato rosti, steamed greens and Hollandaise, or hook a plate of beer-battered fish, crispy fries, garden salad, pickles and dill tartar sauce.

Sitting on the shores of the lake overlooking Ninety Mile Beach, Lake Tyers Beach Tavern is all about great food, cold brews and good times – the view is not bad, either! Situated in the coastal village of Lake Tyers Beach, this well-loved local watering hole delivers on all fronts with a spacious deck for taking in water vistas; while indoors, high wooden ceilings and vibrant artwork set the scene for inspired dining.

 

From pub classics to fresh, local seafood, there is something to tempt all tastes, perhaps starting with togarashi spiced squid, aioli, lime, coriander and spring onion; anchor your meal with battered fish, chips and salad, or prawn and mussel Kerala curry, roti and rice.

Since opening its doors, GAGE Dining Co. on Mimosa Road has firmly established itself as a leading steakhouse on the Greenfield Park dining scene. Featuring succulent steaks and delicious fare to tantalise all taste buds and nestled in Greenfield Park Shopping Village, chill out with an icy brew to peruse a menu boasting everything from chicken schnitzel to a platter of ribs.

 

Get things started with Louisana chicken hot wings or crumbed calamari rings, then cast your net over beer-battered fish with housemade tartar sauce, chips and crunchy green salad; carnivores opt for surf ‘n’ turf rump steak topped with prawns and creamy garlic sauce.

Stroll up from idyllic sandy shores and take a seat alfresco as balmy breezes rustle nearby leaves, at Wamberal Ocean View Café and Function Centre on Dover Road. This beachside venue is an ideal spot for a lazy weekend brunch or family get-together, as bi-fold windows offer spectacular ocean vistas of surfers and dolphins frolicking in the water.

Take off on a foodie wave with a seafood platter of battered fish, squid, fresh oysters and prawns, crispy fried prawns, potato sidewinders, steak cut chips, fresh salad and tartar sauce; or classic battered or crumbed fish and chips.

Find a little bit of family oyster farming history on the banks of Wagonga Inlet at The Oyster Farmers Daughter on Riverview Road in Narooma. The Coxon family is no stranger to oysters with Dad Brian farming the delicacy for more than 40 years – now it is daughter Natasha’s turn, with her food trailer dishing up fresh oysters and much more to visitors and locals.

 

Sit back, take in water views and indulge in gin-infused oysters to start, Kilpatrick with smoky bacon, or flour-dusted baby squid and citrus aioli; then devour grilled flathead, served with blistered cherry tomatoes, rocket and Parmesan salad.