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:

Find an elegant beachfront destination offering a bistro and fine dining seafood option with ocean views at Seascape Restaurant & Bar on The Esplanade in Surfers Paradise. Take to the bistro on level one with opening bi-fold windows showcasing the iconic beach where sea breezes and amazing sea views turn any casual dining experience into something extraordinary, or head up the timber-lined staircase to find unrivalled vistas and a contemporary seafood menu.

 

Start your bistro meal with Bloody Mary oyster shots, before throwing your net over beer-battered market fish with tartar sauce and chips; or grilled fish fillet with lemon butter, shoestring fries and a petit salad, enjoyed with an ice-cold glass of Yarrawood Chardonnay.

Circa 1880, the charms of historic venue, The Riverview Hotel & Dining on Birchgrove Road in Balmain remain, frequented by locals in search of icy beverages and sumptuous cuisine. Split into varying spaces, The Riverview offers a casual bistro setting on ground level for after-work drinks and tasty bar snacks, while a second story embraces a refined ambience for family and friends to dine at leisure, surrounded by elegant décor in Birchgrove restaurant.

 

Head to the bistro for the bar menu and slurp freshly shucked oysters with mignonette dressing, then hook a main such as pan-fried barramundi, with butternut pumpkin, spinach and basil oil; or crispy beer-battered fish fillets, with tartar, lemon, chips and a green leaf salad.

There’s something fishy going on at Blakes Restaurant on Bank Street in Port Fairy. Cosily nestled in the historic Dublin House, Blakes is the local go-to spot for sparkling fresh seafood and a relaxed vibe, where guests can mingle over a glass of port in front of the fire; or in warmer weather, share a drop out in the sunny courtyard, where a market garden provides fresh produce for the kitchen.

 

Salivate over prawns to start with chilli, ginger, pineapple and cucumber salsa; then anchor your meal with seared Tasmanian salmon, fennel and pea risotto, or grilled fish of the day enjoyed with a glass of Clare Valley Riesling.

FOSH bar & restaurant on Hercules Street in Brisbane's CBD is the latest creation of renowned restaurateur Michel Tassis and specialises in doing seafood differently. From the ocean to your plate, seafood is line-caught and served within 24 hours alongside fresh Australian produce.

 

FOSH has quickly become a go-to Brisbane destination for signature snacks such as a crumbed fish finger sandwich with housemade tartar; along with mains of pan-seared snapper with warm tartar, peas, fennel and crispy capers, or Atlantic salmon, mushroom cream and wild mushrooms.

You’ll never seafood better than at Sammy’s on the Marina in Glenelg. This Holdfast Promenade seafood restaurant offers stunning views of the beach and marina – if you are lucky you might spot some dolphins – or drop by later and watch the sun set over the ocean, with a chilled glass of wine in hand.

 

Take a seat in the contemporary dining space and peruse a menu inspired by the innovation and simplicity of Australian seafood; think crumbed King George whiting fillets with fries, Greek salad and lemon, or barramundi with choo chee King prawns, Asian greens, coconut cream and kaffir lime.

Those looking for the Gold Coast’s best fish and chips with a view head along Seaworld Drive in Main Beach to find Seaway Kiosk & Jetty. You can’t get much more waterfront than this iconic dining destination at The Spit, with a large deck overlooking the foreshore; while indoors, galley-style window seating and bistro tables combine with a mix of nautical blue to bring the ocean to the plate.

 

Perhaps a bucket of fresh prawns sourced from local trawlers hooks your appetite, then devour crumbed flathead fillets with chips and a garden salad, or cast a line for grilled barramundi, Greek salad and crunchy chips.