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:
Designed by Chefs for the modern-day family, head to Grill Street on Central Place in Ropes Crossing for cooked-to-order fish and seafood and much more. Taste your way through a delicious, handcrafted menu, carefully curated with your taste buds in mind, while chilling out alfresco on balmy days or indoors where tantalising aromas promise memorable.
Cast a line for a grilled salmon meal with chips, salad, drink, lemon and herbs, or beer-battered hoki, with sides of super crunchy chips, mac and cheese and a crunchy coleslaw salad with creamy dressing.
Find a welcoming country pub feel and fare with flair at The Home Hotel on Warburton Highway in Launching Place. Nestled by the Yarra River in Upper Yarra Valley, this historic watering hole has been everything from a Cobb and Co staging post to a post office since it was originally licensed in 1883; in 1905 the building was damaged by fire and in the 1930s a shoot-out and armed robbery took place at the hotel, which is also rumoured to be haunted.
All that history makes you hungry and you won’t be disappointed with a hearty meal such as crispy beer-battered whiting, chips, salad, pickles, tartar and a lemon wedge, or step it up a notch with market fish en papillote, with crispy chat potatoes and steamed greens.
Dive into traditional Mediterranean cuisine from a stunning waterfront location at Sea & Shore Restaurant on Marine Parade in Labrador. Stroll up from the golden sands of the Broadwater to refresh and refuel at this stylish dining destination, where catching balmy breezes alfresco is encouraged with a cocktail in hand; or dine indoors and be amazed at the magical wine wall.
A constantly changing menu uses the freshest local produce from the market, with each dish cooked to order; throw your net over crumbed King George whiting, Greek salad and chips, or grilled Humpty Doo barramundi, lemon potatoes, Mediterranean vegetables and salad.
All cravings are covered with a visit to Café Qu Bah in Midvalley Shopping Centre in Morwell. Located next to Village 8 Cinema, this bright and airy restaurant oozes charm with recycled timber, slate tiles and pendent lighting making for an ideal place to refuel after a dose of retail therapy, especially on Friday nights.
Be lured in by tempura-battered fresh fish fillets, thick-cut chips, fresh garden salad, housemade tartar sauce and a lemon wedge; while seafood lovers salivate over pan-fried Tiger prawns and creamy garlic white wine sauce with Milanese risotto and prawn crackers.
Inspired by freshness and simplicity, Fourth Fish Café & Restaurant on Burns Bay Road in Lane Cove is the place to head for locally sourced seafood delivered daily from the Sydney fish market. A nautical theme awaits diners with a wooden lifeboat on the wall, white subway tiles, life buoys and blue-coloured walls, ideal for lingering over a meal with family and friends.
Stop in on Friday and reel in battered NZ wild-caught hoki fillets, or local NSW whiting to go with chips, slaw salad or steamed greens; those looking to share can hook a fisherman’s platter with prawns, fish, calamari, Sydney oysters and tartar sauce.
