Oh My Cod – 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:

Cold beer, fine wine and quality food are what Melbourne foodies find at dining destination the Wayside Inn on City Road. Nestled between Southbank and South Melbourne, the Wayside offers a relaxed, informal bar to enjoy a counter lunch and icy ale; dine in the spacious restaurant area, or take to a leafy courtyard, ideal for lapping up the afternoon sun.

 

Graze on starters of grilled prawns with zesty lemon and herb vinaigrette, before hooking a fishy main of char-grilled Atlantic salmon with garlic mash, herb-tossed vegetables and creamy seeded mustard sauce; finish indulgently with volcano chocolate brownie, chocolate and caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream.

In the heart of Wilston Village, find hidden gem Wilston Village Bar on MacGregor Street where you can share great food, drinks and good times. Offering a classic menu done well from steaks and burgers to fresh, healthy salads, this Brisbane dining destination is the place to head for live music, craft beer and wine; various open-sided spaces in the pavilion-style interior create spots to pull up a seat and enjoy a bite and brew.

 

Perhaps share salt and pepper calamari, pumpkin arancini, prosciutto-wrapped halloumi, bread and dips to start, before anchoring your meal with a main such as beer-battered barramundi, chips, salad, housemade tartar sauce and lemon.

Hearty country dishes and flavourful combinations await hungry Brisbane foodies at Samford Valley Hotel on Main Street in Samford Village. Escape to the rustic charm of this hotel where an indoor-outdoor restaurant, beer garden, multiple bars, gaming room, function and kids’ playground ensure there is something to keep everyone occupied.

 

From a menu supporting local suppliers, begin a memorable meal with Panko-crumbed calamari, housemade tartar and a lemon cheek; then cast your net over Eumundi beer-battered whiting, served with chips, aioli and salad, or Chef’s fish of the day with sides of steamed vegetables and creamy mash.

Delicious, authentic kebabs and fish and chips to satisfy all hunger cravings are what you’ll find on the menu at Spitz Kebab & Grill on Campbell Parade in Bondi Beach. This vibrant kebab shop uses only the freshest ingredients and traditional cooking techniques to create mouth-watering offerings; whether you are in the mood for a classic lamb kebab or something a little more exotic, there is a dish to satisfy all tastes. 

 

Appease snack attack cravings with a chicken and mushroom gozleme or a hot dog with cheese, grilled onion and mustard; followed by crispy battered fish fillets with chips and tartar sauce, or a juicy falafel kebab wrap with lettuce, onion, tomato and sauce.

Situated on the foreshore of beautiful Stansbury, Dalrymple Bar & Restaurant on Anzac Parade is an award-winning leader of the hotel and dining scene on the Yorke Peninsula. A menu of innovative pub grub and Modern Australian cuisine has locals and visitors returning time and again to dine in light and breezy surrounds of whitewashed walls adorned with vibrant abstract artwork, blond wood table settings and a covered alfresco area for balmy days.

Small plates like crispy spiced fish tacos with pickled cabbage, tomato and jalapeño salsa and pink sour cream always bait appetites, while char-grilled salmon with freekeh and pomegranate salad, toasted seeds, almonds, herbs and green tahini dressing takes the line for an inspired main.