Take Things One Chip at a Time – 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:

A hidden gem in North Sydney nestled in one of the city’s upscale neighbourhoods, Garfish Crows Nest on Holtermann Street is an intimate suburban venue favoured by locals and visitors alike. A European-inspired vibe flows through the indoor dining and bar area, spilling out onto the alfresco dining bank along the footpath reflecting the area’s relaxed yet sophisticated vibe.

 

Kick things off with snapper and King prawn filled zucchini flowers, hummus, Turkish chilli oil, pomegranate salsa and molasses, before casting out a line for mains such as crisp fried fish in aged local craft beer batter, tartar sauce, lemon and chips, or snapper pie with roasted garlic, broccolini and soubise sauce.

A creative and diverse menu of fresh seafood and authentic sushi awaits hungry Carlton foodies at Sea Salt Kitchen on Lygon Street. A bright blue tiled cabinet showcases the latest catch of the day as diners relax in rustic surrounds of exposed brick walls, potted greenery and white subway tiles; whether you are craving a classic-style burger, tender calamari, King prawns, crunchy chips, salad or the latest creation from the Sushi Chef, there’s something to suit all tastes.

 

Choose from traditionally battered fresh snapper, swordfish, barramundi and salmon, served with chips and salad, or hook a delicious teriyaki salmon bowl with brown rice, edamame, spring onion nori and smoked bonito shavings; perhaps order a family basket to take home with fish of the day, calamari rings, potato cakes, King prawns, chips, salad, lemon and tartar sauce.

With unmatched views of the Swan River and an award-winning interior fit-out, discerning Perth foodies head to Art of Seafood at On the Point for the ultimate waterfront dining destination. Nestled on Riverside Drive in East Perth, this stylish restaurant is the place for afternoon drinks on the deck in the sun; before heading indoors, where a well-stocked bar and elegant table settings await along with fresh WA seafood.

 

Throw your net over starters like smoked eel, unagi, texture of cauliflower and shiitake consommé, then hook yourself a memorable main of double dipped tempura-battered market fish, thrice-cooked chips, Asian slaw and pickled onion; perhaps Goldband snapper and WA lobster hit the mark, served with Shiraz butter, mushrooms and fondant potatoes.

Reel in good times at Melbourne’s first catch-and-cook restaurant, Fishing Season on Russell Street in the heart of the city. From bait to plate, cast away your worries and savour the finest catch of the day at this Yunnan-style stone pot steamed fish restaurant, where an eclectic vibe awaits, with green leather banquettes, curved windows, wood panelling and interesting artwork setting the tone for a memorable meal.

 

Order à la carte, or head downstairs where you can catch your own fish to be processed in the kitchen, then brought to your table and cooked in front of you in a stone pot, along with any side dishes; perhaps opt to share a whole cod, cooked in a high-pressure steamer with a granite bowl and dome-shaped straw lid.

Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure like never before and dine differently at Unicorn Seafood Restaurant on Queensland Avenue in Broadbeach. Each meal is an emotional experience sparking sights, smells and sounds from personal memories at this Gold Coast dining destination, where a blue and white colour palette matches the coastal vibe along with artwork and twinkling fairy lights to set the scene for lingering over a prawn cocktail to start. 

 

Choose fresh fish options such as Atlantic salmon, topped with garlic prawns and cream sauce, lightly beer-battered whiting or barramundi, all served with chips and a side garden salad; pasta lovers opt for fettuccine with smoked salmon, olive oil, pesto, cream, Italian parsley and herbs.