14 of the ultimate places for fish & chips in Sydney

Is there anything better than biting into a juicy piece of fish, accompanied by perfectly crispy, salty hot chips? As a meal, it’s an Aussie institution. Enjoy it in fancy restaurants or cheap-and-cheerful haunts across Sydney. And don't skip the tartare.

Destination NSW

Sep 2024 - 5 min read

FICH

Where: Petersham

Not all fish-and-chip shops are by the sea: FICH is located in Sydney’s inner-west, but the offerings here couldn’t get any fresher. The space is split into two: on one side it’s the day’s catch and salads, advertised on a chalkboard and to-go. Perhaps a fried ling burger, or a salmon poke bowl. On the other side is the restaurant, where you’ll find more fancy – but still taking you back to beachside holidays – fare. Order beer-battered ling and calamari with perfectly salted chips, potato scallops, Hervey Bay scallop tostadas or loaded seafood platters. Bring your appetite.

FICH, Petersham - Credit: FICH

The Fishbox & Co

Where: Sydney South

This popular place takes home awards for its fish and chips... for good reason. The menu is not only well-priced but also incredibly fresh, with everything caught daily before being delivered to your table. Or to your box, to take away, in which case you can choose from beer-battered New Zealand hake, calamari, fish schnitzel or grilled prawns to accompany your chips. If you want to ‘think outside the box’, then you can order New England-style lobster rolls, Thai fish cakes and chilli prawns. \

The Fishbox & Co, Carss Park - Credit: The Fishbox & Co

Doyle’s on the Beach

Where: Watsons Bay

There are few Sydney seafood restaurants as legendary as Doyle’s, smack bang on the sand at Watsons Bay in the eastern suburbs. Arrive here by ferry from Circular Quay, then choose your dining option: the Garden Bar or Doyle’s on the Beach. The former is casual, and a self-serve affair where you can enjoy fish-and-chips with views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, while the latter is more formal. At both you can order your catch of the day – whether whiting, barramundi, snapper or flathead – to be golden fried in beer batter and served with chips, a garden leaf salad and an epic chilli-plum sauce.

Doyles on the Beach, Watsons Bay

The Boathouse Shelly Beach

Where: Multiple locations

A group of waterside hospitality venues across Sydney, The Boathouse delivers some of the finest seafood dining in Australia. Perhaps the most iconic location is The Boathouse Shelly Beach in Manly, but wherever you choose to dine – Balmoral Beach, Patonga, Rose Bay – you’re guaranteed seriously good fish and chips. Other favourites include local oysters, salt and pepper squid, crab toast, and grilled tiger prawns.

The Boathouse Shelly Beach, Shelly Beach - Credit: The Boathouse Shelly Beach

The Navy Bear

Where: Rushcutters Bay

Located within the Royal Australian Navy Sailing Association, The Navy Bear is smack bang on the water with views of the Harbour Bridge and bobbing yachts. It’s only open for breakfast and lunch, and if you come for the latter, there are only a handful of items on the menu. But boy, does the order of fish and chips rock your world – it’s sustainably caught, skin-on, and served with homemade tartare. Heaven. In other news, there are also delish fish tacos, vegetable poke bowls and chicken burgers. But go for the fish and chips.

Fish and Chips at The Navy Bear, Darling Point

The Navy Bear, Darling Point - Credit: The Navy Bear | Bird & Bear Group

Fish Face

Where: Balgowlah

If dreamy locations are your thing, then you’ve come to the right place. Fish Face enjoys a prime position just steps from the harbour. And its menu reflects its location. The traditional fish and chips enjoy pride of place on the menu. It’s that good. But then you can supplement your order with seafood chowder, fish curry, snapper-and-prawn pie, half-shell scallops, tuna crudo… this place is heaven for seafood lovers.

Fish Face, Balgowlah - Credit: Kitti Gould

Fishmongers

Where: Bondi

Serving up ocean-fresh fish just steps from the waves for almost 20 years, this establishment is a Bondi favourite. The vibe is as relaxed as the menu: think tempura-battered New Zealand hoki with the crispiest chips you’ll ever taste. Or barramundi grilled with a Cajun sauce. There are also fish tacos and burgers, as well as loaded sharing boxes – perfect if you’re heading to Bondi Beach for a picnic. Don’t forget to pick up half-a-dozen oysters.

Fishmongers, Bondi - Credit: Fishmongers

Salmon and Bear

Where: Crow’s Nest

The quality of the seafood at Salmon and Bear is hard to beat, and the atmosphere is just how we like it: pared back and chilled out. The fish and chips is the stuff you will talk about long after you return home... the hake perfectly battered and deep fried, and served with thick-cut chips and tartare. Order it alongside a salmon-and-hake pie, Sicilian fish stew, salmon croquettes and prawns in garlic butter. Another highlight is the seafood cooked over coals: order salmon, barramundi, tuna and more.

Dining room at Salmon and Bear, Crows Nest

Salmon and Bear, Crows Nest - Credit: Salmon and Bear

Felon's Brewing Co.

Where: Manly

Felons’ fish and chips are a must‑try on the wharf: thick, beer‑battered fillets of market fish are paired with chunky chips, a punchy house tartare, mushy peas and Felons’ own IPA malt vinegar. The location adds to the charm: the harbour breeze and views across Manly Cove elevate what might be a classic pub dish into something you’ll want to linger over.

Felon's Brewing Co. - Credit: Steven Woodburn

Felon's Brewing Co., Manly - Credit: Steven Woodburn

Benny's

Where: Cronulla

The fish and chips at Benny's are the perfect seaside grab-and-go: crisp, golden batter envelops fresh local fish and the chips are reliably crunchy. Grab it to takeaway, then enjoy on the grassy knoll overlooking Cronulla Beach (a 10-minute walk away), or opt to eat in – the restaurant's deck overlooks the pretty Gunnamatta Bay.

Benny's, Cronulla - Credit: Take Studios | Benny's

North Bondi Fish

Where: Bondi

Located a few short steps from the sand and surf of one of the world's most famous beaches, North Bondi Fish, as the name suggests, dishes up plenty of fantastic seafood dishes... alongside one of the best water views in the city. Owned by celebrity chef Matt Moran, opt for the classic fish and chips with tartare and lemon, or mix it up with some share plates like tuna tostadas, mahi-mahi ceviche and daily caught sashimi.

Friends enjoying food and drink at North Bondi Fish in North Bondi, Sydney East

North Bondi Fish, North Bondi

Hooked and Harvest

Where: The Rocks

Nestled in the heart of The Rocks Square, Hooked and Harvest is the perfect lunch time stop for visitors ticking off Sydney's icons (aka the Harbour Bridge, Opera House and the historic Rocks neighbourhood) from their bucket list. Go for the classic fish and chips – cripsy and served with fresh chips and house-made tartare – alongside build-your-own salads, freshly shucked oysters and kids meals. It’s casual but polished, with speedy service and a sunny, welcoming vibe.

Hooked and Harvest, The Rocks - Credit: Hooked and Harvest

love.fish

Where: Barangaroo

Barangaroo's love.fish seamlessly blends waterfront views with a casual love of seafood, and its signature Love Fish + Chips dish (market fish fillets with fries) is a standout – perfectly battered, fresh and satisfying. It also offers an expansive menu of raw seafood bites, whole fish and platters, making it a great pick whether you're in solo fish and chips mood or want to share the ocean’s bounty with friends.

love.fish, Barangaroo - Credit: love.fish

Nag's Head Hotel

Where: Glebe

The fish and chips at Nag's Head Hotel strikes that perfect pub-comfort balance: a crisp battered fillet with golden chips and mushy peas, served with house‑made tartare that adds a fresh zing. The portion is generous, the batter light and whole dish evokes British pub classics – elevated by chef Nelly Robinson’s finesse.