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Should I book: Ish
10 Feb 2023
10 Feb 2023
Knowing where to get the freshest fish and the crispiest chips is very important.
In Melbourne, and a little beyond, we are spoiled for choice. Increasingly, the best fish and chips come with healthy options like superfood salads, brown rice or Asian-style slaw, but there’s plenty for traditionalists too. From modern, glass-enclosed eateries with water views to family-owned and operated classic chip shops, here’s our list of the best fish and chips this city, and some Victorian holiday hotspots, have to offer.
Tuck into excellent fish and chips at communal tables inside the glass enclosed modern space that is D’Lish Fish or take it outside and stare out over Port Phillip Bay as you watch the Spirit of Tasmania dock at Station Pier.
The team at this family-owned and operated 100-seater sources the freshest barramundi, red snapper, blue grenadier, and other seafood from local markets to produce crispy fish.
The lunch pack includes flake, three calamari rings, a prawn cutlet and chips. There are also gluten-free fish options (battered or grilled), pineapple fritters, banana fritters, potato cakes and dim sims. Various salads such as Greek and beetroot as well as coleslaw round out the offering.
Dish Cult’s top pick: D’lish fish pack ($14)
Oakleigh Fish and Chippery
Fish and chips
Image credit Oakleigh Fish and Chippery
If you fancy old-school fish and chips served in classic (mock) newspaper, then Oakleigh Fish and Chippery is the place to be.
Owned and operated by the same Greek family for three decades, loyal customers queue for the souvlaki, Greek salad and the fish and chips, of course!
Reminiscent of the old corner chip shop, this bright and airy eatery has long window-facing tables and a spacious seating area outside. Service is friendly and the premises are immaculately clean.
The fish of the day is typically flake which is clad in a light batter, and the chips are crisp and browned without being overly oily. You can choose your seasoning of chicken salt, pepper, oregano, or vinegar. Complete your meal with potato cakes, steamed dim sims and something sweet like pineapple or banana fritters.
Dish Cult’s top pick: Family pack – four gummy flakes, four dim sims, four potato cakes and chips ($52)
Hooked Best Fish and Chips
Fish and chips
Image credit Hooked Best Fish and Chips
Inspired by the owner’s childhood holidays spent working at his uncle’s fish and chip shop in the UK, Hooked Best Fish and Chips serves British classics with a modern and healthy twist.
The interior sports a nautical theme with wooden tables and anchor print pillows. An extensive menu features mix and match options. Pair a fillet of crumbed flake or blue grenadier with hand-cut, seasoned chips and an Asian slaw of wombok, carrot and red onion tossed in a Vietnamese dressing. Or pick a barramundi, dory or Tasmanian salmon and get it either tempura-battered or grilled. Pair with crunchy potato cakes, a side of brown rice and Greek salad.
Don’t miss the salt and pepper calamari – grilled or lightly fried with chips and chilli lime aioli with lemon. And round it all off with the hot chocolate pudding drenched in chocolate sauce with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Dish Cult’s top pick: Aussie fish and chips ($16.95)
San Remo Fisherman's Co-operative
Fish and chips
Image credit San Remo Fishermens Co-op
Just before you head over the bridge to Phillip Island, the San Remo Fisherman’s Co-operative is the perfect stop for quality fish and chips.
Since 1948, this co-op has been sourcing seafood from its own boats to make some of the best fish and chips around, as well as healthy grilled options and even decadent crayfish platters.
If you’re not too hungry, opt for the Single pack which features fried flake, crumbed calamari ring, potato cake, chips, lemon and tartare sauce. While the fish is obviously good, the British-style chips are thick, fluffy and hard to resist.
Also, at 12pm every day, members of the co-op feed the pelicans on the foreshore next to the San Remo Pier. Not only is it educational, it’s entertaining too.
Dish Cult’s top pick: Single pack ($15.90)
Fish by Moonlite
Fish and chips
Image credit Fish by Moonlite
Chef Matt Germanchis has come full circle with Fish by Moonlite, the acclaimed fish and chips shop at Anglesea, just a hop, skip and a jump from Melbourne.
Inspired by his experience running a little taverna on a Greek island, Germanchis knows the secret to great fish is the freshest catch of the day. That’s why he sources snapper, flake, rockling, gurnard, flathead and John Dory from Apollo Bay, Lakes Entrance, and Corner Inlet.
The limited menu gives Germanchis a chance to get really creative: he uses carbonated batter to offer maximum crunch and the condiment selection includes chicken salt applied liberally.
The result: battered fish served perfectly crisp with old-fashioned golden chips and a chopped salad. You can even pick up some fresh fish fillet or prawns to take home with you.
Dish Cult’s top pick: Fish and chips pack ($16)
