Where 12 Top Melbourne Chefs Eat Fish’n’Chips

How do you have your fish’n’chips? Regular salt or chicken salt – or both? A squeeze of lemon or a splash of vinegar? Grilled or fried? Flake, rockling, barra or something else entirely? And, just as importantly, where do you get it?

We asked some of Melbourne’s top chefs for their go-to fish’n’chippers, as well as their usual orders. Some are loyalists, while others enjoy scallop, crab stick and even lobster on the side – but all seek out super-fresh, high quality fish and ultra-crisp batter.

Ben Shewry, Attica

Sometimes some shops have a sustainable option, and sometimes they don’t. I, of course, eat accordingly – if there’s no sustainable fish then there’s no fish’n’chips for me or my family. My advice to people who are eating fish’n’chips is to download the Goodfish app and check the species that their fish’n’chip shop has available. If none of them are in the green list, then ask the retailer why. I’d also tell them to Give Flake a Break!

Alejandro Saravia, Morena and Farmer’s Daughters

My favourite place to go and grab my fish’n’chips has to be the Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-Op restaurant. The whole experience is amazing, tucked in the back of the co-op processing space. And the view of the bay sets the perfect scene for the freshest fish straight from the boats to the batter, to the fryer and to the table. Alan the co-op manager is a legend, as well as the rest of the team – make sure you say “hi” and you might get a look at the lobster tanks in the back or an entertaining story.

Patti Chimkire, Mali Bakes

My go-to fish’n’chips place is my wonderful local, Fish on High. The fish is always light, fresh and perfectly cooked. I always grab extra tubs of the tartare sauce and spicy aioli because I can’t help myself. The sweet potato chips are my absolute favourite. I don’t usually love regular chips with fish, but the team gets the sweet potato ones perfect. There’s also a really nice grain salad, which is a fresh contrast to the fish’n’chips.

John Rivera, Askal and Kariton

Scalable in Essendon. They use great quality fish and you can really taste it. It’s cooked with a lot of consideration and care. I also reckon they have the best potato cakes I’ve ever had. It’s coated in an ethereally crispy, earth-shatteringly crunchy batter that is to die for.

​​Dave Verheul, Embla

Pipis Kiosk on the beach in Albert Park is my new favourite place for fish’n’chips. It has the perfect blend of easygoing seaside vibes, simple but delicious food, and a drinks list that’s pretty uncommon that close to the sand. Order the salt-cod croquettes, a dish that can be so, so good when made by a chef who cares.

Lisa Valmorbida, Pidapipo

You can’t go past Donovans or Stokehouse for their fish’n’chips. Pretty good having fish’n’chips on the beach!

Stephen Nairn, Yugen, Omnia and Portside

I like the San Remo Fisherman’s Co-Op. They’ve got a cabinet where you can actually see the fish, and the view outside is beautiful. You can eat inside or take your chances outside and try not to get attacked by the local pelicans.

Helly Raichura, Enter via Laundry

I love the fish rolls from Dandenong MKS Spices’n Things. They’re not totally fish’n’chips, but they’re close: fish with spices is served in this soft pastry with a crunchy outer casing. It comes with coconut chutney and is fucking delicious. I also pair it with badam milk [milk infused with almond, saffron and cardamom]. MKS is an unsung hero of south Indian cuisine. They have years of experience, the technique is always correct and there’s no messing around.

Coskun Uysal, Tulum

My favourite fish’n’chips is from Pipis Kiosk. It’s on the Albert Park foreshore, right on the beach running towards St Kilda Beach. It hits all the right buttons: fresh, hot and very crispy batter. And the chips are so tasty, crunchy and dusted with saltbush powder – same same but different.

Jerry Mai, Pho Nom

We go to our local fish’n’chip shop, King George’s Seafood and Oysters, on Station Street in Fairfield. It’s a small family business and the batter is light and crispy. I love getting fried crab stick and a fried hotdog. If I’m having fish’n’chips, I go all the way!

Nicola Dusi, The Hardware Club

We normally go to The Kiosk d’Asporto at Williamstown Beach. They are not exactly a fish’n’chips spot … they also serve all sorts of absolutely delicious things such as crusty ciabatta rolls, freshly baked pastries and some amazing Italian coffee. The variety and the quality of everything they do is always amazing. They make standard fish’n’chips and make no variation to the order, so you know it’s going to be good. You can order and go sit on the beach five metres away. They also have a couple of pizza shops that make my absolute favourite pizza in Melbourne.

Barry Susanto, Warkop

My favourite place for fish’n’chips in Melbourne is Off the Pier in Williamstown. You can’t beat an old-school fish’n’chip shop. I usually go for the family pack and share it with just one other person. Why hold back when you’ve already committed to eating a deep-fried meal? And don’t forget about the extra helping of chicken salt.

Additional reporting by Chynna Santos