Where Melbourne Chefs Get Their 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, crabstick 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 then sometimes they don’t. And 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.

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.

McKay Wilday, Alta Tattoria

I’m a big fan of Northern Soul down in St Kilda. It’s the closest thing to British-style fish’n’chips I’ve found in Melbourne since my adventures and travels there. You can’t go wrong with a serving of their battered fish, handcut chips, a side of mushy peas and all the dipping sauces you could think of. I’m a sucker for the potato scallops and curry sauce.

Jerry Mai, Pho Nom

My wife loves fish’n’chips! 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 dirty fish’n’chips, I go all the way!

Steve Chan, Sleepy’s Cafe and Wine Bar

Freddy’s Fish and Chips a few doors down [from Sleepy’s] never does us wrong. Super genuine, classic fish‘n’chips, done well and with heart. Freddy’s burgers are low-key fucking amazing too – and he’s super proud of them – you can taste his pride. A low-key local legend.

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!

John Rivera, Askal

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.

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.

Joey Leung, Joy Jaune

Usually I have fish’n’chips when I finish at the shop and want an easy night. I’m lucky to have Fish on High close to where I live. I am a fan of scallops and calamari, so I usually order that à la carte with the pineapple fritter.

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.

Daniel Pineda, Superchido

My favourite place is Pines Fish and Chips in Altona on Pier Street. Their food invokes strong memories of my good times as a young teen, chilling at Altona Beach, without any cares. They’ve been offering good, solid fish’n’chips for ages.

Additional reporting by Audrey Payne

This article was originally published on December 2, 2021. It was updated on Friday December 13, 2024.