Believe it or not, summer is here. And even though La Niña threatens to steal our dreams of a breezy, hot-vaxx holiday by the sea, that’s no reason why we can’t all partake in a tray of hot-battered seafood to lift our spirits. Fish‘n’chips is an all-weather winner, perfectly matched with a beer, or the salty solution to those beers from last night. The format’s been elevated in recent years, with some of our best chefs making a go of the humble fish‘n’chipper. So, take heed from their industry peers – below are their picks for the best ones around.
Scott McComas Williams, Ragazzi
I wasn’t expecting to find excellent fried fish in Petersham but hey – it exists! I consistently order the popcorn fish from Fich. It’s coated in this addictive sweet-spicy maple-sriracha sauce, shallots and sesame. It’s pretty hard to stop eating. They serve all-sustainable seafood, and the fish burger is awesome for lunch. It’s so good having such a great option close to home.
Tristan Rosier, Arthur
My wife and I have been trying lots of new restaurants post-lockdown, trying to support as many small-business operators like ourselves as possible. The one fish’n’chip shop we’ve come to love is Fish Shop on Glenayr Avenue, Bondi. Chef Joel Bennetts is remarkably clever and I’ve followed his food journey since he was at Peppe’s. My daughter Lily loves the softly cooked barramundi with verde sauce, and we're guilty of ordering the takeaway boxes and spreading out the picnic blanket on their front lawn.
Paula Pantano, Lola’s Level 1
My favourite spot for fish‘n’chips is Josh Niland’s Charcoal Fish in Rose Bay. The quality of the fish, the taste, and the crispiness of the batter is sensational.
Jose Alkon, Pepito’s
Spending most of my life by the ocean I always had the notion that the best fish‘n’chips had to be by the beach. Well, I was wrong. Fich at Petersham is our go-to local, serving quality sustainable seafood without a wave in sight. Grab some takeaway and run down to the Cooks River. Do tell me – is this paradise?
Jamie Goodin and Alex Alewood, Goodwood Bakeshop
Our favourite fish’n’chips spot is Fich in Petersham. We were introduced to it by some friends and instantly fell in love. Manny and the staff are so lovely and welcoming, and the food is always spot on. During the Delta lockdown we were renovating our now-bakery space and their fish burger at the end of a long day when we couldn't even think of cooking dinner was a lifesaver – not to mention the Fich popcorn that got us through the drive home.
Here’s where Sydney’s chefs were eating fish’n’chips in 2020.
