Fish and chips – the British classic. While you can find this hearty, humble dish in pretty much every food-serving pub across the UK, devouring some crispy chunky chips and battered cod (or haddock, your call) by the seaside is an unmatched place to do so, if you ask us.
Brighton is a particularly great spot to vinegar up. Chippies, pubs and beachfront cafes across the city have fish and chips on their menus, with local chefs adding contemporary twists to this lauded national dish, but also plenty of options if you want a no-fuss-no-frills kinda dinner. You can follow that delicious waft of batter knowing you’re in safe hands, as this list has been lovingly curated by a local. So, here are the best places for fish and chips in Brighton.
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This article was written by Liv Kelly, a writer from Brighton. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.
Bardsley’s is a Brighton institution, where you can takeaway or dine-in in a classic setting. Proper fish and chips. Not only are the staff incredibly welcoming, the fish and chips are second to none, available to be battered, grilled or poached. The place has also done its best to keep to its classic cheap-and-cheerful reputation, so it’s a budget-friendly option.
This trendy sea-front spot champions fresh ingredients and sustainable sourcing. The good ol’ fashioned fish and chips is one of Lucky Beach Café’s bestsellers, but you can also enjoy delicious flaky fish in the form of a wrap, bap, or taco. Enjoy on their patch of the beach with a carafe of sparkling sangria for a summery spin on the classic.
Most pub menus in Brighton will feature their take on fish and chips, but few do it quite so well, or give you quite so much, as The Victory. This gargantuan portion is always perfectly crispy, making this the best spot if you’re caught feeling absolutely ravenous after a day at the beach. Oh, and their chips are the best in town.
Captains is the place to go to absorb the atmosphere of classic Brighton. Tucked away on the lower promenade, opposite the Palace Pier and in the shadow of the Brighton Wheel, this chippy is the perfect spot to enjoy a cocktail alongside your cod. So perfect, in fact, that the seagulls really love it here too. You have been warned.
This 100-year-old business is slap-bang in the heart of town and only a pebbles-throw away from the beach. Enjoy your fish the Bankers way by choosing your flavoured butter. They're also another budget-friendly option, often running lunchtime meal deals. Think hake, chips, mushy peas and a hot drink for only a tenner.
Non-fish eater? No problem! The No Catch Co. can rustle up incredible plant-based alternatives to all the chip shop classics. The vegan cod and chips is a go-to for local veggies, but their popcorn prawnz and tofish bites are also worth sampling.
Wolfies of Hove is a great example of a good ol’ fashioned chippy that sticks to what it knows. It’s a popular takeaway spot right by Hove train station, popular especially for their catering to the gluten-free. Oh, they do a bangin’ pie and mash, too.
Perched on the corner of, you guessed it, Regency Square, the Regency Restaurant is arguably the most iconic fish and chip stop in the city. While you’re also paying for the sea view, this legendary restaurant offers an extensive seafood menu, starring the classic fish and chips.
Rybka lubi pływać, Polish for ‘the fish likes to swim’, is the namesake of this charming little restaurant. Rybka serves have-in portions on retro canteen trays, and does some of the crispiest batter in Brighton. It's a little gem of a place, tucked away in the South Lanes – there's also a DJ on occassionally.
If you want a cosy spot to enjoy your fish and chips, away from the bustle of the tourist hot spots of the city, look no further than this classic pub. Tucked away in the North Laine, The Basketmakers Arms is an all-time favourite with Brightonians, and its fish and chips is a pub grub menu highlight.
St James’ Street is known for hosting Brighton Pride’s annual street party, and for its abundance of great pubs. But should you fancy a hearty, tasty pick me up mid-crawl, Little Jack Fullers’ fish and chips would be a great place for a pitstop. It's also known to do a bargain vegan lunchtime deal between 12-3 pm.
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