The best fish and chips in Sydney

This long-standing fish and chipper is right across the road from Balmoral Beach, and it’s perpetually busy no matter the weather. They use only MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) approved fish here, which means that it’s come from sustainable sources. New Zealand hake, battered to order, is the centrepiece of the fish and chips – both of which need the pep of some vinegar to liven things up. The real winner is the calamari, which is lightly crumbed and buttery. Stroll across the road and watch the waves roll in while you eat, or if you prefer the feel of grass under your feet, there’s a park right next door.

Josh Niland, of Paddington’s Saint Peter, is a genius, but you probably already know that. For years, he has been practising scale-to-tail magic, showing the world the limitless possibilities with creatures of the sea – whether that’s transforming fish eyes into velvety ice cream or giving beef and pork a run for their money with his legendary yellowfin tuna and swordfish bacon cheeseburger. And a lot of the magic happens at Fish Butchery Waterloo, where Niland and his team break down, dry-age, cure and store all cuts of the fish. The good news is that on the weekends, you can also get classic fish and chips here too, to dine in or takeaway. Opt for battered teraglin from Terrigal, served with yoghurt tartare, chips and a lemon cheek, or grilled blue mackerel from Ulladulla. Fish and chips by Josh Niland? Now, that’s a catch.

Time Out tip: Fish Butchery Waterloo is only open on Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 7pm.

There’s always a throng of people waiting to get their fix at this Clovelly corner spot. She’s not very big, but she packs them in - then out the door and onto the footpath. The battered Pacific cod comes with a bubbly crust that snaps under your fingers. We’ll skip the calamari next time and order a generous side of chips with chicken salt. Give your gut a real workout and finish things off with a deep-fried Mars Bar. The fish and chips come wrapped in paper, proper old-school like, so you can cart them down the hill to the beach.

Time Out tip: If you’d rather eat from the land than the sea, the burgers here reached near cult status for good reason.

A place that’s been around for more than 30 years must be doing something right. Ocean Foods is an Inner West institution, selling fresh and cooked seafood. The fish used in the fish and chips changes daily depending on the suppliers and is battered using a family recipe that’s been passed down through the generations. The result is a light, crisp coating that doesn’t dominate the flavour of the fish. Of course, we’re still going to add a little chicken salt to the chips and calamari. The extensive menu here covers old-school classics like battered savs and seafood sticks (long may they live!) and is as cheap as chips.

Time Out tip: Do as the locals do and grab a box, sit out on the balcony and watch the world go by.

These ain't your average greasy, newspaper-wrapped fish and chips. From the team behind the Fishbowl empire comes a high-casual eatery that combines takeaway ease with a touch of understated North Bondi chic. In its basic structure, Fish Shop is just like your seaside local – you pick a main from snapper, ocean trout, barramundi or King Ora salmon, as well as a market fish, then add a condiment and tack on a side – but after that, it goes off-script. Add on sugo with capers, salsa verde or tangy ladelomono, a Greek-style vinaigrette of lemon and oil. 

Paris Mavropoulos spent years mastering the techniques of excellent fish and chips and perfecting his batter, and in 1997 he opened Paris Seafood Cafe. Today, the Cronulla fish and chipper is still run by Paris, his kids Sofia and Christos, as well as their mum, Helen. The tight-knit family wants everyone who comes in to feel like they’re having a meal at their home, so expect generous servings and warm hospitality. The batter is thin and crisp, which allows the fish to be the star of the show, and the chips are fluffy and crunchy – exactly how you want them to be. Plus, Paris Seafood Cafe uses fresh oil daily – which is not always the case at fish and chip shops, and makes everything to order, including the salads. Paris was onto something in 1997, and as this place is always packed, it seems he’s never lost it.

This unassuming joint in Naremburn is reminiscent of the chippies of yore. The menu runs the whole gamut, from fish and chips to seafood baskets (the lucky-dip of the sea), Chiko Rolls and crab claws. The New Zealand cod used for the fish and chips is plump and juicy and they chicken-salt their chips here. Like the name, the prices here are old fashioned too, with the fish and chips setting you back around $12.

Time Out tip: Go retro and add some deep-fried pineapple for a sweet sidekick.

Chef Matt Moran’s waterfront restaurant, North Bondi Fish, has been a go-to for long lunches in Sydney since it first swung open its doors in the summer of 2013. That’s all thanks to its winning formula: a coastal-inspired menu with a side of beautiful ocean views. If you're craving fish and chips at a fancy spot, this is a great place to do it.

Time Out tip: We're also big fans of NBF's fish burger, featuring grilled and succulent monkfish, house-cured pancetta, grilled capsicum, eggplant and rocket on a freshly baked organic semolina bun.

There are more options for fish and chips in Manly than you can throw a thong at, but Fishmongers stands out from the crowd. Hoki is dunked in a light tempura batter that enhances rather than competes with the flavour of the fish. To the side are excellent hand-cut chips that are streets ahead of the usual fare. Deep fried strips of sweet potato on top add some extra crunch. These guys also try to do the right thing by our ocean friends by selling MSC certified seafood.

Time Out tip: Get your order to go and head over the road to the beach, because everything tastes better looking out over the big blue.

There are many things we like about Macquarie Park Boathouse Cafe, situated in the Hawkesbury region right on the north-western border of Sydney. Tasty fish and chips, friendly service and reasonable prices are all at the top. Plus, a bucket of fresh Aussie tiger prawns for $25? Count us in. Depending on where you live, it may take you a little while to get to get here, but we reckon it’s well worth the road trip for the golden fish and chips alone. Plus, there’s a playground right out the front, making it an excellent spot for a day adventure with your little ones. Keep an eye out on their Facebook page for daily specials – think fish, chips and salad for just ten bucks.

Family-owned eatery Heathcote Fish & Chips has been slinging cracking seafood, fish burgers, housemade fish cakes, potato scallops and salads to those in south-east Sydney since 1960. Here, one fillet of battered fish with chips, lemon and tartare will set you back around $12. No car? No worries. Heathcote Fish & Chips is found opposite the train station, and close to the stunning Heathcote National Park – which is home to a bunch of great day trails. We say lace up, make a day of it and go for a walk, followed by a feed at you-know-where.

There’s a bunch of takeaway fish and chippers in this bustling seaside suburb, but if you’re looking to give your back a rest, our pick is Felons Manly, a lively craft pub and eatery by the team behind Brisbane's much-loved brewery. Felons Manly has taken over the former Wharf Bar space right on the water, so you can lap up big blue ocean views with your meal. Rockpool’s former top chef Corey Costelloe is behind the top-notch menu, which features pub classics done well – like the fish and chips. Ling was the catch of the day when we visited, beautifully battered until golden and crunchy, with no oily residue. It’s served with salted chips, a crushed pea salad and a chunky, herby tartare. Add a squeeze of lemon and pair it with one of Felons’ crisp ales, and you’ve got yourself a great time.

Time Out tip: Keep the seafood theme going and start with freshly shucked oysters and ruby-red tuna, amped up with salty capers, shallots and lemon.

This spot is tucked away right around the bend from Manly Beach, and it's well worth the scenic walk over. Locals have been flocking here for years, tucking into eggs and bacon, and beer-battered flathead with Jenga-style chips right on the sand. And it's not just any old sand, mind you, but Shelly Beach – one of Sydney’s – if not Australia’s – most beautiful beaches. If we've got a craving for fish and chips, this is one of our favourite spots to hit up.

You'll find sustainable seafood purveyors Fish & Co in Harold Park’s Tramsheds, where they’re as popular as ever. These guys are deeply concerned with the provenance of their products, and ensuring that there’s still plenty of fish left in the sea for future generations. Strips of New Zealand hoki come coated in a golden beer batter that’s a little on the thick side but still has a nice snap. You can jazz things up by substituting regular fries for sweet potato chips. Those wanting a break from tradition can choose from options like mackerel fish cakes and panko crumbed tiger prawns. Eat in if you’re feeling fancy, or for a cheaper option, grab takeaway and find a spot outside in the sun.

Fich at Perersham claims to have the freshest fish in the Inner West and that’s something we can swim behind. It’s by the team behind Portuguese patisserie Sweet Belem and all-day eatery Lunas, and the menu includes a mix of nostalgia classics and modern touches. The fish and chips features beer-battered ling, thick chips and tartare sauce. Dine in, or takeaway and head to a local park to enjoy under the trees.

You can get cracking fish and chips at Benny’s, a waterfront restaurant overlooking beautiful Gunnamatta Bay in Cronulla. Available for takeaway only, the fish and chips feature fresh gurnard coated in a golden and crunchy beer batter, served with salted thick chips, mushy peas and a chunky tartare sauce. There’s a grassy knoll right in front of Benny’s, so you can sit there and enjoy your lunch in the sunshine. Plus, there are gelato and ice-cream cones available for takeaway. Not a local? No worries. Benny’s is a five-minute walk from the train station, making it an easy and fun day out.