There are few foods as gloriously uncomplicated as fish and chips. Fish. Potatoes. Batter. Oil. Salt. Maybe vinegar. And somehow, when the stars align, these humble ingredients become the edible equivalent of a standing ovation.
The dish has British roots dating back to the 19th century, with fried fish and fried potatoes eventually joining forces in the 1860s. By the early 20th century, fish-and-chip shops had become a fixture of British working-class life.
But fish and chips didn’t stay home. From London’s historic chippies to Sydney’s waterfront, Seattle’s seafood counters, Victoria’s floating wharf restaurants and Cape Town’s harbour-side fryers, the humble duo has travelled rather impressively.
So grab your imaginary newspaper parcel and loosen your belt. Here are 20 of the best fish and chips places around the world.
1. Rock & Sole Plaice — London, England
History: Established in 1871, Rock & Sole Plaice claims the distinction of being London’s oldest fish-and-chip restaurant still operating from its original location. Its basement even played a role in wartime community efforts during the Blitz.
Year founded: 1871
Address: 47 Endell Street, London WC2H 9AJ, UK
Fish served: Cod, haddock, plaice, skate and other British fish
Batter: Traditional crisp golden batter
Chips: Chunky, traditional British chips
Cooking Oil: Commercial deep-frying oil
Traditional sides: Mushy peas, gherkins, pickled eggs, tartare sauce
Cost for two: Approximately £40–£50
Instagram: @rockandsolelondon
Website: Rock & Sole Plaice
Rock & Sole Plaice is London fish-and-chips archaeology you can actually eat. The fish arrives fresh, the batter crackles dramatically, and the chunky chips provide the necessary potato therapy. Sitting in Covent Garden, this venerable institution has watched London change around it while stubbornly frying fish the traditional way. Basically, history with vinegar, tartare sauce and absolutely no museum glass.
2. Poppies Fish & Chips — London, England
History: Poppies traces its story to founder Pat “Pop” Newland, who entered the fish-and-chip trade as a child and established the Poppies business in 1952. The restaurants deliberately recreate a nostalgic East End atmosphere with vintage memorabilia.
Year founded: 1952
Address: 6–8 Hanbury Street, London E1 6QR, UK
Fish served: Cod, haddock, halibut, plaice and scampi
Batter: Crisp traditional batter
Chips: Thick-cut golden chips
Cooking Oil: Groundnut/peanut oil
Traditional sides: Mushy peas, jellied eels, pickled eggs, tartare sauce
Cost for two: Approximately £40–£50
Instagram: @popsfishnchips
Website: Poppies Fish & Chips
Poppies feels like someone found a 1950s London chippy, put it in a time machine, and remembered to pack the potatoes. Fresh fish, crunchy batter and generous chips headline the menu, while retro décor supplies plenty of Instagram ammunition. Add mushy peas, perhaps jellied eels, and suddenly dinner becomes a wonderfully edible history lesson with considerably better seasoning.
3. The Golden Hind — London, England
History: The Golden Hind has been serving traditional fish and chips in Marylebone for more than a century, making it one of London’s enduring chippy institutions.
Year founded: 1914
Address: 71a–73 Marylebone Lane, London W1U 2PN, UK
Fish served: Cod, haddock, plaice, skate and other seafood
Batter: Light, crisp traditional batter
Chips: Chunky hand-cut style
Cooking Oil: Deep-frying oil
Traditional sides: Mushy peas, bread and butter, tartare sauce, pickles
Cost for two: Approximately £35–£45
Instagram: @goldenhindrestaurant
Website: The Golden Hind
The Golden Hind understands that excellent fish and chips don’t require culinary gymnastics. Its Marylebone dining room keeps things reassuringly traditional: flaky fish, crisp batter, proper chips and enough vinegar to make your eyebrows briefly reconsider their career choices. It is the kind of place where the food arrives looking simple, then quietly demonstrates why simple food is notoriously difficult.
4. The Seashell of Lisson Grove — London, England
History: A long-standing Marylebone fish-and-chip restaurant, The Seashell has developed a reputation for generous portions, traditional preparations and a proper sit-down seafood experience.
Year founded: 1964
Address: 49–51 Lisson Grove, London NW1 6UB, UK
Fish served: Cod, haddock, plaice, halibut and seafood
Batter: Crisp golden batter
Chips: Thick-cut British chips
Cooking Oil: Commercial vegetable frying oil
Traditional sides: Mushy peas, tartare sauce, pickles, bread
Cost for two: Approximately £40–£55
Instagram: @seashellrestaurant
Website: The Seashell Restaurant
The Seashell is where fish and chips put on slightly smarter shoes without abandoning their working-class soul. Portions are famously substantial, the fish is flaky and the batter brings that satisfying crackle every good fillet deserves. The Marylebone location also makes it a useful stop after exploring central London—because walking around London burns calories, and chips are obviously the responsible replenishment strategy.
5. The Magpie Café — Whitby, England
History: The Magpie Café was established in 1937, although its building dates much further back. The family-run business has become one of Whitby’s most famous culinary landmarks.
Year founded: 1937
Address: 14 Pier Road, Whitby, North Yorkshire YO21 3PU, UK
Fish served: Haddock, cod, plaice, skate and Whitby seafood
Batter: Traditional crisp batter
Chips: Thick-cut chips
Cooking Oil: Commercial frying oil
Traditional sides: Mushy peas, tartare sauce, bread and butter, pickles
Cost for two: Approximately £35–£45
Instagram: @magpiecafewhitby
Website: Magpie Café
The Magpie Café combines two irresistible things: Whitby harbour views and enormous portions of fish and chips. Its queues can become almost architectural, winding outside the famous black-and-white building. Inside, expect fresh local seafood, crisp batter and Yorkshire-sized enthusiasm. If your holiday itinerary contains Whitby Abbey, the harbour and absolutely no Magpie chips, frankly, the itinerary needs immediate professional intervention.
6. Anstruther Fish Bar — Anstruther, Scotland
History: Anstruther Fish Bar is one of Scotland’s best-known coastal chippies, positioned in the fishing town of Anstruther in Fife. The business is associated with generations of visitors seeking seafood straight from Scotland’s East Neuk. Its current company dates to 2004.
Year founded: 2004*
Address: 42–44 Shore Street, Anstruther KY10 3AQ, Scotland
Fish served: Haddock, cod, plaice, lemon sole and other seafood
Batter: Crisp traditional batter
Chips: Hand-cut chunky chips
Cooking Oil: Commercial vegetable frying oil
Traditional sides: Mushy peas, tartare sauce, pickles
Cost for two: Approximately £30–£40
Instagram: @anstrutherfishbar
Website: Anstruther Fish Bar
Anstruther Fish Bar delivers the particular joy of eating seafood beside the sea that supplied it. Expect flaky fish, crunchy batter and chips substantial enough to qualify as structural materials. The coastal setting adds extra seasoning courtesy of Scottish air, while the traditional menu keeps things gloriously uncomplicated. Bring an appetite, because Scottish hospitality apparently comes measured in portion sizes.
7. Harry Ramsden’s — Yorkshire, England
History: Harry Ramsden opened his first fish-and-chip business in Guiseley, West Yorkshire, in 1928. The brand grew into one of Britain’s most recognizable fish-and-chip names.
Year founded: 1928
Address: Multiple UK locations; flagship heritage roots in Guiseley, West Yorkshire
Fish served: Cod, haddock and other seafood
Batter: Traditional crisp batter
Chips: Chunky British chips
Cooking Oil: Commercial frying oil
Traditional sides: Mushy peas, tartare sauce, curry sauce, pickles
Cost for two: Approximately £30–£45
Instagram: @harry_ramsdens
Website: Harry Ramsden’s
Harry Ramsden’s is the fish-and-chips equivalent of meeting someone who has been famous since before your grandparents were fashionable. Founded in 1928, the brand helped turn the humble chippy into a recognizable British institution. The formula remains reassuringly familiar: golden fish, chunky chips and classic sauces. It is nostalgic comfort food with excellent crunch and zero existential complications.
8. Leo Burdock — Dublin, Ireland
History: Leo Burdock began in 1913 when Patrick and Bella Burdock opened their first shop in Christchurch, Dublin, naming it after their young son Leo. The family business became famous for sourcing fresh fish and potatoes, historically even using coal-fired pans.
Year founded: 1913
Address: 2 Werburgh Street, Christchurch, Dublin 8, Ireland
Fish served: Cod, haddock, whiting, plaice and other seafood
Batter: Traditional Irish-style batter
Chips: Chunky hand-cut chips
Cooking Oil: Traditional deep-frying oil
Traditional sides: Salt, vinegar, mushy peas, tartare sauce
Cost for two: Approximately €30–€40
Instagram: @leoburdock
Website: Leo Burdock
Leo Burdock has been feeding Dubliners since 1913, which means it has survived wars, recessions, food trends and probably several questionable potato fashions. Its Christchurch shop remains legendary for traditional fish and chips, generous portions and old-school charm. Fresh fish, crisp batter and chunky chips make this a pilgrimage-worthy stop for anyone who believes lunch should occasionally require both hands.
9. Doyles on the Beach — Sydney, Australia
History: The Doyle family’s seafood story at Watsons Bay dates to 1885, making Doyles one of Australia’s most established seafood names. The original restaurant remains at Watsons Bay overlooking Sydney Harbour.
Year founded: 1885
Address: 11 Marine Parade, Watsons Bay, NSW, Australia
Fish served: Barramundi, flathead, whiting and other Australian seafood
Batter: Beer batter
Chips: Golden fried chips
Cooking Oil: Premium vegetable oil
Traditional sides: Tartare sauce, lemon, salad, Doyles chilli-plum sauce
Cost for two: Approximately A$60–A$80
Instagram: @doylesonbeach
Website: Doyles
Doyles takes fish and chips somewhere decidedly sunnier. At Watsons Bay, golden beer-battered seafood comes with harbour views, salty breezes and the faint possibility that your lunch is prettier than your holiday photographs. Barramundi, flathead and whiting bring Australian character to a British classic. Basically, it is fish and chips wearing sunglasses and enjoying life considerably more than you are.
10. Ivar’s Pier 54 Fish Bar — Seattle, USA
History: Ivar Haglund began selling fish and chips from Seattle’s waterfront aquarium in 1938 after noticing hungry visitors needed feeding. That small idea evolved into the Ivar’s seafood empire.
Year founded: 1938
Address: 1001 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
Fish served: Wild Alaskan halibut, salmon and Pacific cod
Batter: Original breaded/battered preparation
Chips: Crisp fries
Cooking Oil: Commercial frying oil
Traditional sides: Tartar sauce, malt vinegar, coleslaw, chowder
Cost for two: Approximately US$35–$50
Instagram: @ivarsclam
Website: Ivar’s
Ivar’s proves fish and chips can cross the Atlantic and develop a distinctly Pacific Northwest personality. Founded by Seattle showman Ivar Haglund in 1938, the waterfront institution pairs crispy fish with fries, chowder and spectacular views. Wild Alaskan seafood gives the dish local credibility, while the harbour setting encourages the dangerous belief that ordering another portion is somehow sightseeing.
11. Barb’s Fish & Chips — Victoria, Canada
History: Barb’s has been operating from Victoria’s Fisherman’s Wharf since 1984, becoming one of the city’s best-known waterfront fish-and-chip stops.
Year founded: 1984
Address: Fisherman’s Wharf, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Fish served: BC halibut, cod and local seafood
Batter: Crisp traditional batter
Chips: Golden fries
Cooking Oil: Commercial vegetable frying oil
Traditional sides: House slaw, tartare sauce, chowder, lemon
Cost for two: Approximately C$40–C$55
Instagram: @barbsfishnchips
Website: Barb’s Fish & Chips
Barb’s turns fish and chips into a waterfront spectator sport. Located around Victoria’s colourful Fisherman’s Wharf, this casual institution serves crispy BC halibut, golden fries, slaw and tangy tartare sauce. The setting is wonderfully informal: grab your food, find a dockside seat and watch harbour life unfold. Warning: seagulls consider Barb’s takeaway a legally binding invitation.
12. Red Fish Blue Fish — Victoria, Canada
History: Red Fish Blue Fish became famous for its converted shipping-container setting on Victoria’s Inner Harbour and its seafood-focused menu. The restaurant has developed a particularly strong following among visitors seeking waterfront fish and chips.
Year founded: 2009
Address: 1006 Wharf Street, Victoria, BC, Canada
Fish served: Pacific cod, halibut, salmon and seasonal seafood
Batter: Light tempura-style batter
Chips: Kennebec chips
Cooking Oil: Commercial frying oil
Traditional sides: Tartare sauce, coleslaw, lemon
Cost for two: Approximately C$40–C$55
Instagram: @rfbf
Website: Red Fish Blue Fish
Red Fish Blue Fish is what happens when fish and chips discover minimalist architecture. Served from a converted shipping container beside Victoria’s Inner Harbour, the seafood is fresh, the batter is wonderfully crisp and the views are better than most dining rooms have any right to offer. Order the classic fish and chips, grab a harbour-facing seat and prepare for seagull diplomacy.
13. Go Fish — Vancouver, Canada
History: Go Fish has been a Vancouver favourite since 2004, developing a reputation for sustainable seafood, casual waterfront dining and creative takes on the classic fish-and-chip format.
Year founded: 2004
Address: 1505 West 1st Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6J 1E8, Canada
Fish served: Cod, salmon, halibut and wild Pacific seafood
Batter: Light crisp batter
Chips: Classic pommes frites
Cooking Oil: Commercial frying oil
Traditional sides: Pacific Rim coleslaw, tartare sauce, lemon
Cost for two: Approximately C$35–C$50
Instagram: @gofishvancouver
Website: Go Fish Vancouver
Go Fish keeps Vancouver’s seafood scene refreshingly uncomplicated. The compact waterfront spot serves fresh Pacific fish in crispy batter alongside excellent fries and Pacific Rim-inspired sides. Cod is the dependable classic, while halibut and salmon provide delicious reasons to ignore your original plan. It is casual, lively and particularly satisfying when eaten outdoors with Vancouver’s salty harbour air.
14. Pajo’s Fish & Chips — Richmond, Canada
History: Pajo’s grew from a Richmond waterfront fish-and-chip operation into a recognizable Lower Mainland seafood brand. Its Steveston Wharf location has become a long-standing destination for Pacific cod and halibut.
Year founded: 1980s
Address: 12351 Third Avenue, Richmond, British Columbia, Canada
Fish served: Pacific cod, halibut and seasonal seafood
Batter: Signature tempura-style batter
Chips: Crisp fries
Cooking Oil: Commercial frying oil
Traditional sides: Tartare sauce, coleslaw, vinegar, lemon
Cost for two: Approximately C$35–C$50
Instagram: @pajos_fishchips
Website: Pajo’s Fish & Chips
Pajo’s takes the classic British formula and gives it a distinctly British Columbian makeover. Pacific cod and halibut meet a signature tempura-style coating before landing beside crisp fries. The Steveston setting makes the whole experience feel appropriately nautical without requiring anyone to actually own a boat. It is casual, crunchy, seafood-forward comfort food with serious waterfront credentials.
15. Icelandic Fish & Chips — Reykjavík, Iceland
History: Reykjavík has developed its own seafood-driven interpretation of fish and chips, influenced by Iceland’s enormous fishing culture and access to exceptionally fresh North Atlantic fish.
Year founded: 2004
Address: Reykjavík city centre, Iceland
Fish served: Cod, haddock and other Icelandic catch
Batter: Light, crisp batter
Chips: Rustic hand-cut potatoes
Cooking Oil: Vegetable frying oil
Traditional sides: Tartar sauce, lemon, salad and Icelandic condiments
Cost for two: Approximately ISK 7,000–9,000
Instagram: Icelandic Fish & Chips on Instagram
Website: Icelandic Fish & Chips
Icelandic fish and chips feels like the dish took a Nordic holiday and came back wearing a wool sweater. Expect exceptionally fresh North Atlantic fish, light batter and hearty potatoes, often accompanied by cleaner, brighter sauces than traditional British versions. Reykjavík’s chilly streets make hot fried fish especially comforting, proving once again that cold weather is basically nature’s permission slip for carbs.
16. Fish on the Rocks — Hout Bay, Cape Town, South Africa
History: Fish on the Rocks is a long-running Hout Bay seafood institution known for casual harbour-side eating and generous portions of fried seafood.
Year founded: 1982
Address: Hout Bay Harbour, Cape Town, South Africa
Fish served: Hake, snoek, calamari and other local seafood
Batter: Crisp South African-style batter
Chips: Thick-cut golden chips
Cooking Oil: Vegetable frying oil
Traditional sides: Lemon, tartare sauce, vinegar, coleslaw
Cost for two: Approximately R300–R450
Instagram: Fish on the Rocks Instagram
Website: Fish on the Rocks
Fish on the Rocks brings serious Cape Town seaside energy to the humble fish-and-chip formula. Fresh local seafood, crunchy batter and thick chips are best enjoyed around Hout Bay Harbour, where fishing boats provide the scenery. The atmosphere is casual, portions are generous and the ocean is practically part of the menu. Consider it South African comfort food with a salty soundtrack.
17. The Codmother Fish & Chips — San Francisco, USA
History: The Codmother became a popular Fisherman’s Wharf stop for British-style fish and chips, combining classic battered seafood with the unmistakable tourist energy of San Francisco’s waterfront.
Year founded: 2010
Address: 2824 Jones Street, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA
Fish served: Cod, salmon, halibut and seafood
Batter: Beer batter
Chips: Thick-cut fries
Cooking Oil: Vegetable frying oil
Traditional sides: Tartare sauce, malt vinegar, coleslaw, lemon
Cost for two: Approximately US$35–$50
Instagram: The Codmother Fish & Chips Instagram
Website: The Codmother Fish & Chips
The Codmother is proof that San Francisco can do British comfort food without taking itself too seriously. Near Fisherman’s Wharf, beer-battered fish arrives alongside chunky fries and the usual suspects: tartare sauce, vinegar and lemon. It is casual, cheerful and unapologetically filling. Eat it while exploring the waterfront, then blame the seagulls if anything mysteriously disappears.
18. The Fish & Chip Shop — Auckland, New Zealand
History: New Zealand embraced fish and chips as part of its coastal food culture, developing a strong tradition of takeaway shops serving locally caught seafood with thick fries and tomato sauce. Auckland remains one of the country’s great fish-and-chip cities.
Year founded: 2010s
Address: Auckland, New Zealand
Fish served: Snapper, tarakihi, hoki and seasonal local fish
Batter: Light, crisp batter
Chips: Thick-cut takeaway chips
Cooking Oil: Vegetable frying oil
Traditional sides: Lemon, tomato sauce, tartare sauce, coleslaw
Cost for two: Approximately NZ$35–$50
Instagram: Auckland Fish & Chips Instagram search
Website: Auckland Fish & Chips Guide
New Zealand treats fish and chips less like a British import and more like a national birthright. In Auckland, local snapper, tarakihi and hoki often meet crisp batter and chunky chips before being carried straight toward a beach. Add lemon and tomato sauce, find somewhere near the water and embrace the Kiwi philosophy that sandy fingers make excellent dinner accessories.
19. The Fish Counter — Vancouver, Canada
History: The Fish Counter combines a seafood market ethos with casual restaurant dining, emphasizing responsibly sourced seafood and contemporary interpretations of classic fish and chips. It has become a notable stop on Vancouver’s seafood circuit.
Year founded: 2013
Address: 3825 Main Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Fish served: Pacific cod, halibut, lingcod, salmon and seasonal catch
Batter: Crisp beer-style batter
Chips: Hand-cut fries
Cooking Oil: Commercial frying oil
Traditional sides: Tartare sauce, slaw, lemon, vinegar
Cost for two: Approximately C$40–C$55
Instagram: @thefishcounteronmain
Website: The Fish Counter
The Fish Counter is for diners who like their fish and chips with a little sustainability conversation on the side. Pacific cod, halibut, lingcod and salmon headline the menu, while crisp batter and fries keep the experience firmly rooted in comfort-food territory. It manages the impressive trick of being conscientious without making dinner feel like homework. Hurray for edible homework.
20. Hooked Fish Bar — Crescent Beach, Canada
History: Hooked Fish Bar opened in summer 2011 and quickly became a Crescent Beach destination, particularly for its seaside location, fish and chips, tacos and seafood-focused menu.
Year founded: 2011
Address: Crescent Beach, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
Fish served: Cod, halibut and seasonal seafood
Batter: Light crisp batter
Chips: Golden fries
Cooking Oil: Vegetable frying oil
Traditional sides: Tartare sauce, coleslaw, lemon, chowder
Cost for two: Approximately C$40–C$55
Instagram: Hooked Fish Bar Instagram
Website: Hooked Fish Bar
Hooked Fish Bar makes a strong case for eating fish and chips somewhere you can smell the ocean. Since opening in 2011, its beachfront deck has become a Crescent Beach favourite, pairing crispy seafood with Gulf Islands views. The menu adds tacos and chowder, but the classic fish and chips remains the star. Basically, seaside therapy served in paper-friendly portions.
The bottom line
The greatest fish and chips aren’t necessarily the fanciest. They’re the ones where the fish is moist, the batter is audibly crisp, the chips are fluffy inside and gloriously greasy outside, and the vinegar bottle mysteriously disappears halfway through the meal.
Britain may have invented the modern fish-and-chip tradition, but the rest of the world has happily stolen the idea—and, frankly, we’re all better off for it.
