4 minute read
Perfect catch: Where to find the best fish and chips
Photography by Seb Reivers
What really makes a good fish and chips – is it the freshness of the fish, the flaky light batter, the crispy hot chips, or all of the above? Well now you can find out. Here’s our guide to some of the most popular spots in Batemans Bay and beyond.
ROY’S FISH AND CHIPS, BATEMANS BAY
Roy’s has a great reputation for deliciously fresh fish and chips, with an extensive seafood menu including blue grenadier, flathead, whiting, barramundi, flake, Alaskan pollock, squid, prawn cutlets, plus burgers and all the expected old school takeaway fare. 1/28 Beach Road, Batemans Bay.
THE FISH SHOP, BURRILL LAKE
This quaint takeaway located just off the highway at Burrill Lake has been serving local fare since 1994. Online reviews say they serve the freshest ‘God tier’ seafood on the coast. What more could you ask for? 107 Princes Highway, Burrill Lake.
THE RIVER CAFE, NELLIGEN
True to its name, The River Café sits on the edge of the picturesque Clyde River in Nelligen and has a brilliant seafood menu to boot. The fish and chips here consistently get strong reviews for being fresh, perfectly cooked and super tasty. 1 Wharf Street, Nelligen.
BERNY’S AT BATEHAVEN
This local institution and fuss-free takeaway is known for using the freshest local fish and premium potatoes to make their handcut chips and potato scallops. Each meal is cooked to order, so freshness is guaranteed. Don’t forget to try the oysters, which come straight from Berny’s own leases. 246 Beach Road, Batehaven.
STARFISH, BATEMANS BAY
Arguably the oldest and most iconic restaurant in Batemans Bay, Starfish is situated right at the mouth of the Clyde River. Their menu boasts a must-try fish and chips, plus they offer a load of other fresh, locally sourced seafood. Shops 1 & 2, Promenade Plaza, 1 Clyde Street, Batemans Bay.
FISH VIBES, KIAMA DOWNS
Fish Vibes at Jones Beach offers a classic yet modern take on your local fish and chip shop. They’ve got a traditional seafood menu plus some specialty signature dishes that will be sure to impress. Reviews say their fish and chips are delicious, and their fish tacos are to die for. 1/13 Johnson Street, Kiama Downs.
CATALINA CLUB, BATEMANS BAY
1920 is the on-site restaurant at the iconic Catalina Club. This award-winning restaurant has a menu with comforting, nostalgic flavours and locally sourced produce. Along with a delicious beer-battered blue grenadier fish and chips on their menu, you’ll also find Australian whole king prawns, Clyde River oysters, pan-roasted Atlantic salmon, lobster, squid and Cone Bay barramundi. 154 Beach Road, Batemans Bay.
BLUE OCTOPUS, DALMENY
With super fresh seafood, crispy potato cakes, hot chips and magnificent beach views, it’s no surprise this takeaway spot in Dalmeny is popular, attracting locals but also patrons from afar. Their menu offers classic takeaway fare and generous portions at affordable prices. It’s hard to beat. 1 Noble Parade, Dalmeny.
FISHPEN TAKEAWAY, MERIMBULA
According to reviews on TripAdvisor, this takeaway has the best fish and chips in Merimbula. Their fish is cooked to order, and their menu is extensive so there’s something for everyone. Expect to queue, but you won’t be disappointed. 1A Marine Parade, Merimbula.
STINGRAYS OCEAN & GRILL, BATEMANS BAY
This local restaurant sits in the heart of Batemans Bay and has grown a significant local following since it opened in 2015, and for good reason. Their menu offers flavoursome fish and chips, squid, calamari, fresh oysters, as well as a range of burgers, pastas, wraps and salads all with fresh seafood. Their chips, batter and crumb are all gluten free too. 4/1 Clyde Street, Batemans Bay.
BLUE WAVE SEAFOOD, BERMAGUI
Blue Wave Seafood offers a fantastic menu full of takeaway favourites and fresh seasonal seafood sourced as locally and sustainably as possible. The fish and chips here come highly recommended, with reviewers saying the batter recipe is second to none. To top it off, they are located just by the harbourside, so you can watch the boats roll in while you eat. 73-79 Lamont Street, Bermagui.
OCEAN GRILL ON THE BAY, BATEMANS BAY
This waterfront takeaway shop opposite the Clyde River has lots of rave reviews about their scrumptious seafood, including their classic fish and chips, tender calamari, and fish cocktails. They also serve delicious old school burgers and are known for being super friendly with some of the best customer service in town. 17 Clyde Street, Batemans Bay.
