When I think of coastal holidays I took as a kid, three things always come to mind - mucking around at the beach, playing cricket with new found friends wherever we could find a spot, and the excitement I felt when I heard those magical words - ‘what would you like from the fish and chip shop for dinner?’. Here are four of the best fish and chips dotted across the Sapphire Coast in NSW.
1. BLUE WAVE SEAFOOD: BERMAGUI
Why we love them: All the seafood here is delicious and fresh, coming straight from the nearby Bermagui Fishermen’s Cooperative. A fantastic way to indulge in fresh seafood, whilst also knowing that you’re supporting local industry.
Local catch: Flathead, Ling, Tuna and Swordfish are all caught in the area so we suggest asking the team behind the counter what they’re recommending that day and follow their lead - you truly can’t go wrong.
Where to find them: Bermagui Fishermen's Wharf, 73-79 Lamont St, Bermagui NSW
2. FISHPEN TAKEAWAY: MERIMBULA
Why we love them: A great fish and chip shop with warm hospitality and quick service. Slightly controversial but our favourite dish here isn’t seafood, it’s one of their fantastic burgers!
Local catch: The well named “Bloke Burger” is a delicious combo of house made beef patty, bacon, egg, grilled tomato, lettuce, cheese, red onion, house made chutney & mayo. This one is sure to fill you up no matter how hungry you are. Of course, the seafood offering is still fantastic so don’t feel like this is a judgement on that, it’s more a highlight of how good these burgers are.
Where to find them: 1a Marine Pde, Merimbula NSW
3. AQUA: PAMBULA BEACH
Why we love them: This versatile venue is part cafe, part fish and chip shop and part pizza and wine restaurant. There’s something for everyone at every time of the day.
Local catch: Go for the fish burger - battered fish, lettuce, tomato and mayo between a bun. Perfect for eating in, on the run or taking home.
Where to find them: 1 Pambula Beach Rd, Pambula Beach NSW
4. EDEN FISH AND CHIPS: EDEN
Why we love them: Nothing fancy here but that’s how we like it. This is a classic Australian fish and hip shop with warm service and all your favourites up on the board.
Local catch: You can almost see the beautiful Twofold Bay from out the front of the Fish and Chip show, and that bay is a prolific spot for catching squid. Given that, we can’t go past the freshest of fresh calamari that you’ll find here. Equally delicious fried or grilled - we’ll leave that one up to you.
Where to find them: 160 Imlay St, Eden NSW
