The best fish and chips in Newcastle

With our stunning coastline, bustling harbour, and thriving food scene, finding delicious fish and chips in Newcastle isn't difficult – but knowing where the locals prefer can elevate your experience from good to unforgettable.

Whether you're after traditional battered fish from a beachside kiosk, gourmet seafood from an established restaurant, or a casual takeaway to enjoy with stunning ocean views, Newcastle has something to satisfy every seafood lover. We've rounded up the best spots where fresh catches, perfect chips, and prime locations combine to create the ultimate fish and chip experience in our beautiful coastal city.

Where the ocean breeze meets golden crunch! Swell Kiosks serve up fresh, seasonal, and sustainably sourced seafood with hot chips that are crispy perfection. Every bite is a celebration of thoughtful sourcing – line-caught and ocean-friendly, because they care deeply about the sea and everything in it.

The menu is packed with locally sourced ingredients, and every condiment is made in-house to cut down on waste and boost sustainability. The team believes that small choices make big waves, and they’re all about doing good while serving great food.

But it’s not just about seafood! Swell dishes out epic coffee, stacked burgers, zesty tacos, and house-made treats like refreshing iced teas, nourishing acai bowls, and cosy porridge when the weather cools down.

Sun’s out, snacks up! At Sunnyboy Kiosk, you’ll find everything you need to fuel your beach day – from the legendary Sun Fam Pack (perfect for hungry crews) to solo classics like crispy fish & chips or salt and pepper squid that totally hit the spot.

Craving something cool? Dive into gelato, fresh juices, smoothies, and specialty matchas, including the dreamy Earl Grey & Coconut Matcha. For brekkie lovers, there's acai bowls, granola, all-day breakfast favourites, plus pastries, toasties, and juicy hamburgers.

With plenty of shade and seating, you can chill out and soak up the views of Bathers Way. Got a furry friend in tow? Treat them to a puppacino, chicken neck, or Peking duck wing – tail wags guaranteed. And if you're chasing a slice of Newcastle to take home, check out their awesome merch range – those tees are top-tier!

Big flavour, beachside vibes! At The Kiosk, seafood is the star – think Shark Alley Burgers, crispy fish bites, tasty meals for one, couples packs, and kids’ fish & chips or calamari packs. Got a crew? Their group feeds are built to impress. And don’t miss the Tabasco Potato Scallops, a spicy, crispy twist on the Aussie classic that’s pure deep-fried bliss.

But wait, there’s more! From perfectly brewed coffee to matcha, smoothies, acai bowls, porridge, thickshakes, and fresh toasties, they’ve got your cravings covered. Add in brekkie rolls, pastries, ice-cold drinks, and ice creams – ideal for those hot sand, cool water kind of days.

Need beach gear? They’ve got you sorted with water bottles, Keep Cups, tees, and even surf wax – so you’re always ready to hit the waves in style.

Laidback vibes, legendary seafood, and live tunes – Scotties is your go-to for coastal cool. Whether you're grabbing a picnic pack from their iconic hole-in-the-wall takeaway or settling in for a next-level seafood feast at the restaurant and bar, Scotties delivers flavour with flair.

Start with Appellation rock oysters dressed in kaffir lime mignonette, crispy salt cod croquettes with white anchovies, or Campari-cured trout with smashed cucumber salad. Then dive into mains like king prawn pancakes with XO sauce, blue swimmer crab dumplings in a kaffir lime and saffron broth, or a whole grilled fish dripping in lemon and caper butter.

The menu is seasonal, ever-evolving, and always exciting – crafted by some of Newcastle’s finest. Pair it all with blood orange hard sodas, a curated wine list, local brews, and desserts you won’t want to share.

And don’t miss Sunday arvos on the lawn – live music under marquee lights, seafood specials, and good vibes all around.

Get ready to dive into a flavour-packed coastal adventure at The Kingfish. This family-owned gem brings the best of Aussie seafood to life with a menu that’s all about freshness, simplicity, and sustainability. Whether you're a die-hard seafood fan or just chasing a top-notch dining experience, The Kingfish is your go-to spot in Newcastle.

Expect premium produce and sustainably caught seafood – each dish tells a story of land, sea, and serious flavour. Think Moreton Bay bugs, grilled salmon, king prawn spaghetti, and whole snapper. But the real showstopper? Their seafood platter. It’s a decadent feast stacked with prawns, Balmain bugs, Sydney rock oysters, scallops, blue swimmer crab, and of course, kingfish. It’s made for long lunches and unforgettable moments.

There’s something for everyone, including the little ones, with kid-friendly classics like fish and chips and crumbed calamari.

Get ready to dive into a dining experience that’s as bold and unforgettable as the view! Perched right on the edge of Newcastle Harbour, Scratchleys is more than just a seafood restaurant – it’s a local legend. With the shimmering water beneath your feet and the bustling port as your backdrop, this is the place to indulge in the freshest seafood, sip on expertly crafted cocktails, and savour the finest wines the region has to offer.

From the moment you arrive, Scratchleys sets the tone for something special. Start strong with tuna tartare, seafood chowder, or oysters and prawns served three ways. But pace yourself, because the mains are where the magic really happens. The blue swimmer crab and prawn linguini is a showstopper. Or go all-in with the char-grilled seafood tower – a jaw-dropping feast featuring tiger prawns, beetroot-cured ocean trout, sloe gin oysters, sous vide octopus, scallops, W.A. rock lobster and more, all kissed with chimichurri and black garlic butter.

Next door, Battlesticks Bar brings the vibe with small bites, killer cocktails, and panoramic harbour views. Whether you're winding down or revving up, it’s the perfect spot to relax, connect, and soak in the energy of the waterfront. And if you're after something quick and classic? Takeaway fish and chips are ready to go – just steps from the main entrance.

Sure, you’ll find fish and chips on the menu, but Thermidor is all about elevating the seafood experience. Think freshly shucked oysters, half-shell scallops, kingfish ceviche, and yellowfin tuna that practically melts in your mouth. The menu is a celebration of local produce, crafted for sharing – perfect for lively group dinners and those long, lazy lunches with friends.

Feeling indulgent? Go all out with the show-stopping Lobster Thermidor – ideal for when you're marking a special occasion. And don’t miss their legendary Sunday Seafood Brunch. Slipper lobster benedict? Yes please. It’s bold, it’s fresh, and it’s brimming with coastal flavour.

There’s nothing quite like the Aussie ritual of fish and chips – hot, crispy, and wrapped in butcher’s paper or served in charming cardboard cups. Whether you’re a fan of tangy vinegar, a squeeze of lemon, or a generous splash of tomato sauce, this seaside staple hits the spot every time.

In Newcastle, locals know exactly where to go for their takeaway fish and chips: Larrie’s, under the Beach Hotel Merewether, Mrs Jones Fish Chips & Oyster Bar in Carrington, Flatfish Café, or Harbourside Takeaway in Wickham, and Glebe Takeaway in The Junction are just a few of the go-to spots for a golden, crunchy fix. Grab your perfectly fried fish, pile on the chips, load up on your favourite sauce, and head to the beach, a leafy park, or your hotel balcony. Wherever you land, you’re living the Newcastle fish and chip dream – and trust us, it’s delicious.

Newcastle’s coastal charm makes it a seafood lover’s paradise. From classic crispy battered fish to upscale kingfish, oyster, or lobster creations, the city serves up flavours as fresh as the ocean breeze. Whether you're grabbing takeaway to savour by the surf or settling in for a sit-down feast, Newcastle’s eateries dish out golden chips and local catches that truly shine.

For locals and visitors alike, indulging in perfectly fried fish with a side of sea views isn’t just a meal, it’s a must-do experience that captures the soul of this dynamic harbour city.

Have we missed your fave? Let us know at [email protected]