Deliciously deep-fried fish & chips in Vancouver
On the health-conscious West Coast, fish and chips might not be our regional dish. But the abundance of fresh seafood here and the undeniable deliciousness of this classic pairing mean there’s no shortage of places around town doing it up right. Grab some napkins and pass the vinegar.
The Fish Counter
3825 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3P1Receiving rave reviews since it opened in late 2013, The Fish Counter in Mount Pleasant is giving the competition a run for its money. Primarily a seafood market, its take-out is also widely popular. Choose from Oceanwise-certified halibut, salmon, cod or oysters — up to three pieces — with kennebec chips and kale coleslaw. Rob Clark from C Restaurant and Mike McDermid from the Aquarium are behind this little shop, so you know it’s going to be impeccable.
Go Fish Ocean Emporium
1505 1st Ave W, Vancouver, BC V6J 1E8Watch your lunch float in on a boat, trundle up the dock and be presented to the shack with the line up ‘round the seawall. Go Fish at the Granville Island docks serves up light, crispy fish and chips for hungry diners willing to wait in epic queues to satisfy their deep-fried cravings. Fresh and fast once you order, this is definitely worth the wait. Grab a spot at a picnic table and watch the action on False Creek.
Doc Morgan's Pub & Restaurant
437 Bowen Island Trunk Rd Suite x1, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2A two-piecer here may require a bit more effort on your part, but make a day of it on Bowen Island visiting local artisans, kayaking or climbing Mount Gardner and reward yourself with large pieces of beer-battered cod and a massive platter of chips with coleslaw. Wash it down with a beer from Howe Sound Brewing and look out to the glistening waters of the beer’s namesake. This is worth the ferry ride across the Sound.
Mr Pickwicks Fish & Chips
106-12852 96 Ave, Surrey, BC V3V 6A8When this frequent award-winner closed its doors on Davie Street, there was an audible grumble of outrage in the West End. Luckily, you can still get your right-authentic English fish and chips in Surrey. Serving Oceanwise fish in baskets lined with classic red and white waxed paper, you have your choice of tartar, lemon dill or seafood sauces, all homemade. Amp it up with a side of deep-fried pickles.
Fish Cafe
2053 41st Ave W, Vancouver, BC V6M 1Y7Kerrisdale’s Fish Café has been a neighbourhood stalwart for years. With nothing but fresh, sustainable seafood on the menu (with some salads to round it out), it’s easy to see why. Their two-piece fish and chips — either halibut or salmon — comes golden and crisp on a newspaper-lined tray and is served with perfectly fried chips, chunky tartar sauce, lemon wedges and vinegar. Take in the homey atmosphere and the friendly service of this family-owned restaurant while you dig into this classic seaside platter.
Finest At Sea Seafood Boutique
4675 Arbutus St, Vancouver, BC V6J 4A3Known primarily as a seafood provider, Finest at Sea also serves up a mean fish and chips. Visit their Vancouver location on Arbutus or their food truck at Robson and Howe for fish they’ve caught themselves using sustainable practices. Pieces are coated in a light beer batter and chips are double fried for premium crispness on the outside and a soft, pillowy inside. You can be sure that whichever fish you choose for your meal, it’ll be some of the freshest around.
Tony's Fish & Oyster Cafe
1511 Anderson St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3R5Emitting the enticing smell of fried fish and salty chips at the entrance to Granville Island, one of the city’s most popular destinations, will guarantee your tiny restaurant is always packed. Don’t resist these aromas. A quick stop for lunch, big pieces of cod, haddock, salmon or halibut come on a bed of crispy fries with both tartar and cocktail sauces. Order a beer from next-door Granville Island brewery and fuel up for a day of wandering.
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