While Bristol isn’t exactly a seaside town, being so close to the coast makes it a great plaice for fresh fish! The city is chokka with chippies. And full of fish ready to be coated in some good ol’ batter, served with mushy peas and lashings of salt and vinegar – or curry sauce if that’s more your style. With so much choice, finding the best spots in Bristol for fish and chips can be difficult. From the classic ‘seaside’ style chippies to the ultra sofishticated restaurants, these are some of Bristol’s best fish and chip shops.
1. Noah’s
Recently voted third-best fish ‘n’ chip restaurant in the UK, Noah’s is indisputably the best in Bristol – but probably best saved for a special occasion. Bosting views of Clifton Suspension Bridge, serves traditional, light and crispy battered cod and haddock, alongside seasonal catches from the South West and Scotland.
A loin of North Atlantic cod costs £19.50, while Cornish haddock will see you back £21.50 – but both come with mushy peas, tartare sauce and fresh-cut chips. It’s not all just fish ‘n’ chips either. Elsewhere on the menu, you’ll find grilled whole Cornish sole, Orkney Isle scallops and Cornish mussels – though daily changing menus are dependent on markets and seasons.
Noah’s, 1 Brunel Lock Rd, Bristol BS1 6XS
2. Salt & Malt
With branches by Chew Valley Lake and in Bristol’s food hub that is Wapping Wharf, Salt & Malt serves up stunning small plates with the sea being the star of the show. Choose from sophisticated dishes such as smoked mackerel croquettes with leek mayo; seabass ceviche, fennel and burnt lime mayo; curried crab garlic naan bread; oysters; and sourdough with seaweed butter.
Salt & Malt of course also serve up the classic fish and chips for you to enjoy in their restaurant or takeaway, however, we’ve got our eye on their curried battered cod in a bun served with pickles, tartare sauce and chips, of course.
Salt & Malt, Chew Valley Lake, Walley Lane, BS40 8XS
Cargo 2, Gaol Ferry Steps, BS1 6WD
3. Argus Fish Bar
Head south of the river for this chippy. Highly rated by locals, Argus Fish Bar sits amongst the numerous takeaway shops on West Street and is your typical, proper chippy, with bread and butter, pies, and bloomin’ good fish and chips with thick gravy, mushy peas and more on offer. The chippy is pretty down to earth and tends to have a queue, particularly on Fridays, so be prepared to wait for that glorious chippy dinner.
Argus Fish Bar, 114 West Street, Bedminster, BS3 3LR
4. Clifton Village Fish Bar
This chippy is a cult fave among Clifton dwellers. Their fresh, traditional fish and chips have locals absolutely drooling. Bristolians travel from far and wide for just a taste of their crispy batter then head to Clifton Downs to tuck in with the iconic bridge in view.
If you’re after something a little different, Clifton Village Fish Bar even serves up panko-coated squid rings and seafood baskets if you can’t quite decide what to choose. If you can’t get yourself to this chippy, there’s always Stoke Bishop Fish Bar also run by the same owners.
Clifton Village Fish Bar, 4 Princess Victoria Street, Clifton, BS8 4BP
5. Clocktower Fish Bar
Another traditional chip shop, serving up the ever-classic battered cod or haddock. As well as a few alternative options such as banana blossom, vegan battered sausage, fishless fingers, mac n cheese bites and mushroom dippers.
They even have brie wedges on their menu! Plus, we’ve never seen such an extensive fritter menu. From your classic spam or pea fritter to unique chicken curry or cheese and onion fritter. You’ll have to venture a little bit out of the city centre for this one but the journey is definitely worth it.
Clock Tower Fish Bar, 84 Regent Street, Kingswood, BS15 8HU
6. Fishminster
Another Bedminster spot, Fishminster prides itself on offering sustainably caught, beer-battered fish and chips on North Street. While noticeably more modern than most fish and chip shops in Bristol, it still maintains the simplicity of Britain’s favourite meal. You have a choice between cod, pollock, plaice and haddock, with smaller bites of scampi, whitebait and calamari available. While veggies should be eyeing up the battered halloumi with chilli jam.
Fishminster, 267 North St, Bedminster, Bristol BS3 1JN
7. Hamblins
“Bristol’s finest chippy” has been around since 1950! Small and simple? Yes, but big portions, friendly prices and tasty fish set Hamblins apart. This “no frills” Barton Hill fish ‘n’ chips shop serves both haddock and cod (with a stand-out batter recipe) as well as the traditional Clark’s Pie – famous for its pastry, which is thick enough to eat without a foil tray. Head here for a range of cost-cutting meal deals too.
Hamblins, 154 Avonvale Rd, Barton Hill, Bristol BS5 9RX
8. Rendezvous
A trip to Rendezvous feels like stepping back in time. Based on Denmark Street, the fish and chip shop has been going for over 50 years and feels like it hasn’t changed in all that time – it doesn’t even have a website or any social media, apart from a rarely used Facebook page. But all we care about is: How are the fish and chips? Excellent! Hearty portions too.
Rendezvous Fish Bar, 9 Denmark St, Bristol BS1 5DQ