The Ultimate Guide to the Highest-Rated Fish & Chips in the UK

A steaming plate of fish and chips, wrapped in paper, seasoned with salt, and splattered with malt vinegar is one of the quintessential British foods. Both city people and beach vacationers love this straightforward but classic dish, which is ingrained in British culture. However, not every fish and chip is made equal. While some are renowned, others fall sadly short of being flawless.

In the UK, where can one find the best fish and chips? We’ve compiled the nation’s top-rated chip shops, ranging from iconic seaside eateries to undiscovered urban treasures. These highly regarded restaurants will not let you down, regardless of your preference for crunchy batter, flaky fish, or chips.

The Best-Rated Fish & Chip Shops in the UK

Restaurant/Chippy	Location	Why It’s Famous	Special Features
Seasmiths	Porthtowan, Cornwall	Sustainably sourced fish	Click & collect system, homemade tartare sauce
RYBKA	Brighton	Polish-inspired fish & chips	Retro trays, DJ nights
The Magpie Café	Whitby, Yorkshire	Legendary since 1937	Fresh local fish, massive portions
The Sole Bay Fish Company	Southwold, Suffolk	Daily fresh seafood	Also serves crab & oysters
Anstruther Fish Bar	Anstruther, Fife	Award-winning chippy	Scottish haddock, breathtaking harbour views
Fochabers Fish Bar	Moray, Scotland	Scotland’s top-rated fish & chips	Retro interior, fast service
Môr Ffein	Cardigan, Wales	Family-run seaside chippy	Locally sourced lobster & chips
John Long’s	Belfast, Northern Ireland	Oldest fish & chip shop in Belfast	Affordable, no-frills, classic fish & chips
Frankie’s Fish & Chips	Brae, Shetland	UK’s most northerly chippy	Award-winning haddock & battered sausage
Gigs	Fitzrovia, London	A 70-year-old London classic	Traditional fish & chips at fair prices

📌 For more details, visit: National Federation of Fish Friers

1. Seasmiths: The Sustainable Seafood Haven in Cornwall

Seasmiths, tucked away in the quaint village of Porthtowan, is reinventing the fish and chips experience. Their click-and-collect system, in contrast to traditional chippies, ensures that your meal is always freshly prepared without the inconvenience of long lines. Each bite has a delightful balance of crunch and zest thanks to the tangy homemade tartare sauce that complements their crispy, golden haddock and thick-cut chips.

The Reasons It’s Essential to See:

• Perfectly cooked fish from a local source
• Eco-friendly packaging combined with a sustainable approach
• Homemade dips, such as a tartare sauce with a lot of tang

2. Since 1937, The Magpie Café has been a Yorkshire institution.

An iconic location that has endured over the years is The Magpie Café, which overlooks Whitby’s picturesque harbor. The fish is incredibly fresh, the batter is irresistibly crisp, and the portions are generous. Whether you choose flaky haddock, classic cod, or a decadent seafood platter, this historic café guarantees a memorable meal.

The Reasons It’s Worth the Trip:

• In the center of Whitby, more than 85 years of history
• Large servings—enough to share, if you dare!
• Fish that is sourced locally and prepared with care and precision

3. Scotland’s Multi-Award-Winning Chippy, Anstruther Fish Bar

When looking for the best fish and chips, there is one rule that applies: the closer the chippy is to the sea, the better the meal. Anstruther Fish Bar, a well-liked Scottish institution situated directly on the harbor, is a perfect example of this philosophy. This family-run chippy has won numerous accolades and the affection of foodies nationwide thanks to its deliciously crispy Scottish haddock.

What Is Unique About It:

• Scottish haddock that has won awards and been perfectly fried
• Beautiful beachfront setting with views of the harbor
• Options for fresh seafood that go beyond the traditional fish and chips

4. John Long’s: The Most Historic Chippy in Belfast

Belfast’s greatest fish and chips have been served at John Long’s for more than a century. This classic restaurant is a local gem, only a short stroll from Belfast’s downtown, and is well-known for its straightforward style, welcoming staff, and deliciously crispy fish. John Long’s is proof that sometimes the simplest meals are the best because of its reasonable prices and consistently excellent quality.

The Reasons You Must Go:

• The oldest fish and chip shop in Belfast
• Traditional, vintage chippy sounds
• Golden, crispy fish at the best prices

5. The Northerly Chippy in the UK: Frankie’s Fish & Chips

Frankie’s Fish & Chips is a must-visit if you’re ever in Shetland. With some of the freshest seafood in the country and stunning coastal views, it’s the most northern fish and chip shop in the UK. They catch haddock every day, batter it until it’s crispy, and serve it with hand-cut, fluffy chips.

📍 The Reason It’s Worth the Trip:

• The northernmost fish and chip shop in the UK with the best views
• Sustainable seafood from nearby waters that has won awards
• Perfectly fresh, a genuine taste of Shetland

Where in the UK Can I Find the Best Fish and Chips?

Some of the greatest fish and chip restaurants in the world can be found in the UK, and each one offers a distinctive twist on this traditional dish. These highly regarded restaurants are sure to satisfy your cravings for a classic seaside fry-up, a classic city chippy, or a contemporary twist on the British mainstay.

A Brief Summary of the UK’s Best Fish & Chips:

✅ Seasmiths (Cornwall) offers sustainable seafood.

✅ The Magpie Café (Whitby, Yorkshire) is a legendary classic.

✅ Anstruther Fish Bar (Fife) has the best Scottish chippy.

✅ John Long’s (Belfast, Northern Ireland) offers a taste of Belfast history.

✅ Frankie’s Fish & Chips (Shetland) offers the northernmost fish and chips experience.

Great fish and chips are always accessible wherever you are in the UK! 🐟🍟