If you’re visiting London, there’s nothing better than chilling in the park while tucking into a piping-hot portion of fish and chips.
Fish and chips is the Londoner’s original street food, and though it is no longer wrapped in old newspaper, it remains a firm favorite. London has thousands of chip shops, but they are not all equal.
As a born-and-bred Londoner and fish and chips addict, I’m here to direct you to the best fish and chip shops in London.
10 Best Fish and Chip Shops in London
As a fish and chips fanatic, I have sampled cuisine from an unhealthily large number of London chip shops. These London chippie recommendations are 100% genuine!
I know what goes into a decent chippie, so here are the spots that I’m happy to queue up outside of a Friday evening:
10. Oliver’s, Steele’s Village
Oliver’s in Steele’s Village (just beneath Belsize Park and Hampstead) is a favorite of off-duty medics from the Royal Free Hospital, celebrities, and NW3 yummy mummies.
The fish and chips are freshly fried but expensive. I enjoy the Matzo meal crumb which I cannot find anywhere else. Head here to see and be seen in a trendy part of town.
Address: 95 Haverstock Hill London NW3 4RL
9. The Golden Hind, Marylebone
This is another of London’s posher chip shops, but it is very good and well worth visiting for a sit-down meal in the heart of Marylebone Village.
It fills up quickly, so the best time to dine is late on a mid-week evening. My favorites are the feta and mozzarella cheese fritters with unlimited freshly fried chips.
Address: 71a, 73 Marylebone Ln, London W1U 2PN
8. Faulkner’s
If I’m down Dalston way, I’ll always make a stop at this legendary East London chippie which fries delicious chips and crispy battered fish that are just made for drenching in salt and vinegar.
Quality food with unpretentious service, just the way I like it!
Address: 424, 426 Kingsland Rd, London E8 4AA
Read next – Things To Do In London By Yourself
7. Masters Superfish
To be honest, I have had mixed experiences here because I think I ate a slightly dodgy prawn.
If you avoid the prawns, this South London staple is one of the best chippies in London. You know a London chippie is good when all the cabbies go there.
It’s easy to catch a cab near Masters on Waterloo Road.
Address: 191 Waterloo Rd, London SE1 8UX
6. Nautilus
This was my local chippie for a while back in the day, and it still hasn’t lost its old London charm.
When you go to this traditional fish and chip shop just ask for their classic flaky cod and a pile of chips to keep you busy!
Address: 27-29 Fortune Green Rd, London NW6 1DU
5. Every Fish Bar
This Harrow chippie is making waves with its smart blend of classic fish and chips and Caribbean cuisine, two of London’s most popular types of takeout.
Even the African crowd-pleaser Jollof Rice gets a look in. This is a must-visit if you’re in Northwest London, and I especially recommend the Panko prawns with their delicious, peppered chips.
Address: 2 Manor Parade, Harrow HA1 2JN
4. Toff’s
This was my childhood favorite and a special treat after watching a film at Muswell Hill Odeon.
A sit-down meal was always in order for special occasions, and a takeaway was a priority for a lazy Saturday night in front of the TV.
Address: 38 Muswell Hill Broadway, Muswell Hill, London N10 3RT
3. Seashell of Lisson Grove
Perfection on a plate and a delightful stop every time I meet up with girlfriends for lunch and a natter. Everything washed down with prosecco!
Have a read of my review of this Marylebone gem: All You Need to Know About the Seashell of Lisson Grove, NW1.
Address: 49-51 Lisson Grove, London NW1 6UH
2. Fryer’s Delight
Now this is what I call a chippie. Big portions, cheap(ish), down-to-earth, and a nice cross-section of society tucking into some classic fish and chips.
Address: 19 Theobalds Rd, London WC1X 8SL
1. Sutton & Sons
Sutton & Sons is actually a well-known London fishmonger, so you can be guaranteed that their fish and chips will be super fresh and tasty.
In addition to classic fish and chips, Sutton & Sons serves posh seafood including moules marinière, grilled fish, and freshly shucked oysters.
Address: 90 Stoke Newington High St, London N16 7NY
Best Fish and Chip Shops in London FAQs
What is the best fish to eat at the fish and chip shop?
Battered white fish like cod and haddock is the classic partner to chips in a chip shop supper. However, these species are heavily fished leading to the imposition of quotas and rising prices, so many alternatives are eaten. When I was growing up, it was not uncommon to tuck into rock salmon which was dogfish, a type of small shark.
Is London known for fish and chips?
London has some of the UK’s best fish and chip shops, including The Seashell of Lisson Grove (Marylebone), Toffs (Muswell Hill), and The Fryer’s Delight (Holborn). The city is the location of the UK’s first fish and chip shop. Malin’s in Bow was opened in 1860 by Joseph Malin, a Jewish immigrant.
How do they serve fish and chips in London?
Traditionally, London fish and chips were served in old Fleet Street newspapers to keep costs down. In the 1990s the use of newspapers was discontinued because of the exposure to chemicals in the ink. Nowadays, you can enjoy your fish and chips served in plain paper or cardboard boxes or have a sit-down meal in a fish restaurant.
Why are fish and chips so expensive in the UK?
The cost of fish has risen massively in the UK, meaning that you can pay as much as £10 for a piece of cod or battered haddock alone. This is because cod and haddock stocks have been declining and tough quotas limit the quantity of cod and haddock British fishermen can land. High UK energy costs and inflation have also impacted on the operating expenses for the nation’s chip shops, with costs passed onto customers.
What do you eat fish and chips with?
Fish and chips can be eaten with sauces like tomato ketchup, brown sauce, and tartare sauce. Other sides include mushy peas, pickled eggs, gherkins, and pickled onions!
What is the name of the famous fish market in London?
Billingsgate Fish Market in Poplar is London’s world-famous fish market and the largest in-land fish market in the UK.
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Rounding Up
These 10 outstanding fish and chip shops are great destinations for traditional London fare on your trip to the city.
After all the exotic and viral food trends that rock the capital, the simple pleasure of fish, chips, salt, and vinegar is one that everyone can enjoy.
