Where to find Auckland’s best fish and chips

There’s nothing more quintessentially Kiwi than a parcel of fish and chips by the sea. Crispy battered snapper, hand-cut chips, a wedge of lemon and a dollop of tomato sauce; it’s a rite of passage for locals, a summer staple for visitors, and the perfect way to wind down with salty fingers and sandy toes.

With its endless coastline, beachside neighbourhoods, and mix of traditional and modern eateries, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is one of the best places in New Zealand to enjoy this beloved dish. Whether you’re after paper-wrapped takeaways for a picnic at the beach, or an elevated restaurant version, here’s where to go for the ultimate fish and chips experience in Auckland.

Nate’s Plaice

Chef Nathan Ward brings a modern spin to the Kiwi classic, taking everything you love about fish and chips and giving it an upgrade. The seafood here is sustainably sourced from local, independent fishermen. The batter is light, the fish is fresh, and the chips are exactly how you want them: crisp edges, fluffy middles, no soggy regrets. Head to nearby Grey Lynn Park for a relaxed, leafy spot to enjoy your fish and chips in the sunshine.

Sanford & Sons

This is where you’ll find the freshest fish in the city. They’re New Zealand’s oldest fishmonger, supplying Kiwis with seafood for generations, and at their flagship store at the Auckland Fish Market the catch in the cabinet was most likely hauled fresh off the boat that morning.

If you’re the type who prefers to cook your own fish and chips at home (or just appreciates seeing seafood in its purest form), this is your spot. High-quality, sustainably sourced, straight from local fishermen.

The Auckland Fish Market sits right next door and is a full-on seafood smorgasbord. Discover more than 100 varieties of fish, along with a mix of casual eateries slinging everything from modern Asian bites at Bang Bang Kitchen, to oysters and mussel hotpots at Billy Pot, and buttery lobster rolls at Lobster & Tap. It’s one of the best places in the city to explore seafood in all its forms.

Takapuna Beach Café

Takapuna Beach Café is one of those places that feels stitched into the fabric of the North Shore: relaxed, sun-soaked, and always humming with locals. Just steps from the waterfront, it comes with front-row views of Rangitoto Island and the Waitematā Harbour, making it a favourite for morning coffees, long brunches, or an afternoon scoop of their artisan gelato.

If you’re in the mood for fish and chips, you’ve got two great options here. Inside the café, the menu is fresh and seasonal with dishes like market fish and chips, fish burgers, fish of the day, oysters, and even octopus. But if you want the classic wrapped-and-ready version, head next door to their dedicated Fish and Chip Shop, serving up the same quality seafood, just made for takeaway.

The Local Waiheke

The Local’s snapper n’ chips earned its spot as an Iconic Auckland Eat in 2024, and it’s easy to see why. They use locally caught snapper, lightly beer-battered, paired with thick-cut Makikihi chips and a bright, zingy slaw that ties everything together. All the condiments are made in-house; the tartare, especially, is the kind you’ll think about long after the ferry ride home.

But the magic isn’t just on the plate. Sitting on the deck with a glass of Waiheke wine, watching Oneroa Bay glow in the afternoon sun will leave a satisfying taste in your mouth.

FishSmith

FishSmith is a Herne Bay staple, the place locals head over to after a swim at Sentinel Beach for consistently good, no-nonsense fish and chips. The menu has all the classics, plus a few extras like fish tacos, whitebait fritters, soft-shell crab burgers and simple, fresh salads.

You can also buy fresh fillets to cook at home, or have the team fry them for a few extra dollars. Either way, it’s quick, quality seafood done well.

The Brewers Co-Operative

The Brewers Co-Operative isn’t a traditional fish-and-chip shop; it’s a craft beer bar that also happens to serve a seriously good plate of fish and chips. Portions are generous, the batter’s crisp, and the seafood is consistently fresh. It’s relaxed, easygoing, and a solid choice when you want something casual in the central city.

The Seafood Collective - Mt Eden

The Seafood Collective serves up a fresh, modern take on seafood in the heart of Mt Eden. Their menu covers everything from classic fish and chips to fish burgers, seafood tacos and larger platters, all cooked to order and packed with flavour. Portions are generous, the fish is fresh, and there’s enough variety to keep everyone happy.

Harbourside Ocean Bar Grill

Harbourside Ocean Bar Grill is a long-standing favourite in Auckland’s dining scene, set inside the historic Ferry Building right on the edge of the harbour. The views are part of the experience, with ferries coming and going, sea breeze drifting through, and a covered deck that works in any weather.

Seafood is the focus here, sourced as locally and sustainably as possible. Their classic fish and chips come served with mushy peas and a light, crisp batter, sitting alongside a menu full of other fish and shellfish dishes.

The Oyster Inn

The Oyster Inn is an award-winning Waiheke Island bistro led by Chef Josh Emett, known for serving dishes that are delicious but simple and built around top-quality ingredients. Where possible, produce comes from their own kitchen garden or local sustainable growers. Oysters are delivered daily and shucked to order, harvested from Waiheke’s Te Matuku farm just across the island. Their fish and chips reflect that same approach: crisp, fresh and made with sustainably caught fish. Pair with a chilled glass of Waiheke’s finest and enjoy with views across Oneroa Bay.

Oceanz Seafood Mission Bay

Right across the road from Mission Bay’s beachfront, Oceanz is a long-time favourite for classic, no-fuss fish and chips. The fish is fresh, the batter is light, and the chips are chunky; exactly what you want when you're looking for classic kiwi fish ‘n chips at the beach. Find a spot on the grass overlooking the bay or perch on the seawall with views out to Rangitoto Island.

Tipene's Takeaways

Tipene’s Takeaways appears low-key, but the seafood here has a loyal following for a reason. The fish is fresh and cut thick, the batter is crisp without being greasy, and the chips are hot, salty and consistent. It’s simple, but the quality stands out, which is why it made the Iconic Auckland Eats list in 2024. The menu covers the classics, plus a few extras: proper burgers with house-made sauces, kumara chips, old-school milkshakes and the nostalgic deep-fried treats.

Leigh Eats

Leigh Eats is a straightforward, well-loved coastal takeaway serving some of the best fish and chips north of Auckland. The fish is sourced locally and cooked to order, and the servings are generous. It’s a popular stop for people heading to or from Goat Island, and its reputation for quality is what earned it a place on the Iconic Auckland Eats list for 2025.