Where to Eat: Fish and Chips in Brighton

Not just for sunny days, fish and chips by the seafront is a must have, come rain or shine!

By Maisy Farren | Updated Nov 29 2023

A plate of fish and chips on a rustic wooden table. The dish includes a piece of fried fish, potato wedges in a small metal pan, mushy peas, a side salad, a small cup of tartar sauce, and a grilled lemon slice. A glass of beer sits beside the plate. — Image © Nick Fewings on Unsplash

Brighton beckons with its iconic pebbled beaches and a plethora of fish and chip establishments vying for a spot in your seaside dining escapades. In navigating the expanse of chippies, avoiding lackluster batter and fending off seagull raids, fear not, dear reader, for we've embarked on a gastronomic quest to unearth establishments that offer not just fish and chips but an experience befitting Brighton's vibrant atmosphere. From seafront restaurants boasting panoramic sunset views to trendy alfresco hangouts, this guide is your culinary compass, steering you toward the establishments that promise a crispy, golden delight. So, armed with your vinegar-scented compass, follow the alluring aroma and discover the best fish and chips in Brighton.

Bardley's

Plates of golden fried fish and chunky chips are lined up on a counter, ready to be served. The setting appears to be a casual dining area, and the focus is on the appetizing, classic dish of fish and chips. — http://bardsleys-fishandchips.co.uk/

23A Baker St, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 4JN

Nestled on Baker Street near The Level, it's a chippy that city residents would probably prefer to keep a closely guarded secret. However, with Bardsley’s perfecting the alchemy of crispy batter and succulent fish, keeping mum about this gastronomic gem is a futile endeavor. Whether you fancy your fish battered, grilled, or poached, Bardsley’s delivers an unparalleled symphony of flavors that has patrons singing its praises. With a commitment to its classic cheap-and-cheerful reputation, Bardsley's is a budget-friendly option even in the coziest of livs.

Captain's

A plate of crispy battered fish fillet garnished with a slice of lemon and served alongside a small metal dish of chunky fries. The presentation is on a piece of newspaper with The Daily and Fish & Chips visible. The meal is placed on a wooden surface. — captainsbrighton.co.uk

9-10 lower promenade, Brighton BN2 1ET

Topping the list of Brighton's piscatorial pleasures, Captain's is a stone's throw from the sea, making it the picturesque pitstop for those craving a crispy cod fix. As one satisfied TripAdvisor reviewer attests, the experience is divine, with a batter that's not greasy but light and crispy, and chips that are not just proper but abundant. Come hungry, revel in the unbeatable location, and savor the delightful paradox of a meal that's both a gustatory triumph and a journey into the heart of classic Brighton. With a legacy dating back to 1990, Captain's stands as a testament to the mastery of the fish and chip craft, ensuring that every visit is not just a dining experience but a voyage into the heart of seaside nostalgia.

Bankers

A wooden table set for one with a meal consisting of fish and chips, a bottle of beer, a glass of white wine, a plate of calamari, a bowl of peas, and a mixed salad. The table has a fork and knife on a white napkin. — bankersfishandchips.co.uk

116A Western Rd, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 2AB

A Brighton rite of passage, everyone in town has had a Bankers, and if they haven't, they're undoubtedly missing out on a century of crispy bliss. The Lipscombe family, fish and chip maestros since 1923, continue to enchant taste buds under the leadership of CEO Hugh Lipscombe, Harold's grandson. But Bankers is more than just a culinary legacy; it's a tale of family passion, cricket, and a journey to Iceland that birthed a special relationship with fishermen in Isafjordur, guaranteeing sustainably sourced fish that's awarded them the Icelandic Responsible Fisheries Management Award. From in-store dining to takeaways, Click & Collect App orders, or doorstep delivery, Bankers ensures that their expertly crafted fish and chips are accessible to all. Committed to putting smiles on customers' faces through memory-making food, quality ingredients, and an environmental conscience.

The No Catch Co

A plated serving of fish and chips with a crispy battered fish fillet, golden brown thick-cut fries, a dollop of mushy peas, and a garnish of salad greens and pickled vegetables, against a plain light green background. — https://www.nocatch.co/

127a Kings Rd, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 2FA

The No Catch Co. emerges as a beacon of innovation, challenging the traditional British fish and chip shop with a wholly ethical and vegan twist. Non-fish eater? No problem! This vegan chippy, nestled in the heart of the city, whips up incredible plant-based alternatives that even carnivores can't resist. The vegan cod and chips are the local veggies' go-to, but don't overlook the popcorn prawnz and tofish bites—they're bites of plant-based bliss. Open for just two years, The No Catch Co. has already become a force to be reckoned with, captivating taste buds across dietary preferences.

The Regency Restaurant

131 Kings Rd, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 2HH

Boasting accolades from culinary heavyweights like Jay Rayner and Rick Stein, The Regency has earned its stripes with a fun, no-frills bistro style that makes every bite a delightful journey. Whether you fancy your fish battered, grilled, or fried, paired with chips or salad, The Regency delivers cheap and cheerful fare, capturing the essence of what fish and chips is all about. With fantastic views of the West Pier and BAi360, the seafront panorama is as satisfying as their seafood menu.

RYBKA

A minimalist black line drawing shows two intertwined fish-like shapes. The fish are arranged head-to-tail, creating an infinity symbol. Each fish has a dot representing an eye. The design is clean and abstract. — RYBKA via facebook

41 Meeting House Ln, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 1HB

Dubbed "The Michelin of fish and chips" and hidden away in The Lanes, Rybka lives up to its reputation as a no-nonsense chippy with a daily-changing menu based on the freshest fish deliveries. The prices vary depending on the catch of the day, ensuring a delightful surprise every visit. As one TripAdvisor reviewer attests, it's easily one of the best fish and chips experiences, with fresh and crispy fish and lovely chips creating a perfect harmony. With a DJ occasionally spinning tunes and an inviting atmosphere, Rybka adds a touch of flair to the tradition of fish and chips. The restaurant's commitment to responsibly sourced fish and chips, alongside a signature chip that defies the classic pub variety, makes it a standout addition to Brighton's historic Lanes. Beyond the fishy delights, Rybka also offers craft beers, wines, and cocktails, creating a perfect combination for a seaside indulgence

<> Wolfies of Hove

A plate of golden brown battered fish and crispy fries garnished with lemon wedges and fresh parsley. The plate is set on a blue dishcloth atop a blue wooden table, accompanied by a fork and knife. A wooden cutting board can be seen beneath the plate. — wolfies-hove.co.uk

90 Goldstone Villas, Brighton and Hove, Hove BN3 3RU

Wolfies of Hove, stationed conveniently by Hove train station, is loved for its classic British comfort food. This family-run chippy, with over 25 years of expertise, offers gluten-free options, making it a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike. The fish is sustainably sourced from the Arctic waters of the North Atlantic, ensuring succulent and flaky goodness. Hand-peeled and chipped chips, sourced from a farm within 20 miles, accompany the perfectly battered fish. For the little ones, there are kid-friendly options like Cod Bites and 100% Chicken breast nuggets.

Lucky Beach Cafe

A dish of fish and chips is served in a rustic bowl. Crispy golden fries form the base, topped with a fillet of fried fish garnished with fresh herbs. A lemon wedge and a small cup of tartar sauce accompany the dish. All set against a textured background. — Lucky Beach Cafe via Fac ebook

Kings Road Arches, 183 Kings Rd, Brighton BN1 1NB

Lucky Beach Cafe, a trendy sea-front gem, elevates the classic fish and chips game with a commitment to fresh ingredients and sustainable sourcing. While their good ol' fashioned fish and chips is a bestseller, the flaky fish steals the show in wraps, baps, and tacos. It's not just a meal; it's a beachfront experience. They serve up delicious brunches, organic hamburgers, local fish, and, of course, plenty of Aperol Spritz. Open year-round (weather permitting), Lucky Beach Cafe invites you to come down, stay a while, and soak in the sea breeze. While they don't take reservations at the beach cafe, their sister cafes, REDROASTER CAFE and the Thai BBQ resto LUCKY KHAO, are just a stone's throw away.

Little Jack Fuller's

02 St James's St, Kemptown, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN2 1TP

Known for hosting Brighton Pride’s annual street extravaganza and a plethora of great pubs, Little Jack Fuller's fish and chip shop stands as a beacon of flavor amid the revelry.Not just your typical chippy, Little Jack Fuller's is known for its commitment to sustainability and a touch of culinary finesse passed down through two generations. The shop's history is as rich as its batter, having transformed from various purposes to a fishmonger's haven in 1923, thanks to the pioneering James Blackman. And for the plant-based enthusiasts, the bargain vegan lunchtime deal from 12-3 pm is a delightful secret to uncover.

Athena B

A woman in a white shirt and blue apron is working in a kitchen, preparing food. She is holding a piece of fish or meat, which she appears to be placing into a fryer or cooking equipment beside her. — athenab.co.uk

27 Station Rd, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN41 1GB

Athena B is the epitome of a proper chippy, and owner Mary has been mastering the art of frying since 1996. Here, every chip is a handcrafted delight, every dollop of tartare sauce a homemade masterpiece, and every piece of sustainably sourced fish a crispy revelation. The reviews speak for themselves, praising the fluffy chips, crispy batter, and spot-on sausage. With over 40 years of tradition behind them, the Athena B Fish & Chip Shop carries on the legacy passed down by "Uncle" Hambis, a hardworking Cypriot man who entrusted Mary with the keys to the shop. Originally a Wet Fish Shop, the establishment's name pays homage to a Greek cargo ship that met a fateful end on Brighton's shores in 1980. Today, Athena B stands as a testament to the values instilled by Uncle Hambis—fresh, from-scratch food and an unwavering commitment to quality.