Golden & Great: The 11 Best Fish and Chips Spots in Ontario

There is something universally comforting about a perfectly executed plate of fish and chips. When done right, it is a masterclass in textures: a shatteringly crisp, golden-brown batter giving way to tender, flaky white fish, paired with a mountain of piping-hot, fresh-cut fries. It’s the ultimate comfort food, whether enjoyed on a sunny lakeside dock or tucked into a cozy, historic pub.

While the tradition crossed the Atlantic from the UK, Ontario has spent decades perfecting its own distinct chip-wagon and tavern culture. Across the province, local chefs and family-run institutions are putting their own stamp on this classic dish. You'll find everything from historic taverns in small heritage towns to bustling lakeside shacks serving up fresh, locally caught Georgian Bay whitefish and Lake Erie yellow perch.

If you are on the hunt for the ultimate crunch, we have done the delicious legwork for you. Whether you prefer a traditional English beer batter, a light and crispy gluten-free crust, or a side of authentic house-made tartar sauce, these spots deliver. Grab your malt vinegar and dive into the 11 best fish and chips spots in Ontario that are well worth the road trip.

1. OFF THE HOOK Fishbar

Location: Toronto (Danforth / Broadview Avenue)

Type: Modern Neighborhood Fishbar & Comfort Food

Serving the Danforth and East York community since 2011, OFF THE HOOK Fishbar has established itself as a vibrant neighborhood gathering place. Located right at 749 Broadview Avenue, this family-friendly spot elevates the classic fish and chips joint into a cozy, modern dining experience built on community spirit and local support.

What sets this spot apart is its incredible versatility. Diners can customize their meal by selecting from premium catches like wild cod, haddock, or halibut, and pairing it with their choice of organic house batter, Cajun batter, or a dedicated gluten-free batter. For plant-based foodies, they even offer a famous vegan banana blossom "fish" cooked in a separate fryer.

Beyond the stellar crunch of their main dishes, the menu features creative twists like rich seafood chowders, gourmet poutines, and roasted Brussels sprouts. Whether you sit down for a meal with the family or grab a quick takeout order, the welcoming atmosphere and dedication to high-quality ingredients make it a definitive Toronto favorite.

Best for: Families, gluten-free diners, and those looking for creative, customizable seafood options in a warm neighborhood setting.

Pro Tip: If you are dining with a mixed group, take advantage of their separate, dedicated gluten-free and vegan fryers, ensuring everyone can enjoy a worry-free, crispy meal together.

2. The Cheeky Chippy

Location: Almonte, Ontario  

Type: Authentic Food Truck & Scratch-Made Chippy

Located in the picturesque town of Almonte, The Cheeky Chippy is a popular food truck that takes massive pride in crafting everything completely from scratch. You won't find pre-packaged shortcuts here; every single one of their signature sauces and crispy batters is made fresh in-house. Even the sides get the royal treatment, with the fries being cut daily from fresh potatoes and the coleslaw meticulously chopped by hand.

When it comes to the menu, seafood lovers are spoiled for choice with traditional favorites and creative local twists. They serve up perfectly fried haddock and cod alongside a standout salmon dish that comes topped with local maple syrup. For a non-traditional treat, their famously named "not so popcorn shrimp" are a massive hit, living up to their name by being exceptionally huge and delicious.

Because the team loves to experiment with fresh flavors, the menu keeps visitors coming back for more with a brand-new special introduced every single week. To keep up with these rotating culinary creations and track their operating hours, the owners recommend checking their active social media feeds.

Best for: Foodies looking for giant shrimp, unique maple-glazed salmon, and completely scratch-made, English-style fish and chips.

Pro Tip: Since the menu features a different creative special every single week, the absolute best way to plan your meal is to check their Facebook or Instagram pages right before you go to see what's cooking.

3. For The Halibut Fish & Chips

Location: Bancroft, Ontario

Type: Waterfront Fish & Chips Restaurant

For The Halibut Fish & Chips is a cozy, East Coast-style fish and chip shop located right on the York River in Bancroft. The waterfront setting gives visitors a casual place to kick back and enjoy fish and chips by the water, while the iconic Eagle’s Nest is just across the way with hiking trails and beautiful views over the area.

The restaurant is known for its thin, crispy batter and traditional fish and chips fried in tallow, giving the meal an authentic, old-school flavour. Along with classic fish and chips, visitors can also enjoy comforting favourites like creamy homemade clam chowder, which adds to the welcoming East Coast feel of the place.

For The Halibut has been featured by both Toronto Life and Cottage Life, helping make it a standout stop for locals, cottage-goers, and visitors exploring Bancroft. If you are heading out for hiking, ATVing, kayaking, or a trip toward Algonquin Park, it is a great place to fuel up before an adventure or wind down afterward.

Best for: Waterfront fish and chips, cottage-country road trips, and outdoor adventurers.

Pro Tip: Visit on a nice day so you can enjoy the casual riverside setting, and bring your dog along for the dog-friendly picnic area.

4. Olde Yorke Fish & Chips

Location: Toronto, Ontario

Type: Family-Owned British Fish & Chips Restaurant

Olde Yorke Fish & Chips is a family-owned and operated restaurant in Toronto’s Leaside neighbourhood, serving classic British-style fish and chips since 1997. The restaurant’s roots go back even further, with a family tradition that began in England more than 70 years ago and continues today through third-generation restaurateurs.

The menu focuses on generous portions of haddock, cod, and halibut, served with hand-cut chips and a light, crispy batter made from their famous family recipe. Along with traditional fish and chips, guests can also find favourites like grilled cod, shrimp and chips, calamari, clam strips, mushy peas, coleslaw, clam chowder, and other homemade dishes.

Olde Yorke has a warm, traditional pub-style atmosphere, making it a comfortable place for a sit-down meal rather than just a quick takeout stop. With a full bar, draft beers, wine, non-alcoholic cocktails, and a loyal following, it remains one of Toronto’s most well-known spots for classic fish and chips.

Best for: Classic British fish and chips, sit-down meals, and Toronto food lovers.

Pro Tip: Olde Yorke does not take reservations, so arrive early during peak dinner hours or on busy fish-and-chips days.

5. Len Duckworth Fish & Chips

Location: Toronto, Ontario

Type: Historic Family-Run Fish & Chips Shop

Len Duckworth Fish & Chips is a true Toronto tradition, serving fish and chips on Danforth Avenue since 1929. With nearly a century of history behind it, this family-run spot has built a loyal following by sticking to classic, no-nonsense fish and chips made with a long-standing secret recipe.

The menu keeps the focus on the essentials, including halibut, haddock, cod, fresh-cut chips, coleslaw, gravy, poutine, and family meal deals. Their renowned Premium Pacific halibut and chips is one of the house specialties, while seafood lovers can also find shrimp, scallops, calamari, clam strips, and seafood platters.

Len Duckworth is a great pick for anyone who wants an old-school fish and chips experience in Toronto without unnecessary fuss. It is casual, traditional, and deeply rooted in the city’s food history, making it a must-visit for anyone chasing one of Ontario’s classic golden-and-crispy plates.

Best for: Historic Toronto fish and chips, takeout classics, and old-school comfort food.

Pro Tip: Try the halibut and chips if you want one of their signature orders, and check current hours before visiting since they are closed Sundays.

6. Purvis Fish & Chips

Location: Gore Bay, Manitoulin Island

Type: Waterfront Fish & Chips Restaurant

Purvis Fish & Chips is a scenic waterfront restaurant in Gore Bay on Manitoulin Island, overlooking the marina and Lake Huron. The building has a lighthouse lookout in the centre and is filled with character, including décor and photos connected to the area’s fishing history.

The restaurant is known for fresh Manitoulin fish, with fish and chips made using fish caught from the North Channel by the fish tug The Purvis. Their fish is fried to order in an English-style batter, and served with fries, homemade coleslaw, and a choice of homemade tartar sauce.

Beyond classic fish and chips, the menu includes options like tacos, burgers, chicken fingers, Island-made hot dogs, fish bites, appetizers, and local beer. With its marina views, family fishery roots, and relaxed island setting, Purvis is a memorable stop during a Manitoulin road trip.

Best for: Manitoulin Island visitors, waterfront dining, and fresh local fish.

Pro Tip: Reserve ahead when possible, since Purvis notes that they are often fully booked during busy times.

7. Herbert Fisheries

Location: Killarney, Ontario

Type: Dockside Fish & Chips Stand

Herbert Fisheries is one of Ontario’s most iconic fish and chips stops, serving fresh local fish in Killarney since 1981. Located on Channel Street near the waterfront, it has become a favourite for road trippers, boaters, cottagers, and visitors exploring the rugged beauty of Georgian Bay.

The restaurant is known for its world-famous fish and chips, with local fish caught daily and served in a casual, no-frills setting. Herbert Fisheries has also earned national recognition, including being named one of the top fish and chip restaurants in Canada by Canadian Living Magazine.

Part of the charm is the destination itself. Killarney is one of Ontario’s most scenic small towns, with nearby access to Killarney Provincial Park, Georgian Bay, hiking trails, paddling routes, and classic Northern Ontario views.

Best for: Road trippers, boaters, fresh local fish, and iconic Northern Ontario eats.

Pro Tip: Check current hours before making the drive, as seasonal hours can vary.

8. Annie’s Seafood Restaurant

Location: Stratford, Ontario

Type: Seafood Restaurant & Fish and Chips Spot

Annie’s Seafood Restaurant is a Stratford favourite serving fish and chips, seafood dinners, East Coast comfort food, and Newfie-inspired specialties. Located on Ontario Street, it is a convenient stop for visitors exploring Stratford who want a casual seafood meal with plenty of classic options.

The menu includes cod, haddock, and halibut fish and chips, along with hand-cut chips, house-made creamy coleslaw, chowder, seafood dinners, shrimp, scallops, calamari, poutine, donairs, and more. One standout option is “The Navigator,” a fish and chips meal for two that includes halibut, haddock, and cod loin, making it a great pick for anyone who wants to try a variety.

Annie’s is especially notable for its extensive gluten-free menu, including gluten-free fish and chips prepared with certified gluten-free ingredients, dedicated fryers, and dedicated cooking tools. For diners with gluten sensitivities or celiac needs, it is one of the more accommodating fish and chips spots in Ontario.

Best for: Stratford visitors, seafood lovers, and gluten-free fish and chips.

Pro Tip: Try “The Navigator” if you want to sample multiple types of fish in one meal.

9. Shipwreck Lee’s Pirate Bistro

Location: Tobermory, Ontario

Type: Pirate-Themed Fish & Chips Restaurant

Shipwreck Lee’s Pirate Bistro is a fun, family-friendly fish and chips stop in Tobermory with a lively pirate theme and a casual harbour-town feel. With locations at 2 Bay Street and 3 Eliza Street, it is an easy place to visit while exploring downtown Tobermory, the ferry dock area, or the Bruce Peninsula.

The big draw here is the all-you-can-eat fish and chips, making it a memorable stop for hungry travellers after a day of hiking, sightseeing, boating, or exploring nearby attractions. The restaurant also offers a full menu with seafood, Canadian comfort food, and casual options for families and groups.

Part of the appeal is the experience itself. Between the nautical décor, pirate-inspired atmosphere, and Tobermory location, Shipwreck Lee’s feels more like a fun vacation stop than a standard fish and chips restaurant. It is especially well-suited for families, road trippers, and visitors looking for a relaxed meal after a full day on the Bruce Peninsula.

Best for: Families, Tobermory visitors, and all-you-can-eat fish and chips.

Pro Tip: Visit after exploring Tobermory or Bruce Peninsula National Park, but expect it to be busy during peak summer travel season.

10. Sea Witch Fish & Chips

Location: Toronto, Ontario

Type: Casual Fish & Chips Shop

Sea Witch Fish & Chips is a popular Toronto spot on St. Clair Avenue West, serving classic fish and chips in a casual, neighbourhood setting. The restaurant is open seven days a week for dine-in, takeout, online orders, and delivery, making it an easy pick whether you want a sit-down meal or a crispy fish-and-chips night at home.

The menu keeps things focused, with haddock, pickerel, halibut, and trout available as fish and chips, sandwiches, or fish-only orders. Guests can also add sides like poutine, onion rings, slaw, halibut cakes, and The Witch’s Brew, their house chowder.

Sea Witch has also earned local recognition beyond its fish and chips. Toronto Life has featured its poutine and named its pickerel sandwich one of the best sandwiches in Toronto, making this a great stop for anyone who wants to try more than just the standard order.

Best for: Toronto fish and chips, pickerel sandwiches, poutine, and casual takeout.

Pro Tip: Sea Witch is currently cashless, so bring a card or use online ordering for pickup.

11. Bluewater Fish & Grill

Location: Stayner, Ontario

Type: Fresh Fish Market & Grill

Bluewater Fish & Grill is a Stayner seafood spot serving fresh fish, seafood, and classic fish and chips. It works well for visitors looking for a casual meal while travelling through Simcoe County, especially on the way to or from Wasaga Beach, Collingwood, Clearview, or Blue Mountain.

The menu includes fish and chips, fish tacos, shrimp, scallops, calamari, burgers, sandwiches, chowder, salads, and family-style seafood options. Since Bluewater also operates as a fish market, it is a convenient stop for anyone who wants to enjoy a cooked meal on site or take fresh seafood home.

With its Stayner location, Bluewater Fish & Grill is a strong final stop on this list for anyone chasing golden, crispy fish and chips in Southern Georgian Bay. It offers a relaxed, casual seafood experience that fits perfectly into a road trip through the area.

Best for: Stayner visitors, beach trips, seafood lovers, and casual fish and chips.

Pro Tip: Stop in on your way to or from Wasaga Beach, Collingwood, or Blue Mountain, and check the market selection if you want fresh fish to take home.

Final Thoughts

Ontario has no shortage of incredible fish and chips, from historic Toronto institutions and classic British-style shops to waterfront restaurants, dockside stands, and small-town seafood gems. Whether you prefer halibut, haddock, cod, pickerel, or fresh local catches, there is a golden, crispy plate worth trying somewhere across the province.

What makes these spots special is not just the food, but the experience around it. Some are perfect for a casual takeout night, while others are tied to road trips, lake views, cottage country stops, island adventures, and beach-town getaways.

Before visiting, check each restaurant’s current hours, seasonal schedule, and dine-in or takeout options. Fish and chips are always best enjoyed fresh, so plan your stop when you can sit down, dig in, and enjoy them hot out of the fryer.