The best fish and chip shops in Dorset

We've unearthed our round-up of the best fish and chip shops in Dorset as chosen by Echo readers.

Here's what they picked as their favourites, is yours on the list? You can let us know in the comments below. 

Chez Fred, Seamoor Road, Westbourne

Open 12pm to 2pm, Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 4.30pm to 8.30pm seven days a week

Offering takeaways via contactless Click & Collect and Home Delivery services

This popular family-run fish and chip shop and restaurant first opened in 1989. It underwent a major refurbishment in 2015 and has been visited by the likes of Hollywood actor Jack Black and musician Jools Holland who said he'll often pop in when he's in the area.

And they're not alone as queues can often be seen out the door most evenings.

One happy customer on Tripadvisor called it "the best fish and chip restaurant in the country" and another said "the batter is always crisp and the fish is very fresh". 

Malvern Road Fisheries, Malvern Road, Bournemouth

Open 12pm to 2pm Monday to Saturday, 5pm to 9pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday and 4.30pm to 9pm on Fridays

Picture: Google Street View

Malvern Road Fisheries received several nominations from our readers with people praising the quality and price of the food.

A Tripadvisor reviewer said: "This place is a hit with the locals...I can see why! Very fresh fish and chips (we had 2 large cod and chips). Service was rapid, food cooked to order and the staff we incredibly friendly. Clear distancing measures in place also to protect customers as well as staff. Also good value for money, definitely worth supporting at this very difficult time."

Lakeside Fish & Chips, Lifeboat Quay, Poole

Open 12noon to 10pm Monday to Saturday and 12noon to 9pm Sunday, click and collect available 

Lakeside Fish Restaurant has twice been voted Dorset's favourite chippy and has a takeaway and a restaurant, both of which are currently open. 

On the takeaway menu you'll find cod, plaice, haddock, ray wing, scampi, whitebait and even king prawns in batter, plus you can also get fish cooked on the griddle. 

One Tripadvisor review reads: "We ate in the restaurant. At first glance it might seem expensive for fish and chips. But the food and service was excellent. Homemade and so fresh, well worth it. Must try the calamari starter! Better service than some of the high end, overpriced restaurants in the area. This will be a regular chip stop when we are visiting in the future."

Nick The Fish, Penn Hill Avenue, Poole

Open 12pm to 2pm and 5pm to 9pm Tuesday to Saturday, closed Sunday and Monday, delivery available through Deliveroo 

Picture: Google Street View

Nick The Fish was one of two Dorset chippies to make it into a list of the nation’s top 50 in Fry Magazine in 2017.

The chippy, which is on a mission to serve “the best fish & chips you have ever tasted”, uses groundnut oil and had 19 nominations alone on Facebook.

One Tripadvisor review says: "I say, this venue served the most delicious, stonking fish and chips I have ever tasted. Husband and wife team should be congratulated for establishing such a delightful standard. Whosoever reads this must savour the delicious menu, guys you got to sample the fantastic fish and chips."

Brown's Finest Fish and Chips, Somerford Road, Christchurch

Open 4pm to 7pm Tuesday to Saturday

Picture: Google Street View​

This fish and chip shop promises to cook your fish to your "exact requirements" whether in standard or light batter, breaded or steamed, which may be why it's such a hit with our readers.

Fresh fish, sustainable produce and food "that won't break the bank" are also high on chippies agenda.

One Tripadvisor review says: "Found this place off the coeliac website and was not disappointed! Absolutely amazing food and at a really reasonable price. The same food in Kent costs us double this and isn’t anywhere near as nice. Staff really helpful. Clearly marked gluten free food so not confused with other members of the family. Was so good we can back twice in one week! Brilliant Covid arrangements in place too."

The Fish Plaice, The Square, Swanage

Open from 11.30am until 8pm on Saturday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and until 8.30pm on Friday and 7pm on Sundays 

Picture: Google Street View​

It promises to deliver the "best fish and chips in the town" and given the number of nominations, it's living up to its reputation.

The Fish Plaice uses sustainable fish as well as locally caught fish and even makes its own fish cakes on site.

One Echo reader said: "The plaice in Swanage has by far the best fish & chips in the country let alone county - batter crunchy and chips are perfect - staff friendly and cheerful, helpful and efficient."

Smithsons, Seabourne Road, Southbourne

Open 11.45am until 2pm everyday except Sunday and 4.45pm to 9.30pm each day 

Picture: Google Street View​

Mentioned 14 times on Facebook, readers rated the shop's portion sizes, service and quality of food.

One reader said: "Smithsons in Southbourne, different class to all these, massive portions and a bargain. No contest."

And on Tripadvisor, one customer said: "An institution. Forever busy and whatever the queue, worth the wait. Those who say they’ve had better embarrass themselves. Enough said."

Karsberg Fish & Chips, Turbary Road, Ferndown

Open 12pm to 2pm and 5pm to 9pm Monday to Saturday and 5pm to 8pm on Sundays, home delivery available  

In 2016, Karsberg hit the headlines after opening the first drive-through fish and chip shop in Dorset and the second in the country.

The drive-through opened as part of a £35,000 investment aimed at improving trade and helping older customers. And it's clearly working as Karsberg earned itself several nominations from readers.

One Echo reader said: "Karsbergs Fish And Chips, Turbury Road, Ferndown is a consistently excellent fish and chip shop - been going fortnightly for 3 years and never had a bad meal - good portion sizes too. Fantastic."

Robinsons Fish & Chips, King John Avenue, Bearwood

Open 11.30am to 1.30pm and 4.30pm to 8pm Friday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 11.30am to 8pm on Saturdays and 4.30pm to 8pm on Monday, pre-ordering available for collection 

Robinsons was the second fish and chip shop in Dorset to be named one of the best in the country along with Nick The Fish in 2017.

Run by a couple who grew bored of retirement and went back into the fish-and-chip business, it's lucky their customers they did.

One Echo reader said on Facebook: "Unbeatable service, so much choice, wonderful value and heavenly food. Pensioners special incredible."

Sunny's Fish and Chips, Christchurch Road, Boscombe

Open 3pm to 10pm Monday to Thursday, 12pm to 10pm Friday and Saturday and 3pm to 9pm on Sunday. Collection orders only, pre-ordering welcome. 

Picture: Google Street View​

Serving fish and chips for the past 28 years, Sunny's uses groundnut oil and cooks fresh to order.

Fans of Sunny's praised its pea fritters, chips and prices.

It was recently voted Trader of the Week by readers 

One reader said on Facebook: "Sunnys in Boscombe. Please tell me it's still open. Freshly fried chips and fish.. Brill and helpful polite staff."

Harlees Fish & Chips, The Quay, Poole

Takeaway open 11.30am to 7pm Monday to Thursday and Sunday, open 11.30am to 8pm Friday and Saturday. Walk-in customers welcome only accepting card payments. The restaurant remains closed.

Picture: Google Street View​

With panoramic views of Poole Harbour and Brownsea Island, Harlees offers everything from rock to sea bass to more exotic delights such as squid.

One Echo reader said on Facebook: "Harlees Fish and Chips on Poole Quay are by far the best chip shop/restaurant I’ve eaten in in Dorset."

A Tripadvisor review says: "I have reviewed Harlees before and I still find the food really great, perfectly cooked fish and chips. Served in a box which makes it easy to eat from.
But beware of the seagulls if you decide to sit at the quay and eat, one nearly got my husbands fish. Obviously they know how good the fish is."

Daniels Fish and Chips

Open 12pm to 1.30pm Fridays and Saturdays and 5pm to 8.30pm Monday to Sunday. Click and Collect orders are taking priority all customers are encouraged to place their orders via the website. 

Picture: Google Street View​

With seven branches along the south coast, the branches in Hamworthy and Broadstone both had special mentions from our readers.

Daniels prides itself on using 'frozen-at-sea' fish which is filleted and frozen within four hours of being caught and makes its own homemade tartare sauce.

Offerings include cod, haddock, seabass, plaice, scampi, calamari and fishcakes. 

One Echo reader said on Facebook: "Daniels fish and chips Broadstone. Best fish ever. Excellent service."