Especially in secular settings – and even in the present coronavirus atmosphere – fish and chips are one of the great rituals that continues year after year. And who says a British meal needs to be limited to a single serving each year? Any day is better with fresh-from-the-fryer fish and chips with a side of ‘slaw. Fish and chips in Toronto are like classic comfort meals for the residents living there.
Toronto is one of the few cities in North America that can honestly claim to have one of the greatest fish and chips in Toronto. Landmark restaurants around the city take pleasure in cooking and serving the traditional meal, in the same manner, they have for decades, while younger kids on the block have added their own distinctive spin to the classic, making it an immediate favorite among a new generation.
Fish and chips are a good source of protein, fibre, iron, and vitamins, with males getting a third of their daily vitamin requirement and women getting almost half. Magnus Pyke, a well-known English nutritional expert, highlighted it as an example of a classic meal that was formerly scorned by food snobs and even shunned by health food fanatics but is now widely recognized as a healthful combo.
Fish and Chips: A Brief History
Nothing speaks “British” like fish and chips. Freshly cooked, boiling fish and chips, covered in salt and vinegar, wrapped in newspaper, and eaten outside on a cold and winter day — nothing beats it.
So, how, when, and where did this very British meal originate?
Chips were a cheap, staple cuisine of the industrial north, while fried fish was introduced in London’s East End. Both Lancashire and London claim to be the first to develop this famous dish. The people quickly realized that combining fried fish and chips was a delicious combination, and so their national meal of fish and chips was formed.
Fish and chip restaurants began as modest family businesses that were typically managed from the house’s “front room” by the late nineteenth century. The fish and chip trade grew rapidly in the second half of the nineteenth century and well into the twentieth century to meet the demands of Britain’s increasing industrial populace. In fact, one might argue that fish and chips fuelled the Industrial Revolution.
In 1999, the British ate over 300 million servings of fish and chips*, or six servings for every man, woman, and kid in the country. There are currently about 8,500 fish and chip shops* in the UK, which means there are eight for every McDonald’s, making British Fish and Chips the country’s favorite take-away.
These are Toronto’s Top 10 Fish and Chips places, all of which will make you fall in love with this classic comfort meal:
Mermaid Fish and Grill House
Mermaid Fish Restaurant, which opened in 2014 in the center of Toronto, has quickly become a popular destination for seafood eaters. It has a wide spectrum of customers because of its Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, attentive, and smooth service. Mermaid serves a delectable meal made with the finest ingredients and the freshest seafood dishes.
Mermaid customers go long distances to enjoy the fish and chips in Toronto. That’s right, it’s that fantastic. This Scarborough cafe serves basa, haddock, cod, and halibut, all of which are covered in a simple and light batter. The outcome is a dish that is well-balanced, wonderfully textured, crispy, and delicious, and will have you going back for more.
Warmth and prompt treatment will demonstrate that you made the right decision. They Have an excellent chef who creates a beautiful and genuine design for your dish. Your fish will be served with a variety of veggies and greens. You and your friends may also enjoy delectable cuisine while recommending Mermaid Fish and Grill House Restaurant to others.
Len Duckworth’s
The fascinating history and mystique of Len Duckworth’s Fish & Chips are both fascinating and amusing. The fish and chip store was founded by Jack and Edith Duckworth in September 1929, however, the sign outside the restaurant says it was established in 1930. They transferred the mantle to Len Duckworth, who continued the practice for decades after they retired in the early 1950s.
Len Duckworth’s is one of the most classic of all time. On the menu, you’ll find shrimp, calamari, and scallops, but you’ll want to try their secret recipe for fish and chips. This East Danforth restaurant is open Monday through Saturday for lunch and supper, takeaway and delivery, and can be found on Ritual, Uber Eats, and Skip the Dishes.
For a long time, this Danforth Avenue hangout has been a favorite. Hand-cut fries, house-made tartar sauce, and house-made coleslaw are served with blue cod, halibut, sole, and haddock. The fish and chips in Toronto here are fresh and excellent, cooked to perfection, crispy, and nothing on the dish is greasy.
Grandparents, parents, children, and their children have all declared Len Duckworth Fish & Chips to be the greatest in the world. Since 1929, the Duckworth Family has been pleased to occupy a particular place in the hearts of many of their customers.
For almost a century, it has been a “Toronto Tradition.” If you happen to be on the East Danforth, you can sample some of the greatest battered halibut the city has to offer. This location is a must-visit for fish and chips fans, with thick-cut fries topped with sauce and wonderfully flaky fish.
Old Yorke
Olde Yorke, a British tavern in Leaside, provides fish & chips like no one else. Olde York is noted for its huge lines waiting for its variation on fish and chips, which stays faithful to the original meal. Their golden, lightly battered fish is dependably fresh and flaky, and their crunchy fries are never overly oily.
Haddock, cod, and halibut are all moist and delicious, and they’re all cooked and presented in classic English style. It’s a family recipe with a dedicated following that’s golden and gently battered. Take your lunch to-go or enjoy it in the big dining area.
For three generations, a family heritage of excellent fish and chips in Toronto has been carried on. From many take-out businesses in England in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s to Trenton’s “Britannia” in the 1980s and now Toronto since the 1990s. The Olde Yorke is still family-owned and runs the restaurant today, with sisters Rachael and Olivia working there for the past 20 years.
Hooky’s
Regulars in Trinity Bellwoods know that Hooky’s is the place to go for delicious fish & chips. The straightforward menu is jam-packed with British fried cuisine, including every crispy item you can imagine. Everything you buy comes with fries and a side of sauce, from halibut and haddock to fried prawns and scallops.
Do you get bored of fish and chips? Hooky’s beer-battered fish tacos, jalapeno popcorn shrimp, or crab cakes and chips are all good options. But we wouldn’t blame you if you stuck to halibut, haddock, or codfish and chips. Hooky’s is urging customers to use Uber Eats, Foodora, and DoorDash while they are open for takeout and curbside pickup to maintain a safe distance and restrict the number of people in the pint-size business.
Hooky’s, formerly known as Chippy’s, offers one of Toronto’s greatest Fish & Chips experiences. It maintains its English heritage while adding a touch of Canadian flair. Started in the up-and-coming West Queen West neighborhood of Toronto, Canada. Hooky’s has developed a cult following among Toronto residents. Hooky’s will endure as the neighborhood gets more trendy.
Kingsway Fish and Chips
Kingsway Fish & Chips has won several awards in the community. This restaurant consistently comes out on top in reader surveys of what’s best in the region. The Etobicoke Chamber of Commerce honored it “Retailer of the Year” in 2002. This west-end icon, which has been family-run since the 1970s, seats over 100 people and is always packed. These folks take pleasure in keeping things basic, clean, and non-greasy.
They’ve been known all around the world for delivering the best Fish & Chips in Toronto since its humble beginnings in 1958. In fact, you may have grilled fish with hand-cut fries, rice, and four different varieties of salad, including coleslaw, in addition to the classic fish and chips. All of the products, as well as the service and hospitality, are of the highest quality.
They are proud to provide the greatest level of quality and attention. They choose just the best and most fresh halibut. Unlike other restaurants, they do not prepare your food ahead of time. Fresh cuisine made only when you request it is their commitment. This is one of the reasons for their consumers’ high levels of loyalty.
St. Andrews Fish and Chips
St. Andrews has been serving central Scarborough since 1984, and it doesn’t appear that will change anytime soon. This institution is as genuine as it gets because everyone here is from Scotland. St. Andrews Fish & Chips was started in 1984 by two friends who recognized an opportunity to profit on Scarborough’s British population at the time.
Jim Kelly and Bill Thomson, along with their spouses Rita and Ann, were the initial proprietors of St. Andrews until Jim purchased Bill’s portion a few years later. Because both partners have a passion for golf, their restaurant could only have one idea and name. Jim’s daughter Angela Kelly and his cousin David Donaldson now run the restaurant.
It’s no surprise that it’s adored by generations of people. From Meat Pies to Haggis, and Mealie Pudding to Irn Bru, their menu includes numerous things seen in typical Scottish Fish & Chip restaurants. They also have a variety of Fish & Chips on the menu, including their most popular meal, Traditional Scottish Fish & Chips with hand-cut fries!
Sea Witch
Sea Witch holds a special place in West’s heart. Quality is the name of the game here, aside from the very attractive dining area. Furthermore, this location has a wide variety of fish to pick from. Haddock is on the menu, but so are rainbow trout and pickerel. Golden, crispy, and delectable.
Sea Witch is the epitome of fish and chips in Toronto. The St. Clair West store, which has throwback decor including a portrait of an old captain, serves thick, crispy, batter-coated halibut (yep, we always order the halibut) with skin-on thick-cut fries heaped high on the side. Even the coleslaw had just the right amount of creamy and vinegar.
The battered fish from the Sea Witch emerges from the oil puffy and sizzling, generally richly golden but blistering to the color of stout. The crust is deliciously crispy and oily, with just the proper amount of seasoning. Thankfully, the seafood within is equally delicious, particularly the cod and pickerel.
Takeout orders are cashless; call ahead with a credit card in hand and expect to wait outside. Uber Eats, Foodora, DoorDash, and Skip the Dishes are also available to serve you food from Sea Witch.
Fresco’s Fish and Chips
Fresco’s takes pleasure in serving you a classic fish menu prepared with non-hydrogenated oil. You can tell the difference in the taste: it’s fresh, clean, and not oily. You may pick between a light, conventional tempura batter or an extremely crispy salt and malt vinegar Miss Vickie’s chips-inspired batter. Fresco’s Fish & Chips has utilized the best grade oil available since its inception. Saturated fat is in short supply. With 0 grams of trans fat per serving, you can enjoy delicious fried cuisine in a far healthier way.
This fish and chip shop in Kensington Market serves crispy, delicious haddock, halibut, cod, or salmon with a choice of sides ranging from excellent poutine to deep-fried pickles. Fresco’s serves some of the city’s greatest fish & chips. Replace your chips with gravy-covered, squeaky cheese Quebec-style poutine — we promise it’ll be worth it. One of their specialties is the incredible Quebec Style Poutine. Try their full and delectable Meat Chilli Poutine, which is filled with Michael’s amazing homemade chili and white cheddar cheese curds. For a delicious variation on the typical lunch, try sweet potato fries instead of regular fries.
Open for takeout and delivery every day beginning at 11 a.m., you can find them on Uber Eats, Foodora, and DoorDash. They are doing everything they can to keep the world’s fish stock and the seas alive. They only utilize the finest fish, which is picked for its consistency. Ocean Wise sustainable seafood items are used in some of their fish. Every three to six months, or when new OceanWise products become available, they will add one more.
Harbord Fish & Chips
A teeny-tiny take-out joint Harbord Fish & Chips is likely to capture your eye, not only because of its pale blue exterior but also because of the delightful scents that emanate from this small store. On any given summer day, you’ll see fish fans chowing down on some delectable fries, as they serve up some classic fish and chips in Toronto.
At Harbord, their objective is to serve the greatest fish and chips you’ve ever tasted. It all starts with high-quality, natural ingredients and a lot of tender loving care. They are certain that after 38 years in business, you will notice the difference that their recipes make.
The fish and chips are as delicious as the shop itself. Harbord Fish & Chips was a basic establishment with a concise menu even before the pandemic scare. Halibut, haddock, or shrimp and chips are all options. They’re available on all of the main applications, and they’re open every day from noon to 8 p.m.
Buster’s Sea Cove
Busters was set up in 1992 at the Historic St. Lawrence Market in Toronto, Ontario. When Tom Antonarakis entered the Market, the brand began to grow and expand. With time, the business changed drastically. Long lines are known to form at the market merely to get your seafood fix.
Their food truck, Toronto’s first seafood food truck, follows suit, with a short but well-executed menu of items that are a deviation from the original location’s menu and well suited for a roadside snack. To enjoy this delicious location, you’ll have to face a long queue, but it’ll be well worth it.
You’ll keep going back to Buster’s because of the excellent fries served over halibut, haddock, or calamari. They attempt to obtain the freshest goods possible by utilizing the resources available to them. Some menu classics and fan favorites, such as their lobster roll, fish sandwiches, and even the fish fry, are must-orders.