The finest fish and chips in Halifax

You didn’t come all the way to Nova Scotia for the beef, did you? Steeped in English tradition, Nova Scotia’s capital city is home to some of the finest fish and chips in the country. You might encounter a few hefty lineups, but it’ll be worth the wait.

The finest fish and chips in Halifax
Michael Fraiman By

John's Lunch

1
352 Pleasant St, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 3S5

How else do you start a list except with the little shack that’s been ranked by Canadian Living magazine as home to the best fish and chips in the entire country? It’s no small claim, nor is it undeserved. Owners Stratos Baltas and Fotis Fatouros have been making history in Dartmouth since 1969, frying up locally caught haddock and serving it out of their quaint little home-turned-restaurant. If you want authenticity, you can’t beat John’s.

Willman's Fish And Chips

2
3154 Isleville St, Halifax, NS B3K 3Y2

Don’t let the name mislead you – Willman’s offers much more than fish and chips, including fresh-caught Digby clams, a renowned seafood chowder and a sizable baked halibut plate. This family-friendly restaurant looks every bit the part of the classic diner, right down to the dark wood chairs and cashier behind the counter. It’s a crisp ’n’ clean Maritime dining experience: You’ll get your greasy battered fish, sure, but also caramelized onions, pickled asparagus and golden potato wedges, if you like.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Battered Fish

3
1751 Lower Water St, Halifax, NS B3J 1S5

It may feel a bit more corporate now, with 10 locations across the Maritimes and Toronto, but the Halifax original is still standing and still serving some of the best fish and chips this side of the Atlantic. Stop by the sleek, black-and-yellow shack on the harbourfront for a lobster roll sandwich and some French fries, or stick with the fish and chips – the dish that launched the franchise back in 2009.

Fries & Co

4
2603 Connolly St, Halifax, NS B3L 3M4

While it’s been around for a few years, current owners Melanie and Ken Francis only came into the picture in late 2011. They’ve completely revamped the place, shedding the fish-and-chips-shack image in favour of an authentically English fine-dining experience. They began upping the portions and cutting the chips thicker, adding classically English mushy peas, chip-shop curry and seafood chowder to the menu. With a tasteful interior and tastier fish, it’s a worthy addition to West End Halifax.

Fredie's Fantastic Fishhouse

5
8 Oland Cres, Halifax, NS B3S 1C6

Fredie’s Fantastic Fish House is the most kid-friendly spot on this list, bar none. From the colourful logo to the chicken fingers and onion rings, this restaurant – which began as a roadside trailer out in Tantallon, Nova Scotia – has grown into a destination worth the drive outside the peninsula proper. You can sample the full menu with the seafood platter, which includes Digby scallops, fresh clams, two pieces of haddock and thick fries.

Fran`s Fish & Chips

6
53 King St, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 2R6

Fredie’s Fantastic Fish House is the most kid-friendly spot on this list, bar none. From the colourful logo to the chicken fingers and onion rings, this restaurant – which began as a roadside trailer out in Tantallon, Nova Scotia – has grown into a destination worth the drive outside the peninsula proper. You can sample the full menu with the seafood platter, which includes Digby scallops, fresh clams, two pieces of haddock and thick fries.

More from Michael Fraiman Michael Fraiman
Michael Fraiman is a Canadian freelance journalist and travel writer. He's worked for the Globe and Mail, the National Post, Maclean's, The Walrus and the CBC, and pens a monthly column on Jewish comedy for the Canadian Jewish News. He calls Toronto home, but has often resided in other cities around the world for short stints as well.
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