Maybe it’s the fact that it’s a coastal city. Perhaps because it’s a Friday night tradition that dates back generations. Or maybe the reason is, quite simply, it’s blimmin’ delicious. Either way, we Belfastians love nothing more than getting our fill of beautifully battered fish and fluffy on the inside, crispy on the outside chips (accompanied by tartar sauce, mushy peas or curry – whatever you fancy). So that you can get a crackin’ end-of-the-week tea, here’s where to find the best fish and chips in Belfast.

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Fish City

Fish City in Belfast is a trendy seafood spot that focuses on high-quality, sustainably sourced produce. It has even won an award for its fish and chips, so you know it’s gonna be good. Here, you’ll find lightly battered MSC cod, home-cut chippies, tartar sauce and mushy peas, with lots of optional sides to complete your feast. And yes, you can grab your beige banquet to takeaway too.

This joint also has alfresco seating for those warm, summer days.

Deanes Love Fish

A slick dining destination on Howard Street, Deanes Love Fish serves up only the finest local seafood. Pop over to this trendy hangout, which is flooded with light and totes a cool white colour scheme, for some of the best marine munch to ever pass your lips. You can expect beer battered haddock accompanied by tartar sauce, mushy peas and chips, washed down with a crisp glass of white.

Deanes Love Fish is a fantastic choice for an upmarket spin on your classic Friday night tea.

Simply Fish & Chips

Nestled in St George's Market, Simply Fish & Chips is a cute café and takeaway that’s made quite the name for itself. Not only will you receive a huge slab of cod that’s been fried to perfection, but also chunky chips and a range of sauces. While you can take your food home, you're welcome to eat in to enjoy the cool, contemporary décor and fantastic location.

Ideal for a cheeky takeaway at home, as well as a cosy afternoon lunch.

John Long's

Something of an iconic institution, John Long’s has been going for nearly 100 years. The trick? Selling the best fish and chips in Belfast’s city centre. We’re not joking. It fries the fish so that the coating is mouthwateringly light and crispy, plus uses hand-cut Maris Piper potatoes, making for one seriously a-peeling combo. Better yet, the prices are eye-bogglingly cheap and the portions are massive.

The grub here is so good, even Brendan Fraser and Sean Bean have been known to pop in.

Howard Street

A bougie Belfast eatery in the centre of town, Howard Street is ideal for intimate date nights. And when you’ve got a craving for fish and chips? This dining destination doesn’t do it in half measure. Expect an elevated offering of beer battered fish, delivered to your table alongside chunky chips aplenty, as well as tartar sauce and mushy peas. To wet your whistle while you chomp away, choose from refined wines and creative cocktails.

Expect a stunning plate of grub at Howard Street.

Mourne's Seafood Bar

Renowned for its high-quality fruits de la mer, Mourne’s Seafood Bar is at the top of its game. It’s undeniably stylish, decked out with bare-brick walls, wooden tables and sailing artworks. When it comes to the fish and chips, boy does this eatery know what it's doing. Think moreish, skin-on fries, a generous fillet of cod (that's so juicy it flakes away in your mouth), served alongside its kindred spirits - tartar sauce and mushy peas.

If you're looking for a refined fish supper, this one's got your back.

Cafe Fish

While Cafe Fish may be a classic, no-frills chippy, that’s often a sure-fire sign that it knows how to rustle up the goods. We might even go as far as to claim that it slings out the best fish and chips on Lisburn Road. Yes, we said it. Grab yourself either haddock or cod and dig in, whether it's in the cute and cosy dining space or in the comfort of your own home.

It's o-fish-ial, Cafe Fish is ideal for a relaxed weekend takeaway.

Browns Fish & Chips

Boasting an accolade for its fabulous fare, Browns Fish & Chips is sure to satiate your cravings for the good ol' Northern Irish classic that we so love. Not only is the fish fresh and sustainably sourced, but the chips are worth writing home about. Plus, with takeaway, delivery and outstanding service, this Suffolk Road favourite is ideal for lunchtime nibbles and hearty dinners alike.

And if you just can't get enough of its glorious grub? It also does excellent breakfasts.

Darcy's Belfast

Its quirky interiors showcase old newspapers lining the walls, sultry mood lighting and vintage, tasselled lamp shades. Yep, we’re talking about Darcy’s Belfast. This cool corner of the city rustles up a range of traditional, Northern Irish cuisine, so you can bet your bottom dollar it cooks up a mean fish and chips. Bathed in tartar, wolfed down with mushy peas or doused in vinegar – however you like it, these guys do it right.

Darcy's Belfast boasts home-from-home cooking for superior comfort food.

Manny's Fish And Chips

If it's a fantastic fish and chip takeaway in Belfast you're after, Manny's is the plaice to go. It's incredibly popular with locals, and you can see why. Found on Antrim Road, it's easy to spot, thanks to its massive mural of the city. And inside? The food is freshly prepared in front of your eyes, with a lip-smacking golden batter and chunky chips that are to die for. Plus, if you don't fancy leaving the house, it also does deliveries. Result.

Some often say that Manny's might even be the best chip shop in Northern Ireland altogether.

McGregors Traditional Fish & Chips

If you're on the hunt for the best chippy in west Belfast, then McGregors Traditional Fish and Chips is a hot contender. Located in Norglen Gardens, this fabulous takeaway is so well-established in the local community that it even has its own app so that you can order with ease. It knocks up freshly prepared cod to scoff down alongside deep-fried 'tatoes. That's Friday night sorted then, yeah?

If that hasn't got your stomach rumbling, we don't know what will.

The Hungry Hound 2

The top fish and chips on Ormeau Road? Let's be honest, The Hungry Hound 2 wins by a mile. As it has been open for many, many years, you can bet that it has perfected its trade. The fish is supremely fresh and fried to order, plus a large chips is big enough to feed a whole family. So, next time you've got a craving and you're by the famous road, you know where to go.

The Hungry Hound 2 is what we call in the biz, a proper chippy.

Have a hankering for more fruits de la mer? Discover the best seafood restaurants in the UK here and sign up for our future Belfast newsletter.