A few months ago I asked my Instagram followers to send me all their favourite Fish & Chip takeaways in Cornwall.
I had loads of suggestions from people all across the county (and further afield!) listing their favourite fish & chip places for a Cornish summer evening. I could have taken these recommendations and written up a round-up post using that information…
But I didn’t stop there.
Over the last few months we have genuinely been touring around the county trying each one of the recommendations sent to me (including shops with at least 3 people recommending them) to see how good they REALLY are! Yes, that’s right, we’ve tried ALL of these – this isn’t just another round-up post using Google as research, we did official scientific research with our own tastebuds.
Am I sick of Fish & Chips by now?
Not quite.
Fish and chips (if you didn’t know) is a British delicacy that dates back to 1860, reaching peak popularity in the 1930s here in England. Fish & chips were were some of the few foods that weren’t subject to rationing in both World Wars, so it very much became a staple. Nowadays you can buy them in restaurants or takeaways across the country, but my TOP recommendation would be to enjoy a box on the coast at your nearest beach, with plenty of vinegar and of course one of those little wooden forks…
Anyway, on to the list of official best fish and chips shops in Cornwall – as voted for by Instagram (and then finalised by Alex and myself!):
Mariners Fish & Chips in Penryn
First Place
Dubbed ‘a modern day fish & chips’, I can see why Mariners came up again and again in my vote on Instagram. Not only were the classic fish & chips delicious and super fresh, they also offer a range of other tasty seafood snacks too – including Japanese panko king prawns, squid, and homemade fish cakes. These are currently also the best value on this list!
Standard Cod & Chips = £8.90
Large Cod & Chips = £11.20
Rick Steins Fish & Chips in Padstow
Second Place
Famous throughout Cornwall and the UK, you can’t deny that Rick Stein’s fish and chips are pretty damn good! They also offer lots of other great seafood (including battered oysters – yum!). The only reason they don’t get joint first place is because they’re super expensive.
Cod & Chips = £13.45
Sole Plaice Fish & Chips in Truro
Third Place
Sole Plaice was Alex’s local fish & chips growing up, but actually everyone we’ve spoken to in Truro rates it as the best in the area. The best thing? It’s super cheap and the portions are very generous.
Cod & Chips = £9.10
Morrish’s Fish & Chips in Redruth
Runner Up
Despite having lived so nearby for years, I only visited Morrish’s for the first time a couple of months ago. It’s tasty and we’ve ended up going back since trying it so it must have been pretty good! If you love a classic, big-portion of fish & chips that won’t break the bank, this is a great choice.
Standard Cod & Chips = £9.15
Large Cod & Chips = £11.70
Harbour Lights Fish & Chips in Falmouth
Runner Up
Everyone loves Harbour Lights, and I’ve got some fond memories of their fish and chips from years ago. It’s also really important to mention that they are the only Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified fish & chip shop on this list, meaning their fish is caught using sustainable practices.
Standard Cod & Chips = £9.90
Large Cod & Chips = £12.40
Was about to be mildly furious at the blasphemy of Harbour Lights being so low, but honestly I haven’t tried many of the others so I suppose yore forgiven! :p
Think we may well be investigating Mariners this evening based on this recommendation :) Had no idea it was such a gem with such good offerings! Wednesday treat night :) xxx
The only one on the list that I have eaten at, several times, is Harbour Lights. Compared to what we have in the way of fish and chip in Wiltshire, Harbour Lights wins by a mile.
The only other one that I’ve eaten at, though this one not on the list, is Rick Steins in Falmouth. Based on value for money, Harbour Lights wins every time.
Though, I will be visiting Mariners Fish & Chips in Penryn the next time I’m in Falmouth (which will be soon).
Great post!
Read what you said about Wiltshire. You should try the fish and chips in Wootton Bassett, best for miles and at a reasonable price. Its on the right as you leave town, heading towards Lyneham.
Easily the ‘The Welcome Stranger’ in Lanivet. You get loads for your money and definitely worth the wait on busier nights.
I love the sort of ‘anger’ that bubbles up inside when you read about the best fish and chips! But you do have some actual corkers on that list – I am 100% going to make the effort to go to Truro to try some!
But really – you need to try Mack’s in Redruth – just for the chips – and maybe a fry it – but their chips are actual sorcery.
Brilliant post thanking you!
Where is the best place to go to get fish and chips and be able to park over looking the sea? my parents have been self isolating because they’re in their 80s and the one thing my mum and dad both miss is fish and chips and the Sea. I would love to be able to take them this week
The best fish & chips is the chippy Newquay…
We have been using Francine’s in Newquay for years and must say have never been disappointed they cook in dripping and the portions are generous have tried Stiens at Fistral but never again, small fish and chips in cardboard box even eating in poor in all senses