Is there a better thing to do than snack on fish and chips while sitting along a harbour and watching the world go by?
We have all flocked in our droves to get a portion of battered cod or possibly a scampi treat.
Most of us have a local takeaway within a short walk or drive of our house. But why not push the boat out and try some of the best in Dorset?
Tripadvisor has named the best fish and chip shops in each area of Dorset based on user reviews rating their visit out of five.
Some of these places have been dubbed “a great catch" with some offering "the best chips I have ever eaten."
These are the highest-rated fish and chip shops across Dorset according to your reviews on Tripadvisor.
Blandford Forum
According to Tripadvisor, The Cricketers in Iwerne Courtney Shroton near Blandford Forum is the best place for some fish and chips in the area.
One glowing review states: “Overall a very pleasant little pub with proper quality food.
“Most importantly they haven't tried to be too fancy with the menu and the portion sizes are perfect.
“Very pleasant hard-working staff who are a credit to the Cricketers and will definitely be going back.”
Bournemouth
The highest-rated fish and chips venue in Bournemouth, according to Tripadvisor, is Chez Fred.
Based at 10 Seamoor Road, the restaurant is in the Westbourne area of the seaside town.
One stand-out review said: "Absolutely perfect. We dined in. Had to wait for a table, but not too long.
“Food was beautifully cooked, sides were delicious and the service, exemplary. Good portion sizes and good value for money with drinks extras included."
Bridport
With a staggering 1,106 reviews, Rachel’s is dubbed the best place for fish and chips in Bridport.
It has a five-out-of-five rating and is based along The Mound at West Bay.
One review said: " A superb welcoming place!
“They were booked up but found a space for me as I was on my own. The food was excellent and very well presented.
“Definitely recommend this little shack but might be best to book if you don't want to be disappointed.”
Dorchester
Based at Fordington Green, Callaway’s Fish & Chips has been ranked as the best chippy in Dorchester according to TripAdvisor.
The restaurant has a five-out-of-five rating from 18 reviews and was recently dubbed among the best chippies in the country by Fry Magazine.
One notable review said: "My first fish and chips in many years as I have been living abroad, but I have to say I will be eating again very soon. Cod and chips were delicious.
“Beautiful chunky white cod in a very light and tasty batter and perfect chips. Couldn’t fault it. Yummy!”
Gillingham
There aren’t any fish and chip shops on Tripadvisor but looking at Google reviews, Seafood Fish and Chips comes top.
The Station Road chippy has four-and-a-half rating out of five from 136 Google reviews, with users praising its food and service.
One review reads: “Cod was perfectly cooked and the portions were great value for money."
Lyme Regis
Amid the various excellent places to eat in the seaside town, Herbies came top for chippies in the area.
The Marine Parade venue has a four-and-a-half rating on Tripadvisor based on 452 reviews with a vast majority positive.
One review, entitled “Perfect seaside chippy”, states: “Great lunch option on the beach.
"We tried the fish, squid, whitebait and scallops, all were very tasty and generous portions.
“The scallops with the garlic butter were a massive hit. Well worth a visit, you won't be disappointed.”
Poole
Top of the list in Poole is Lakeside Fish and Chips Restaurant and Takeaway with a four-and-a-half rating from 1,717 reviews.
The restaurant, based on Lifeboat Quay, has attracted reviews which claim it is the ‘best fish and chips ever’ with other reviews praising the staff and service.
One user wrote: “Amazing fish and chips (originate from Midlands so always a pleasure to partake in this by the coast).
“The restaurant of course closed currently but the take out area is well set up within current guidelines and the waiting outside system with the buzzer is perfect (apart from it being freezing cold waiting but unavoidable).”
Portland
With a four-and-a-half rating from 207 reviews, Chesil Chippie is the place best for fish and chips in Portland.
Offering a vegan menu, the Victoria Square takeaway has been praised online for its ‘delicious’ food and ‘diverse menu’ with some acknowledging its ‘most incredible minted pea fritter’.
One review said: "Just tried today and we both loved it.
“I had pea fritter and pineapple fritter and both amazing really nice batter, girlfriend had meat pie which was also delicious.
Chips were great and curry sauce was so good and I am really looking forward to coming back to trying the seafood next.
“We have been visiting the Weymouth and Portland area a lot looking for houses and been trying loads of fish and chips places, and this blew them all away.”
Shaftesbury
Ye Olde Two Brewers, based on St James Street, Shaftesbury, has four-and-a-half rating after 475 reviews.
One review, entitled ‘great meal’, reads: “Came here late on a very busy Saturday evening.
“Lovely staff found a table for us, kept us well informed about delays and then served us one of the best pub meals we've ever had.
“The fish and the beer batter were superb. Despite an incredibly busy night the staff were superb.
“Highly recommended.”
Sherborne
To many locals, it is no surprise that the Abbey Friar is the top-rated chippy in the town.
The chippy, based in Westbury, currently has a five-out-of-five rating on Tripadvisor and even is ranked the second best restaurant in town.
Reviews have commented on its ‘great food portions’ and called it ‘a great catch in Sherborne’.
One reviewer wrote: “Called in today to pick up fish and chips for my elderly parents who live in Sherborne.
“This is simply the best around! They only cook to order and the food is just great.
“Every time I visit, it’s a must to go here. Highly recommended!”
Sturminster Newton
The Bridge Street chippy currently four-and-a-half rating on Tripadvisor based on 67 reviews.
One review reads: “The staff are sooo friendly, they work very hard in keeping up with the amount of customers, which is lots every night but soooo worth it.
“The fish is ‘melt in your mouth’ with a fantastic light batter, the chips, are well, amazing.
“Cooked perfectly. It may be busy but that is a good sign, well worth it.”
Swanage
The coastal town has many chippies to choose from but The Fish Plaice has been dubbed the best in the town according to Tripadvisor.
The Square chippy has a four-and-a-half rating based on 1,113 reviews on the site.
Many reviews praised its ‘lovely fish and chips’ and ‘very nice’ food.
One user wrote: “Picked up a cod and haddock with chips to take back to our caravan.
“Both were lovely and hot and the batter on the fish was delicious and crispy. Really great dinner.”
Wareham
The Kings Arms, based on North Street, boasts a four-and-a-half rating on Tripadvisor based on 234 reviews.
One review reads: “The King's Arms in Wareham, offered good food, good drinks and great company.
“Under new management and newly opened, the atmosphere was friendly and welcoming. Only just started serving food over the last day or so, but you'd never know.
“It was wholesome and tasty. I now finally understand how to eat a Dorset Knob!
“Would highly recommend a visit and we'll definitely return next time we're in the area.”
Weymouth
For many, there is no surprise that Fish ‘n’ Fritz is the top-rated chippy on the site from Weymouth.
The Market Street chippy has a four-and-a-half rating on Tripadvisor based on 1,060 reviews with a vast majority of reviews deeming it ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’.
One review from a tourist reads: “Arrived in Weymouth and after some quick research on where to eat gluten free, we settled on Fish 'n' Fritz but didn't have a booking.
“The waitress that served us was Amy and she managed to squeeze us in to the restaurant despite it being very busy and having reduced capacity due to the COVID restrictions.
“The fish and chips were excellent and I would recommend the large cod and chips as it is a foot long and tasted fantastic.
“I can't thank Amy enough for her service, there was nothing that was too much trouble.
“We have already decided to go back to Fish n Fritz when we are in Weymouth again later this year.”
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