Sometimes cravings are not just about simple hunger, but a sentimental mood. And if such a mood hits, wanting something crispy, flaky, and completely unforgettable, there is only one thing to do: seek the city’s top fish and chips.
In order to do my “you only live once” motto justice, I ended up sampling Dublin’s fish and chips in four great locations. There’s always a freak-out about obtaining this proper grub just so: fresh fish and nicely prepared chips. It takes a light hand to create a plate that isn’t greasy, crumbly, or tasteless.
That’s why my friend, you need to come along with me on this adventure! I’ve done the yummy research for you so you don’t have to waste your dough. or your valuable cheat-day calories… and might gain that sublime taste of Fish and Chips Dublin can offer in just the right places.
Dublin’s Best Fish and Chips Dublin
Fish Shop Smithfield
Sometimes the most perfect hangout is cruising past the rowdy, busy places and landing at a spot that is snug, well-lit, and a little bit indulgent. That’s how we ended up at Fish Shop at 76 Benburb St, Smithfield. Its incredible reputation speaks for itself with a 4.6-star Google rating (1,580 reviews) and 4.5 stars on TripAdvisor.
The atmosphere is what struck me first. It is a contemporary, cozy spot that makes every bite feel like a little comfort song. They do not do table seating in the traditional sense, just a few stools by the window, which is where we sat, the sunshine spilling over us. It was cozy in a way, and the restaurant was so tidy and clean, which, for a fish restaurant, is significant.
We ordered with our priority in mind: their classic Fish and Chips. Their fish was so fresh and flaky. It was clean, moist, and wonderfully crispy. Above all, while most restaurants manage to make the batter dry and tasteless, theirs was simply perfect. The chips were also excellent, crispy, well-seasoned, and not oily at all. We even got a side salad, which was fresh and organic.
The staff are so friendly and warm; no wonder that they’re renowned for their excellent service. Heads up: the restaurant is very small, so you definitely need to book if you really want to get a table. But they also offer takeaway. You can call them to book at +353 1557 1473.
I would definitely recommend Fish Shop Dublin. They absolutely hit the spot with their fish department, but they also have other excellent seafood menus that you may wish to savor. I can still remember that day… every bite of fish melted in my mouth while the fries were crunchily pleasing.
I took mine with a light tartar sauce, and it was just the perfect mix. The chat and giggles flowed, and the food was a warm hug, which is exactly what a catch-up with a friend ought to be. So, when are you getting your bubbly experience?
Fish and Chips Dublin, Old Mill Restaurant
I’ve always been a fan of family dinner spots that instantly feel like home, and for my second outing into the best of Fish and Chips Dublin, the Old Mill Restaurant was spot on. Located at 14 Temple Bar, Dublin 2, this restaurant is clearly popular, with a strong 4.5-star rating from close to six thousand votes on Google and TripAdvisor.
The moment you climb up, the restaurant smells of warm, old-fashioned American ambiance, but upon entering, the real Irish hospitality hits you right away. The wooden tables, soft lighting, and the subtle, homely smell of traditional food welcome you on your entry. Having live music really sets a beautiful atmosphere for a relaxed family dinner, making a simple meal an occasion.
They have an enormous selection on their menu and are especially famous for their home-style Irish fare, which is what makes it such a great experience. Our main course, the fish and chips, was just what I could have expected: absurdly crunchy, crispy, and served with an amazing homemade tartar sauce. Besides the fish, we were tempted by the originals too.
The Cottage Pie was absolutely delicious, offering deep comfort in its rich filling and creamy mashed potato topping. And my dad, who claims to be a seafood lover, utterly lapped up their seafood chowder. I’d easily give five stars for the service here. Despite having a busy crowd, the staff never failed to smile and were genuinely attentive and polite to all of their customers.
Their warm, efficient service truly made our experience a hundred times better, wrapping the entire meal in a feeling of genuine hospitality. I couldn’t help but be amazed at how perfect the Old Mill is for any type of occasion.
Big portions, old-fashioned and wholesome tastes, and an environment that invites long, warm conversations and laughter, what else can a guy ask for! I left feeling full, satisfied, and somehow wistfully complete. It’s the kind of warm, old-fashioned Dublin experience that you can simply not afford to miss, my friend. The next time you find yourself in the city, do be sure to try Old Mill Restaurant Dublin.
Beshoff Bros
It was one of the down-dropped rainy afternoons where you catch yourself absent-mindedly craving something warm and comforting. For me, that translated to seeking out another contender in my search for the best of Fish and Chips Dublin. And that’s how I found myself at Beshoff Bros, 75 Mespil Rd, Dublin, which holds a very decent 4.3 stars overall on its Google and TripAdvisor reviews.
The setting itself is simple and elegantly furnished. I managed to secure a window seat, which was perfect. I waited for my lunch, looking out into the rain as it swirled through the town, bringing the trees to brilliant new life and washing away all the ordinary tension symbolically. It was a moment for gentle contemplation.
But my poetic brain quickly turned into the dedicated foodie one the second that my food arrived. I had the classic cod fish and chips with their famous calamari rings. The batter crunch was incredible. It slapped so hard I briefly questioned if this fish had been sent from heaven… Well metaphorically.
The cod inside was flaky and moist, a wonderful contrast to the golden, crispy chips, which were soft on the inside and perfectly seasoned on the outside. And, as a matter of course, their calamari rings really do live up to their reputation; they are simply fantastic. The quality of the food was top-notch, and the service was its equal.
The staff were really friendly and even double-checked with me about any allergies, which I always appreciate. The serving size is seriously gigantic; I should probably have ordered a smaller size so I could finish comfortably, but no way on earth was I wasting one drop of that perfect food.
It would have been a sin! The whole place smelled of fried dreams and pure comfort. It was just me, the perfect fish, and the rain outside. utter chaos, but the right kind. I would highly recommend this place because, for a very reasonable price, you won’t find fish and chips this good anywhere else in town.
Presto Chipper
My last stop on this great fish and chips quest was an emergency visit… a classic late-night craving that took me to Presto Chipper at 8 S Lotts Rd, Dublin. This is a great local chipper, with a 4.5-star rating from nearly 500 reviews on Google and TripAdvisor, so it’s obviously a top-notch chipper with excellent consistency.
This place is built for convenience: it’s a takeaway-only joint. There is no table space; you just pop in, order your loot, and you’re on your way. I arrived very late, expecting to leave empty-handed, but the guy working was too kind to send me home disappointed.
The fish was hugely impressive and certainly fresh. Most importantly, for a chipper, it wasn’t heavy or greasy at all. There were plenty of fries, and the selection of sauces that they had was essential to completing the experience. I quite literally devoured the whole thing like some kind of gremlin in the dark, and yes, I regret absolutely nothing. It was just perfectly salty, crunchy, and pure, unadulterated joy in every single bite.
The owner was just the nicest guy…warm and kind. It was near his closing time, but his kindness in not turning me away on an empty stomach is one I will never forget. I would go there again in a heartbeat.
I low-key believe I’ve discovered a hidden gem in Dublin in Presto Chipper. It fulfilled my deepest late-night craving, gave me pure bliss, and served some of the city’s finest takeaway fish and chips. You, my friend, have to try this place for your next guilty fix.
Last Few Words on Dublin’s Fish and Chips
To me, this adventure was a stroll of crunchy freshness through some of Dublin’s best hangouts, and every plate was a jar-warm hug wrapped in golden batter. Whether it’s a rainy afternoon bowl, preparing a family dinner, or assessing the late-night craving, my Fish and Chips Dublin craving was always answered generously. And I’m sure… YOU wouldn’t be disappointed either.
So the next time your heart (or stomach) craves a little fried, flaky, and crispy freshness of a comfort food, you know where to go. Don’t forget to let me know how your experience was!
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