Best Fish & Chip Shops in Bournemouth
The best fish and chips in Bournemouth named
There are many things we consider non-negotiable when staying in Dorset, whether it’s visiting the beach, taste-testing one of the county’s refreshing gins, or partaking in one of the UK’s proudest traditions: a plate of fresh-out-the-fryer fish and chips.
With its bustling seafront and vibrant urban atmosphere, Bournemouth is one of the best places in Dorset to eat fish and chips, but which chip shop takes the crown?
To find the very best dish in Bournemouth, we’ve done the legwork. We’ve scoured reviews, collated awards, and, yes, dined on deliciously flaky fish and fluffy chips, all in the name of research. Here are our results…
1. Chez Fred
Best for: Traditional fish and chips
Passed down through three generations of the Capel family, Chez Fred has been honed since 1989 to create the best fish and chips in Bournemouth, and arguably the UK. A winner by any measure, with thousands rating it 5 stars and entire threads dedicated to it online, Chez Fred in Westbourne has become synonymous with fish and chips. The classic urban pub exterior has gained an almost landmark reputation, with the sleek, tiled interior setting the scene for an award-winning meal.
The menu boasts a traditional mix of dishes, from homemade cod fishcakes and wholetail Whitby scampi to Britain’s staple cod and chips. Homemade mushy peas and curry sauce add to the star-studded line-up, while home-baked bread rolls invite you to try the nation’s second favourite dish, a chip butty. Catering for all, Fred’s also offers a fantastic vegan fish and chips, as well as a ‘Sprats Pack’ menu for children, which includes fish fingers, chicken tenders, and sausages alongside chips, baked beans, and peas.
Dine in for excellent service from the wonderful team, or take your fish and chips to go and enjoy them along the seafront or back at your chic staycation in Bournemouth.
2. Harry Ramsden’s
Best for: Traditional fish and chips
Hot on the heels, Harry Ramsden’s Bournemouth location has a seriously impressive scoreboard. Seating over 400 people, Harry’s in Bournemouth is one of the largest fish and chips restaurants in the world, an impressive accolade that pairs perfectly with the company’s previous record of the most fish and chips sold in one day. Alongside its size, the location is another winning trait at Harry’s, with its beachfront locale promising sweeping views across the golden sands of East Beach.
Running since 1928, Harry’s has built a reputation for world-famous fish and chips, with a traditional menu that celebrates classic dishes while welcoming the new. One of our favourite reimaginings is the fish and chips afternoon tea, which boasts a mix of mini dishes including prawn cocktail, crayfish brioche rolls, and homemade fishcakes, followed by a selection of desserts, and all washed down with a pot of Yorkshire tea – when at Harry’s, after all.
Other menu staples include a choice of hearty pies, chip shop sausage with chips, and Harry’s fried chicken, which comes tossed in your choice of sauce or plain and exceptionally crispy.
3. Sam’s Fish Bar
Best for: Gluten-free fish and chips
Whether it’s your first time staying in Bournemouth or your 100th, Sam’s Fish Bar in Christchurch is, without a doubt, one of the best places to enjoy a plate of fish and chips. Renovated in 2024 and now a beloved family-run institution, Sam’s has perfected the art of frying fish, whether it’s cod, haddock, rock, or plaice. They also offer a superb selection of gluten-free dishes, as well as burgers, pies, and sausages, and tasty extras including pineapple fritters, halloumi fries, and garlic mushrooms.
We particularly rate Sam’s for its dedication to fresh fish and a light, crispy batter that will have you returning again and again. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy your food, we recommend heading to The Quomps for lovely views over the River Stour.
Best for: Friendly atmosphere
4. Sunny’s
Sunny’s is loved by visitors and locals alike for its welcoming atmosphere and top-notch food. It’s situated in Boscombe, making it ideal for those staying in the area, whether you’re grabbing dinner before a show at the O2 Academy or hungry after a day on the beach.
The beloved Bournemouth takeaway offers all the usual chip shop favourites, from cones of fluffy chips to scampi, breaded and fried to perfection, as well as chicken nuggets, sausages, and burgers.
There’s a great selection of children’s meals too, not to mention lunchtime specials and meal deals, providing lots of choice whenever hunger strikes. And the friendly team behind the fryers are always on hand to offer advice and maybe even some ‘scraps’* – the heart and sole of any chippy.
5. Fishtales
Best for: Lunchtime specials
A stone’s throw from the beach, Fishtales has earned its place on our list of the best fish and chips in Bournemouth by serving consistently fresh and flavourful food with a clear dedication to this British staple. Chips are chunky, the fish is perfectly flaky, and everything is served with a smile from the lovely staff, making it a firm favourite whether you’re enjoying a family holiday or looking for a takeaway dinner during a corporate stay.
The main menu boasts all the usuals, plus a few tempting additions such as pulled pork loaded chips, but it’s the lunchtime specials that steal the show. Changing regularly and offering an excellent deal, there’s nothing better than stopping by Fishtales for a midday feast before exploring the vibrant city streets of Bournemouth. It’s perfectly situated for a post-game feast after a visit to Vitality Stadium or a historical stroll along Boscombe Pier.
Are you craving a feast of fish and chips yet? Here are some FAQs to help you navigate the menu…
Scraps, or bits, are the leftover crispy bits of batter found in the fryer. They’re small and seriously moreish, making them a firm favourite amongst Brits. Not every chippy will list them on the menu, but it never hurts to ask when placing your order.
Often seen on chip shop menus, a saveloy is a smoked sausage that is reminiscent of a hot dog. Unlike the battered sausages you’ll see on the menu, saveloys are highly seasoned and often have a tell-tale red colour. They are a lot firmer than regular sausages, and are often served with chip shop gravy – another British tradition.
Mushy peas and tartare sauce might be the clear choice when ordering fish, but chips often warrant an even wider selection of dipping sauces. Of course, most chippies will offer ketchup, but to dine like a true Brit, it’s curry sauce and gravy. Most chip shops will make their own from scratch, giving you a delicious choice of dips for your chips.
While not inherently gluten-free, lots of fish and chips shops in Bournemouth offer gluten-free options, including fish, chips, and sausages, with separate fryers to avoid cross-contamination.
A question you can debate for hours over a cone of chips on the seafront, there are many ways to determine which is the best fish for the nation’s favourite dish. Cod might have become synonymous with fish and chips, but haddock, with its mild and slightly sweet flavour, is a close second. In our opinion, the best fish for the occasion is the fish that was landed that day, so we love visiting chip shops with connections to local fishing boats, as you never know what will be on the menu.
Fish and chips were considered so paramount to British morale that they were exempt from rationing during both World Wars. Winston Churchill himself referred to the dish as “the good companions”, and we couldn’t agree more.
With a variety of fish and chip shops peppered across Bournemouth, not to mention the many pubs and restaurants that feature the nation’s favourite dish on their menus, it’s exceptionally easy to enjoy a fish and chip supper during your holiday in Dorset.