Bristol has dozens of chip shops, but the names that come up again and again in local polls are Noah's on the Harbourside, Hamblins in Barton Hill, Mario's Fish Bar in Kingswood, and Blue Fish in Westbury-on-Trym. If you want a sit-down seafood twist, Noah's is the one to pick; if you want a classic no-frills chippy, Hamblins or Mario's are the safer bets. Here's how they compare and what locals actually say about each.
The best fish and chip shops in Bristol, compared
| Chippy | Area | Style | What people say |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noah's | Harbourside (Brunel Lock Road) | Sit-down and takeaway, upmarket | Rated 4.8 from 650+ reviews, known for fresh cod and a proper seafood-restaurant feel |
| Hamblins Fish and Chips | Barton Hill (Avonvale Road) | Classic takeaway, family-run since the 1950s | Rated 4.8, praised for portion size and friendly service |
| Mario's Fish Bar | Kingswood (Pool Road) | Classic takeaway | Rated 4.8, regularly named one of the best-value chippies in the city |
| Blue Fish | Westbury-on-Trym (High Street) | Classic takeaway | Rated 4.9, consistently near the top of reader polls |
| Farrows Fish & Chips | Totterdown (Wells Road) | Classic takeaway, award-winning | Known for gluten-free options alongside the traditional menu |
| Argus Fish Bar | Bedminster (West Street) | Classic takeaway | A regular shortlist name in Bristol Live and BristolWorld polls |
Noah's: the one to pick for a sit-down meal
Noah's sits on Brunel Lock Road by the Cumberland Basin, on the site of the old Lockside Café. It's one of the newer additions to Bristol's fish and chip scene but has quickly become one of the most talked-about, with reviewers regularly calling it some of the best fish and chips they've had anywhere in the city. It leans more towards a seafood restaurant than a classic chippy counter, with fresh catches from South West ports and Scotland alongside the usual cod and haddock, and it's dog-friendly if you're walking the harbourside afterwards. It's open for lunch, 12pm to 3pm, so it's worth timing a visit around that window rather than turning up for a casual evening takeaway.
The classic chippies: Hamblins, Mario's and Blue Fish
If you want the traditional experience rather than a restaurant setting, these three show up again and again in local readers' polls. Hamblins, on Avonvale Road in Barton Hill, has been a community fixture since the 1950s and keeps things simple: fish, chips, sausages, burgers and the traditional Clark's pies. Mario's Fish Bar on Pool Road in Kingswood has a reputation for consistently fresh fish at a fair price, something reviewers mention again and again. Blue Fish in Westbury-on-Trym rounds out the trio with some of the highest review scores in the city and a reputation for generous portions.
South Bristol: Farrows and Argus
South of the river, Farrows on Wells Road in Totterdown has picked up awards for its traditional fish and chips and also caters for gluten-free diets, which isn't a given at every chippy. Argus Fish Bar on West Street in Bedminster is the other regular name on the south Bristol shortlist, a consistent presence in local best-of polls for the area covered in our Bedminster and Southville guide.
What to expect to pay
Chip shop pricing varies by portion size and whether you eat in, but as a general guide across Bristol's independent chippies, expect a standard cod and chips to run from around £8 to £12, with jumbo or large cod options a few pounds more. Sit-down spots like Noah's cost more than a straightforward takeaway counter. None of the chippies above publish a single fixed menu online that stays current for long, so it's worth checking the shop's own page or calling ahead if the exact price matters, rather than relying on an old menu photo.
Takeaway or sit-down
Most of the names above are takeaway-only, which suits a walk along the harbourside or a stop on the way back from Ashton Court. Noah's is the exception if you want table service and a proper sit-down meal. If you're weighing up where to eat more broadly, our guide to where to eat in Bristol on a budget covers other cheap, filling options across the city.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best fish and chip shop in Bristol?
There's no single official "best," but Noah's on the Harbourside, Hamblins in Barton Hill and Blue Fish in Westbury-on-Trym are the names that come up most consistently in reader polls and review scores, each rated 4.8 or higher.
Is there a sit-down fish and chip restaurant in Bristol?
Yes. Noah's, on Brunel Lock Road by the Cumberland Basin, is set up more like a seafood restaurant than a takeaway counter, with table service and a menu that goes beyond the classic cod and chips.
Which Bristol chippy does gluten-free fish and chips?
Farrows on Wells Road in Totterdown offers gluten-free options alongside its traditional menu, which isn't standard at every chip shop in the city.
How much does fish and chips cost in Bristol?
Expect roughly £8 to £12 for a standard cod and chips at an independent chippy, more for a jumbo portion or a sit-down restaurant like Noah's. Prices vary by shop, so check current menus before you go.
Are there good chip shops in south Bristol?
Yes. Farrows in Totterdown and Argus Fish Bar in Bedminster are the two names that come up most often for south Bristol, both regular entries in local best-of lists.
Do Bristol chip shops deliver?
Most of the independent chippies listed here are walk-in or phone-order takeaways rather than delivery-app regulars, though availability varies by shop and changes over time, so it's worth checking directly with the shop you want.