There’s something beautifully simple, and endlessly debatable, about who makes the best fish and chips. Is it the freshness of fish, the batter or the combination of fish, fries and accompaniments like coleslaw and tartare sauce? I personally place greatest on the former, although great home cut fries do have a way of swaying me and inciting fond childhood memories of afternoons eating Bud the Spud fries while sitting on the wall outside the old Halifax Public Library.
“Where’s the best fish and chips in HRM?”
Dartmouth’s John’s Lunch used to be the go-to for many, but a couple years on from the closure of that institution, I find myself wondering who is now the city’s best purveyor of fried fish? In my opinion, there are two leading the way, and a whole lot of others.
Rudy & Olive’s Fish & Chips
Rudy & Olive’s is a cheerfully designed spot on the Bedford Highway. The interior features sea-foam green walls, nautical touches, rustic wood flooring, and playful dog-themed décor that nods to the shop’s namesakes. Large windows flood the space with natural light, while string lights and chalkboard signage add to the laid-back, welcoming vibe.
Outside, a small patio with picnic tables and umbrellas offers an unpretentious place to enjoy a fish feed on a warm summer day, albeit with views over a parking lot, not the Bedford Basin, which is only a stone’s throw away but on the other side of the building. Aesthetics aside, it’s all about the fish. What I love most about Rudy & Olive’s is their commitment to à la minute battering and frying. It may seem like a small detail but compared to spots that pre-fry and then re-fry to finish, the extra time they take translates to extra flavour. I’ve read a few recent reviews noting disengaged service, but my experiences have always been positive and friendly.
Evan’s Fresh Seafoods (Dartmouth)
If fish and chips could be a love letter to the sea, Evan’s might just be the one writing it. Perched at Alderney Landing and named The Coast’s 2024 Gold Winner, Evan’s delivers an exceptional experience. Evan’s isn’t just a proponent of local seafood, they offer a boat to table experience, as their primary source of seafood is themselves, as Evan D’Entremont, namesake of the restaurant, is a fishermen and seafood market owner in West Pubnico. Add to this, they use a gluten-free batter, thanks to a partnership with Halifax’s Schoolhouse Gluten-Free gourmet which supplies them with gluten-free breadcrumbs along with views over Halifax Harbour and you have the recipe for a great fish feed.
Worth Trying
Willman’s Fish & Chips (Halifax North End)
A Halifax institution since 1946, Willman’s has earned its stripes the old-fashioned way by feeding generations with reliable fish and chips and no-fuss charm. There’s nothing wrong with Willman’s. In fact, there is a lot that is good about it. The fish is fresh, the chips are hand-cut, and the tartare is homemade. It’s just one of those places where everything is very good but not quite exciting. If the fries were just a touch crisper and the tartare sauce a tad tangier, we’d have the recipe for a top-three experience.
Acadian Fish and Chips (Hammonds Plains)
As a Bedford West resident, this had been my go-to, until I discovered Rudy & Olives. The unassuming restaurant, halfway between Tantallon and Bedford always delivers big portions of fresh fish with an inviting light and crisp batter. I wouldn’t call it destination dining but if you are looking for friendly service, fresh fish and ample portions, it’s worth stopping by if passing along the Hammonds Plains Road.
Pleasant Street Diner (Dartmouth)
Pleasant Street Diner is the spiritual successor to John’s Lunch. If memory serves there is familial connection between John’s and Pleasant Street. I like the crispiness of the batter, the homemade tartare sauce and coleslaw. I have found the fish just not quite as fresh compared to Rudy & Olive’s and Evan’s. I suspect the fish itself is super fresh. They are very busy. Where Rudy & Olive’s seems to batter and fry on order, I wonder if Pleasant Street does a pre-fry?
Fredie’s Fantastic Fish House (Bayers Lake)
This curious little spot, tucked into a strip mall in a quiet corner of Bayers Lake, has netted a loyal following. It’s often voted amongst the city’s best, but I’ve found the batter a bit thick and doughy, and the accompaniments uninspiring. Perhaps I caught Fredie on an off day. There is no denying that they have a strong fanbase.
Of course, if you’re looking for a sit-down fish and chips experience, then consider some of our better pubs and eateries: The Narrows (Gottingen Street, Halifax), Durty Nelly’s (Argyle Street, Halifax), or The Henry House (Barrington Street, Halifax) are all solid choices.
This article appears in Aug 1-31, 2025.