We’ve put together a list of the top ‘hidden gem’ places, which have been rated the best by hundreds of people on TripAdvisor.
From the batter of the fish to the crispiness of the chips, and the offerings of the sides, and how good the curry sauce is – this collection of nine are the best of the best in the North East.
- Bells Fish Restaurant, Durham
Picture: TRIPADVISOR
Some of the reviews read: “Excellent Haddock & Chips… crispy and tasty, good fish and tasty chips with a straight forward salad” and “absolutely delicious, the cod practically melted in the mouth”.
Offering gluten free products and has takeout, seating, highchairs available, wheelchair accessible and serves alcohol.
It gets 4.5 out of 1,213 reviews.
- The Almighty Cod, Hartlepool
The Almighty Cod (Image: GOOGLE MAPS)
Known for its beautiful fish and chips – The Almighty Cod in Hartlepool scores highly – with a 4.5/5 score on TripAdvisor from 1000 customers.
One customers praised it highly by saying: “Another visit and the same excellent quality food. Decent size portions cooked to perfection. Staff pleasant. Can’t fault and it’s one place we keep returning to. The queue outside speaks for itself.”
- Middleton In Teesdale Fish and Chip Shop
Picture: TRIPADVISOR
The most recent review says it’s “worth travelling for”, adding “the best tasting fish, chips and mushy peas we’ve had for a quite while. Also had battered Wensleydale, spicy chicken bits, and battered stuffed jalpenos’s which were to die for”.
Another noted “very accommodating to our vegan needs, made special to order. Very tasty food, we all enjoyed it! Lovely friendly staff! Would recommend!”
It gets 4.5 out of 329 reviews
- Fish and Chips 149, Galgate Barnard Castle
Picture: TRIPADVISOR
It gets 4.5 out of 490 reviews
- The Golden Fish Inn, Delves Lane
Picture: TRIPADVISOR
Mixed reviews here. One who was impressed said: “Stopped here for some quick grub and I was blown away! Lush food, highly recommend. Will defo be visiting again! 5*”
It gets 4.5 out of 85 reviews
Fish Face in Seaton Carew (Image: GOOGLE MAPS)
Another fish and chip store and another 4.5.5 star rating – Fish Face is an amazing and traditional fish and chip offering.
One impressed customer said: “There’s only one place to go if you want the best fish and chips. The fish was nice and thick and cooked to perfection, the chips were of a good size too and also cooked to perfection Fantastic batter on the fish. I can’t recommend this restaurant enough and finally, the staff were brilliant and really friendly. 5 stars + from me.”
Ranking: 4.5/5
Where is it?: Front Street, Esh, County Durham.
Satisfied diners at the Cross Keys Inn hotel and restaurant have remarked upon the “surprising” size of the fish when it was served, as well as the “excellent” quality of the homemade chips.
- The Three Horse Shoes, Durham
Ranking: 4.5/5
Where is it?: Running Waters, County Durham.
Visitors to the Three Horse Shoes have remarked upon the fish and chips present on the “traditional menu”, and rated their stay at the pub hotel as five stars.
Ranking: 4/5
Where is it?: Front Street, Witton Gilbert, County Durham.
“Fish Friday at the Travs” is a special occasion for one reviewer who has recommended the restaurant for its “beautifully cooked” white fish.
