11 California Fish & Chips Spots That Hook You from the First Bite

California’s coastline offers some of the freshest seafood around, making it a prime spot for incredible fish and chips. From food trucks to upscale restaurants, the Golden State serves up this classic dish with local twists and traditional techniques. Ready to discover where to find the crispiest batter and flakiest fish? These spots will have you coming back for seconds!

1. The Codmother Fish & Chips — San Francisco

British expat Suzanne Acevedo brings authentic fish & chips to Fisherman’s Wharf from her cheerful black and red food truck. The secret’s in her beer batter – light, crispy, and perfectly golden around sustainably-sourced cod that flakes at the touch of a fork.

Locals line up daily for generous portions served in paper cones with house-made tartar sauce. The prices remain refreshingly reasonable despite the tourist-heavy location.

2. The Lobster — Santa Monica

Perched at the entrance of Santa Monica Pier since 1923, The Lobster combines upscale dining with spectacular ocean views. Their fish & chips elevate the humble classic with local halibut in a champagne batter that creates an extraordinarily light, crisp coating.

Golden fries arrive perfectly seasoned alongside house-made coleslaw and a distinctive lemon-caper aioli. The restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows frame sunset views that complement your meal.

Though pricier than your average chippy, the premium ingredients and unbeatable location justify splurging for this refined take on the seaside staple.

3. John O’ Groats — Los Angeles

Tucked away in West LA’s Rancho Park neighborhood, this family-owned bistro has been serving comfort food since 1982. Their fish & chips showcase Atlantic cod in a buttermilk batter that creates an exceptionally crunchy exterior while keeping the fish moist and tender.

Owner Angelica Jacobi uses her Scottish grandmother’s recipe, passed down through generations. The hearty portion comes with thick-cut steak fries and homemade coleslaw with a hint of apple.

The restaurant’s cozy, unpretentious atmosphere makes you feel like you’re dining in someone’s home – because in many ways, you are!

4. Swan Oyster Depot — San Francisco

Operating since 1912, this narrow seafood counter with just 18 stools represents San Francisco food history at its finest. Their no-frills fish & chips focus entirely on quality: fresh-caught local rock cod in a simple flour dredge, fried to golden perfection.

The Sancimino family has run this institution for generations, maintaining traditions while ensuring exceptional freshness. Lines form early outside this cash-only establishment, but regulars insist the wait is worthwhile.

While famous for raw oysters, their fish & chips remain a hidden menu highlight – straightforward and showcasing the pristine seafood rather than hiding it under heavy batter.

5. Captain Kidd’s Fish Market & Restaurant — Redondo Beach

Half seafood market, half casual eatery, Captain Kidd’s lets you select your fish from the display case before they batter and fry it to order. The system creates unparalleled freshness – from ocean to plate in hours.

The outdoor patio overlooks King Harbor marina where fishing boats deliver daily catches. Their beer batter contains a hint of Old Bay seasoning, giving the crispy coating a distinctive East Coast flavor that pairs perfectly with views of California sunsets.

Besides traditional cod, adventurous eaters can request any market fish prepared as fish & chips – try local sand dabs or sculpin for a truly Californian twist!

6. Ye Olde King’s Head — Santa Monica

Stepping into this British pub feels like teleporting across the Atlantic. Founded by English expats in 1974, authenticity permeates everything from the decor to the perfectly poured pints.

Their fish & chips remain fiercely traditional – North Atlantic cod in a Yorkshire beer batter, served with mushy peas and malt vinegar. The thick fillets steam when cut open, revealing pearly white fish that contrasts beautifully with the amber crust.

Celebrity sightings happen regularly at this Santa Monica institution where British expatriates gather to watch football matches and cure homesickness with a taste of proper English chips.

7. Bear Flag Fish Co. — Newport Beach

Founded by Thomas Carson, a lifelong fisherman, Bear Flag brings boat-to-plate freshness to Newport Beach. Their Baja-style fish & chips feature whatever’s freshest that day – often local halibut or sea bass – in a light tempura batter with subtle Mexican spices.

The minimalist seafood counter operates with transparency as its philosophy. Watch as staff fillet whole fish behind glass before transforming them into your meal.

Handcut fries dusted with sea salt and lime zest accompany the fish, along with chipotle-lime aioli that adds a California-Mexican twist to this British classic. The casual vibe perfectly captures Newport’s laid-back luxury.

8. Joe’s Crab Shack — Sacramento

Joe’s Crab Shack in Sacramento is a lively, family-friendly seafood restaurant known for its casual atmosphere and fresh, flavorful dishes.

Specializing in coastal favorites, it offers a menu packed with crab, shrimp, and other seafood delights served in generous portions. Whether you’re digging into their famous crab buckets, savoring spicy Cajun-seasoned shrimp, or enjoying classic fish & chips, Joe’s delivers a fun and festive dining experience.

The vibrant décor and welcoming staff make it a perfect spot for gatherings with friends and family. With its tasty seafood and relaxed vibe, Joe’s Crab Shack keeps locals coming back for more.

9. Connie and Ted’s — West Hollywood

Chef Michael Cimarusti brings his James Beard Award-winning seafood expertise to this modern tribute to New England seafood shacks. Named after his grandparents, the restaurant honors fishing traditions while elevating them through technique.

Their fish & chips transform sustainable Alaskan cod with an aerated batter that creates an impossibly light, shatteringly crisp exterior. The accompanying fries arrive twice-cooked – first blanched, then fried to golden perfection.

The stylish space features an open kitchen where you can watch chefs working with precision. While fancy enough for a date night, the restaurant maintains the unpretentious spirit of the coastal fish shacks that inspired it.

10. Malibu Seafood — Malibu

Owned by commercial fishermen since 1972, this casual roadside spot sits directly across from Corral Beach. Their fish & chips benefit from true ocean-to-table freshness – sometimes featuring fish caught just hours before serving.

The simple preparation lets quality shine: lightly battered Pacific cod fried to golden perfection. Enjoy your meal at picnic tables overlooking the same waters where your dinner was swimming earlier that day.

Despite attracting celebrities and tourists, Malibu Seafood maintains reasonable prices and zero pretension. The perpetual line moves quickly, and regulars insist the wait enhances your appreciation for that first perfect, crispy bite.

11. Northridge Fish & Chips — Porter Ranch

Hidden in a suburban strip mall since 1967, this family-owned spot proves extraordinary food often lurks in ordinary locations. The Farahmand family maintains traditional English methods learned from the original British owners.

Their signature cod comes in a delicate batter that remains crisp without heaviness. The recipe remains unchanged for over five decades – a testament to getting it right the first time.

Regulars swear by the curry sauce add-on, a nod to Britain’s multicultural food scene. Despite numerous chain competitors appearing nearby over the years, locals keep returning to this Valley institution where quality and consistency reign supreme.